Neurastheniaaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Fatigue and Sleepiness
What is Neurasthenia?
Neurasthenia, a term that may not be as commonly used in modern Western medicine, refers to a condition characterized by chronic fatigue, weakness, and sometimes psychological distress. Symptoms often include a feeling of physical or mental tiredness, poor concentration, irritability, and sleep disturbances.
This condition is generally understood as a reaction to stress, chronic illness, or psychological factors. While the term 'neurasthenia' might be less prevalent today, the symptoms it describes are still widely recognized and treated in various medical practices, including Traditional Chinese Medicine.
How does TCM view Neurasthenia?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), neurasthenia is viewed through the lens of imbalance and disharmony within the body's systems. TCM recognizes that this condition can arise from a variety of imbalances, including deficiencies in Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, or Yang.
The approach in TCM is holistic, focusing not just on alleviating symptoms but on restoring balance and harmony to the entire body. This perspective underscores the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and mental health in TCM.
Root Causes of Neurasthenia in TCM
TCM attributes neurasthenia to several key patterns of disharmony. A common cause is Kidney Yin Deficiency, where the body lacks the cooling and nourishing aspects of Yin, leading to symptoms like restlessness, insomnia, and irritability.
Another pattern is Liver Blood Deficiency, which can manifest as dizziness, blurred vision, and emotional instability. These conditions are not just physical ailments in TCM but reflect deeper imbalances in the body's vital energies. Understanding these patterns is crucial for TCM practitioners to provide effective treatment.
Explore below more details about what might cause Neurasthenia according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Blood Deficiency
- Yin Deficiency
- Heart
Blood Deficiency
Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more
Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Neurasthenia
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Blood Deficiency | Neurasthenia, Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Hysteria | Gan Mai Da Zao Tang | Si Wu Tang | Gui Pi Tang | Shen Qi Si Wu Tang | Suan Zao Ren Tang | Zhen Xin An Shen Tang | Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang |
Yin Deficiency
Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more
Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Neurasthenia
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Yin Deficiency | Neurasthenia, Night sweats, Feeling of uneasiness, Feeling of heat, Heat sensation in palms, Hysteria... see more | Gan Mai Da Zao Tang | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan |
Heart
In TCM the Heart is considered the "emperor" of all organs, primarily responsible for governing Blood and housing the mind, known as "Shen." It plays a crucial role in maintaining mental-emotional equilibrium and controlling the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Heart is imbalanced or malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues like heart palpitations, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, and a flushed complexion. Emotional disturbances such as excessive joy or lack of joy are also seen as signs of Heart disharmony. These symptoms reflect not just physical heart conditions but also the state of one's Shen, indicating the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being in TCM.... see more
Heart Patterns That Can Lead to Neurasthenia
Common Symptoms: Easily Startled Vivid Dreaming Hysteria Palpitations Insomnia Poor Memory Dizziness Anxiety
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Blood Deficiency | Neurasthenia, Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Hysteria | Gan Mai Da Zao Tang | Si Wu Tang | Gui Pi Tang | Shen Qi Si Wu Tang | Suan Zao Ren Tang | Zhen Xin An Shen Tang | Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang |
| Heart Yin Deficiency | Neurasthenia, Night sweats, Feeling of uneasiness, Feeling of heat, Heat sensation in palms, Hysteria... see more | Gan Mai Da Zao Tang | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Neurasthenia
To address neurasthenia, TCM relies on a variety of formulas and herbs, tailored to the individual's specific pattern of disharmony. Formulas like Ba Wei Di Huang Wan and Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, both containing Prepared rehmannia, are used for Kidney Yin Deficiency and related patterns.
