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.
Causes of Neurasthenia According to 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.
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 formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that tonify blood
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
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 | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) |
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) |
Formulas that tonify Blood
Neurasthenia can be treated by these formulas when it is due to blood deficiency, requiring blood-nourishing and enriching actions.
One such formula is Bu Gan Tang, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
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 bark 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.
TCM Herbs for Neurasthenia
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address neurasthenia, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that pacify internal liver wind and stop tremors
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
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 | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan |
| White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) | Bu Gan Tang | Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang |
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 Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for neurasthenia, like Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang.
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) |
|---|---|
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang |
| Maltose (Yi Tang) | Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang |
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.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Neurasthenia can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui), a key herb in some formulas recommended for neurasthenia, like Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.