Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
At a glance
Preliminary reading: What is a pattern? The Heart in Chinese Medicine The concept of Blood The concept of Deficiency / Empty The Liver in Chinese Medicine The concept of Qi
Key attributes
Chinese name: 心血虚兼肝气郁结 Pinyin name: Xīn Xuè Xū Jiān Gān Qì Yù Jié
Pattern nature: Full/Empty combined pattern
Pattern(s) it combines from: Heart Blood Deficiency Liver Blood Stagnation
Causes
Common causes: 1. Emotional Stress, 2. Poor Nutrition or Diet, 3. Overwork or Physical Exhaustion, 4. Blood Loss
Diagnosis
Common symptoms: Crying Melancholy Disorientation Restless sleep Frequent yawning and one other symptoms
Treatment
Treatment principle: Nourishes the Heart, calms the spirit, harmonizes the Middle Burner, and relaxes hypertonicity.
Common formulas: Gan Mai Da Zao Tang
Pathology
This pattern is characterized by emotional disturbances primarily stemming from the Heart and Liver systems.
Heart Blood Deficiency in TCM is indicated by symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and dreaming of going far away. This condition suggests a lack of nourishment and stability for the Mind (Shen), housed in the Heart, leading to emotional and mental disturbances. The Blood Deficiency fails to anchor the ethereal and corporeal souls, causing feelings of disorientation and impulsiveness.
Liver Qi Stagnation is suggested by symptoms of emotional upheaval, including uncontrollable crying, manic behavior, or severe disorientation, especially relating to loss of self-control. The Liver, responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and emotions, when constrained, manifests as emotional irregularities and mood swings. Additionally, symptoms like yawning or deep sighing reflect the frustrated attempt of the yang to reintegrate with the body, a sign of the Liver's struggle to maintain harmony in the flow of Qi and emotions.
The condition is further exacerbated in cases of recent or recurring Blood loss, such as in postpartum women, where the loss of Blood further depletes Heart blood and disrupts Liver Qi.
In TCM, treatment for this pattern would focus on nourishing the Heart blood to stabilize the spirit and smooth the Liver Qi to ease emotional disturbances. This holistic approach would address both the physical and emotional aspects of the disorder.
Causes
Emotional Stress: Chronic or intense emotional disturbances, such as prolonged worry, anxiety, or pensiveness, can directly affect the Heart and Liver. The Heart is responsible for housing the Maind (Shen), while the Liver ensures the smooth flow of Qi and emotions. Excessive emotional strain can lead to Heart Blood Deficiency and Stagnation of Liver Qi.
Poor Nutrition or Diet: An inadequate diet lacking in essential nutrients can lead to Blood Deficiency, affecting the Heart. This can be exacerbated by irregular eating habits or consumption of foods that impede Blood and Qi flow.
Overwork or Physical Exhaustion: Long-term overwork or physical strain without adequate rest can deplete the body's Qi and Blood, particularly affecting the Heart.
Blood Loss: Significant blood loss, such as from injuries, surgeries, or heavy menstrual cycles, can directly lead to Heart Blood Deficiency. This is particularly relevant in women who have recently given birth.
Diagnosing Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation
Diagnosing a pattern in Chinese Medicine is no easy feat and should be left to professional practitioners. In particular one has to know how to differentiate between different types of pulses and tongue coatings, shapes and colors as well as learn to read from a long list of seemingly unrelated symptoms.
Main symptoms: Crying Melancholy Disorientation Restless sleep Frequent yawning Inability to control oneself
Treating Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation
Treatment principle
Nourishes the Heart, calms the spirit, harmonizes the Middle Burner, and relaxes hypertonicity.
Herbal formulas used to treat Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 3 herbs
Key actions: Nourishes the Heart. Calms the Mind. Harmonizes the middle burner. Relaxes hypertonicity.
Formula summary
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang is a 3-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula. Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind.
Besides Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation, Gan Mai Da Zao Tang is also used to treat Heart Blood Deficiency.
Diet recommendations
Anxiety, mood swings, insomnia, vivid dreams, mental disorientation, a pale complexion, and a thin, wiry pulse.