Symptom family: Coma

What is Coma?

A coma is a deep state of prolonged unconsciousness in which individuals cannot be awakened, fail to respond normally to painful stimuli, light, or sound, lack a normal wake-sleep cycle, and do not initiate voluntary actions.

Comas can result from various conditions, including severe injuries to the brain, such as trauma or stroke, illnesses that affect the brain, like diabetes or infections, and substances that alter brain function, including drugs and alcohol. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for treatment and prognosis.

How does TCM view Coma?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets coma as a severe disturbance in the balance of Yin and Yang within the body, affecting the flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on the physical causes of coma, TCM considers both the physical and spiritual aspects, attributing coma to factors such as Phlegm obstruction, Internal Wind, extreme Heat, or a Deficiency of vital substances. Identifying the specific disharmony is key to TCM treatment, aiming to restore balance and awaken the patient from the coma.

Root Causes of Coma in TCM

In TCM, coma is commonly associated with patterns like Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium or Phlegm Misting the Heart. Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium can lead to symptoms like restlessness, insomnia, and palpitations alongside coma, indicating an accumulation of Fire and Phlegm in the Heart protector.

Phlegm Misting the Heart presents with confusion, slurred speech, and vomiting, reflecting Phlegm obscuring the Heart's mental faculties. These patterns emphasize the significance of clearing Phlegm and Heat to restore consciousness.

Explore below more details about what might cause Coma according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Pericardium
  • Liver
  • Heart
Detailed description of the cause

Phlegm

In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more

Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Coma

Common Symptoms: Noisy Breathing Incoherent Or Confused Speech Confusion Talking To Oneself Depression Aphasia Palpitations Flushed Face

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium Coma, Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Chest pain, Rapid respiration... see more Zhi Bao Dan | Wen Dan Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Hui Chun Dan
Phlegm Misting the Heart Coma, Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia, Noisy breathing, Vomit... see more Wen Dan Tang | Di Tan Tang | Gun Tan Wan | Su He Xiang Wan
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart Coma, Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression... see more Wen Dan Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Sheng Tie Luo Yin
Turbid Phlegm Blocks Orifices Sudden collapse, Coma, Loss of consciousness, Clenching of teeth, Shortness of breath, Pale face, Copious sputum, Drooling... see more Tong Guan San
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Coma

Common Symptoms: Confusion Incoherent Or Confused Speech Aphasia Convulsions Palpitations Flushed Face Bitter Taste In The Mouth Noisy Breathing

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heat in Pericardium Coma, Nighttime fever, Delirium, Confusion, Incoherent or confused speech, Cold extremities... see more Qing Ying Tang | Zhi Bao Dan
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat Coma, High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Feng Yin Tang
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium Coma, Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Chest pain, Rapid respiration... see more Zhi Bao Dan | Wen Dan Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Hui Chun Dan
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart Coma, Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression... see more Wen Dan Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Sheng Tie Luo Yin
Detailed description of the cause

Mind Disturbance

In TCM "Shen" refers to the mind or spirit, and a Shen disturbance is a pattern of disharmony that affects the mental and emotional state. This concept reflects the TCM belief in the deep interconnectedness of mind and body. Symptoms of Shen disturbance can vary widely but often include anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, confusion, or in severe cases, hallucinations or delirium. These symptoms indicate an imbalance in the body's energies affecting the heart, which in TCM is not only the center of blood circulation but also the seat of the mind and consciousness. The root of Shen disturbance can be traced to various factors, including emotional stress, physical illness, or an imbalance in fundamental substances like Qi, Yin, or Yang.... see more

Mind Disturbance Patterns That Can Lead to Coma

Common Symptoms: Noisy Breathing Incoherent Or Confused Speech Confusion Talking To Oneself Depression Aphasia Palpitations Flushed Face

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium Coma, Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Chest pain, Rapid respiration... see more Zhi Bao Dan | Wen Dan Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Hui Chun Dan
Phlegm Misting the Heart Coma, Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia, Noisy breathing, Vomit... see more Wen Dan Tang | Di Tan Tang | Gun Tan Wan | Su He Xiang Wan
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart Coma, Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression... see more Wen Dan Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Sheng Tie Luo Yin
Detailed description of the cause

Wind

In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more

Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Coma

Common Symptoms: Convulsions Dizziness Hand Tremor Paralysis Tic Disorder Tremors Headaches Limb Numbness

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Interior Wind Coma, Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation, Eye deviation, Tremors, Headaches, Limb numbness... see more Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Bu Gan Tang | Si Wu Tang
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat Coma, High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Feng Yin Tang
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising Coma, Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Feng Yin Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Yang Excess

Yang Excess in TCM refers to a state where there is an overabundance of Yang energy, leading to symptoms of heat and hyperactivity in the body. This pattern of disharmony often arises from factors like stress, excessive physical activity, overconsumption of spicy or heating foods, or an internal imbalance that causes Yang to flare up. Symptoms of Yang Excess include a feeling of heat, red face, irritability, restlessness, thirst, constipation, and a rapid, forceful pulse. Treatment in TCM for Yang Excess aims to cool down and subdue the excessive Yang while nurturing Yin energy to restore balance.... see more

Yang Excess Patterns That Can Lead to Coma

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising Coma, Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Feng Yin Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Pericardium

In TCM the Pericardium is more than a physical membrane protecting the heart; it's considered an organ system that acts as the "Heart's protector." It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the heart from external pathogenic factors and emotional disturbances. The Pericardium is also involved in regulating blood circulation and influencing emotional well-being, especially in terms of relationships and intimacy. When the Pericardium malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to symptoms that mirror heart issues, such as chest pain or palpitations, but often with an emotional component like difficulty in forming emotional connections or excessive vulnerability to external stressors. Additionally, a disturbed Pericardium can result in sleep disturbances, anxiety, and in severe cases, mental confusion, reflecting its integral role in both physical heart protection and emotional balance.... see more

Pericardium Patterns That Can Lead to Coma

Common Symptoms: Confusion Incoherent Or Confused Speech Aphasia Nighttime Fever Delirium Cold Extremities Feeling Hot Macules

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heat in Pericardium Coma, Nighttime fever, Delirium, Confusion, Incoherent or confused speech, Cold extremities... see more Qing Ying Tang | Zhi Bao Dan
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium Coma, Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Chest pain, Rapid respiration... see more Zhi Bao Dan | Wen Dan Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Hui Chun Dan
Detailed description of the cause

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Coma

Common Symptoms: Convulsions Dizziness High Fever Stiff Neck Hand Tremor Opisthotonos Tingling Skin Numbness

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat Coma, High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Feng Yin Tang
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising Coma, Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Feng Yin Tang
Detailed description of the cause

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 Coma

Common Symptoms: Confusion Incoherent Or Confused Speech Aphasia Noisy Breathing Talking To Oneself Depression Loss Of Consciousness Hypersomnia

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Phlegm Misting the Heart Coma, Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia, Noisy breathing, Vomit... see more Wen Dan Tang | Di Tan Tang | Gun Tan Wan | Su He Xiang Wan
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart Coma, Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression... see more Wen Dan Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Sheng Tie Luo Yin

TCM Herbal Formulas for Coma

To address coma, TCM recommends formulas such as Zhi Bao Dan and Wen Dan Tang for patterns involving Phlegm and Heat. Zhi Bao Dan, with ingredients like Water Buffalo Horns, is used to clear Heat and open sensory orifices, particularly effective for Phlegm Fire disturbing the Pericardium.

Wen Dan Tang, containing Crow-Dipper Rhizomes, targets Phlegm Dampness affecting the Heart and Gallbladder, aiming to clear the mind and resolve Dampness. These formulas illustrate TCM’s approach to treating the intricate imbalances leading to coma.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address coma, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
  • Formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that tonify blood
  • Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
  • Formulas that warm and open sensory orifices
  • Formulas that rescue devastated yang
  • Formulas that clear nutritive-level heat
  • Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
  • Formulas that dispel phlegm
  • Formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm
  • Formulas that sedate and calm the mind

All Formulas Recommended for Coma Caused by Phlegm

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Wen Dan Tang Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, Phlegm Misting the Heart, Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart... see more
Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
Zhi Bao Dan Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Hui Chun Dan Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Di Tan Tang Phlegm Misting the Heart
Gun Tan Wan Phlegm Misting the Heart
Su He Xiang Wan Phlegm Misting the Heart
Sheng Tie Luo Yin Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
Tong Guan San Turbid Phlegm Blocks Orifices

All Formulas Recommended for Coma Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Wen Dan Tang Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
Zhi Bao Dan Heat in Pericardium, Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Feng Yin Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Qing Ying Tang Heat in Pericardium
Hui Chun Dan Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Sheng Tie Luo Yin Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart

All Formulas Recommended for Coma Caused by Mind Disturbance

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Wen Dan Tang Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, Phlegm Misting the Heart, Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart... see more
Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
Zhi Bao Dan Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Hui Chun Dan Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Di Tan Tang Phlegm Misting the Heart
Gun Tan Wan Phlegm Misting the Heart
Su He Xiang Wan Phlegm Misting the Heart
Sheng Tie Luo Yin Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart

All Formulas Recommended for Coma Caused by Wind

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Feng Yin Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising... see more
Bu Gan Tang Interior Wind
Si Wu Tang Interior Wind

All Formulas Recommended for Coma Caused by Yang Excess

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Feng Yin Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising

All "formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind" recommended for coma

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising

All "formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm" recommended for coma

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Wen Dan Tang Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, Phlegm Misting the Heart, Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart... see more
Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart

All "formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices" recommended for coma

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Zhi Bao Dan Heat in Pericardium, Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Hui Chun Dan Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium

All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for coma

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising

All "formulas that warm and open sensory orifices" recommended for coma

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Su He Xiang Wan Phlegm Misting the Heart
Tong Guan San Turbid Phlegm Blocks Orifices

All "formulas that tonify blood" recommended for coma

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Bu Gan Tang Interior Wind
Si Wu Tang Interior Wind

Acupoints for Coma

Acupuncture plays a crucial role in TCM's treatment of coma, with specific acupoints like Huiyin REN-1, Jianshi P-5, and Renzhong DU-26 being pivotal. Huiyin REN-1 is believed to restore consciousness and regulate genitalia, while Jianshi P-5 opens the mind's orifices, removing Phlegm and calming the spirit.

Renzhong DU-26, located below the nose, is particularly valued for its ability to restore consciousness and expel Wind. Stimulating these acupoints can help awaken the patient by restoring the flow of Qi and addressing the spiritual aspects underlying the coma.

Explore below some acupoints used to address coma, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Directing Vessel
  • Pericardium Channel
  • Governing Vessel
Huiyin REN-1

Huiyin REN-1

In the center of the perineum.

Jianshi P-5

Jianshi P-5

3 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscle.

Renzhong DU-26

Renzhong DU-26

Below the nose, a little above the midpoint of the philtrum.