For Liver Blood Deficiency, Bu Gan Tang is often prescribed. In cases of Heart Yang Deficiency, Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang with Cinnamon Bark is recommended, while Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang is suitable for Stomach Yang Deficiency and Cold. Each of these formulas works to rebalance the body's energies and alleviate the symptoms of neurasthenia.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address neurasthenia, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Blood Deficiency
- Yin Deficiency
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that tonify blood
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
- Formulas that tonify qi and blood
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
- Formulas that secure essence and stop enuresis
- Formulas that tonify qi
Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang
Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause neurasthenia, such as Heart Blood Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Neurasthenia Caused by Blood Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Gan Mai Da Zao Tang | Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Si Wu Tang | Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Gui Pi Tang | Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Shen Qi Si Wu Tang | Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Suan Zao Ren Tang | Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Zhen Xin An Shen Tang | Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan | Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Heart Blood Deficiency |
Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang
Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause neurasthenia, such as Heart Yin Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Neurasthenia Caused by Yin Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Gan Mai Da Zao Tang | Heart Yin Deficiency |
| Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Heart Yin Deficiency |
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
These formulas are suitable for some neurasthenia-causing patterns like Heart Blood Deficiency or Heart Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Gan Mai Da Zao Tang, with light wheat as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind" recommended for neurasthenia
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Gan Mai Da Zao Tang | Heart Blood Deficiency, Heart Yin Deficiency |
| Suan Zao Ren Tang | Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Zhen Xin An Shen Tang | Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan | Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Heart Yin Deficiency |
| Ding Zhi Wan | Not applicable |
Formulas that tonify Blood
These formulas are suitable for some neurasthenia-causing patterns like Heart Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Si Wu Tang, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that tonify blood" recommended for neurasthenia
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Si Wu Tang | Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Shen Qi Si Wu Tang | Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Bu Gan Tang | Not applicable |
Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood
These formulas are suitable for some neurasthenia-causing patterns like Heart Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Gui Pi Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
Neurasthenia can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a deficiency in Yin energy, needing nourishment and strengthening of the body's vital essence.
One such formula is Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for neurasthenia
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Not applicable |
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Not applicable |
| Yi Guan Jian | Not applicable |
Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
Neurasthenia can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a deficiency in both Yin and Yang energies, necessitating a balanced approach to tonification.
One such formula is Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, with cinnamon twigs as a key herb.
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
Neurasthenia can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold in the middle jiao (digestive region), necessitating warming and cold-dispelling actions.
One such formula is Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that secure Essence and stop enuresis
Neurasthenia can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by a deficiency in the body's essence, leading to symptoms like involuntary urination.
One such formula is Sang Piao Xiao San, with praying mantis egg-Case as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi
Neurasthenia can be treated by these formulas if it results from Qi deficiency, necessitating treatments that boost the body's vital energy.
One such formula is Sheng Mai San, with ginseng as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Neurasthenia
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address neurasthenia, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
- Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
- Herbs that pacify internal liver wind and stop tremors
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that cool the blood
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Neurasthenia can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for neurasthenia, like Ding Zhi Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for neurasthenia
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Ding Zhi Wan | Gui Pi Tang | Sheng Mai San |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Gui Pi Tang | Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan | Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang |
| Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Liquorice (Gan Cao) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Maltose (Yi Tang) | Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang |
Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit
Neurasthenia can be treated by these herbs if it stems from disturbances in the Shen (spirit), often due to instability in the heart and kidney energies.
One such herb is Dragon Bones (Long Gu), which is directly recommended for neurasthenia.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit" recommended for neurasthenia
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dragon Bones (Long Gu) | Not applicable |
| Dragon Tooth (Long Chi) | Not applicable |
Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit
Neurasthenia can be treated by these herbs when it is linked to deficiencies in heart nourishment, addressing both physical and emotional imbalances.
One such herb is Biota Seeds (Bai Zi Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for neurasthenia, like Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit" recommended for neurasthenia
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Biota Seeds (Bai Zi Ren) | Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang |
| Jujube Seeds (Suan Zao Ren) | Suan Zao Ren Tang |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Neurasthenia can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for neurasthenia, like Ba Wei Di Huang Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for neurasthenia
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Bu Gan Tang | Si Wu Tang | Shen Qi Si Wu Tang | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan |
| White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) | Bu Gan Tang | Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang | Si Wu Tang | Shen Qi Si Wu Tang |
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Neurasthenia can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Light Wheats (Fu Xiao Mai), a key herb in some formulas recommended for neurasthenia, like Gan Mai Da Zao Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that stabilize and bind" recommended for neurasthenia
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Light Wheats (Fu Xiao Mai) | Gan Mai Da Zao Tang |
| Praying Mantis Egg-Cases (Sang Piao Shao) | Sang Piao Xiao San |
Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors
Neurasthenia can be treated by these herbs when caused by internal wind from Liver disharmony, often manifesting in symptoms like spasms or tremors.
One such herb is Dogbane Leaves (Luo Bu Ma), which is directly recommended for neurasthenia.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Neurasthenia can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for neurasthenia, like Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Neurasthenia can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for neurasthenia, like Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan.