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Intellectual Disabilityaccording to TCM

Causes Icon 1 cause Herbal Formulas Icon 4 herbal formulas Acupoints Icon 1 acupoint

Symptom family: Cognitive Impairment

Root Causes of Intellectual Disability in TCM

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Essence Deficiency
  • Kidney
Detailed description of the cause

Essence Deficiency

In TCM "Essence" (Jing) deficiency refers to a depletion of the body's fundamental substance, which is vital for growth, development, reproduction, and overall vitality. Jing, often translated as "Essence," is a unique concept in TCM, seen as the basis of all life activities and inherited from our parents. Essence deficiency manifests in various symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, weakness, slow physical or mental development, fertility issues, premature aging, weak bones, and a lackluster complexion. It can also affect the hair, leading to premature greying or hair loss. This pattern of disharmony often arises from congenital factors, chronic illness, overwork, or excessive behaviors that drain the body's resources. ... see more

Essence Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Intellectual Disability

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Essence Deficiency Retardation, Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Intellectual disability, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain, Infertility, Primary amenorrhea, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Absentmindness... see more Zuo Gui Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
Detailed description of the cause

Kidney

In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Intellectual Disability

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Essence Deficiency Retardation, Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Intellectual disability, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain, Infertility, Primary amenorrhea, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Absentmindness... see more Zuo Gui Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Intellectual Disability

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Essence Deficiency
  • Formulas that warm yang and tonify
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that tonify yin and yang

Top Formula for Essence Deficiency:
Zuo Gui Wan

Suitable for Essence Deficiency patterns that may cause intellectual disability, such as Kidney Essence Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Intellectual Disability Caused by Essence Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Zuo Gui Wan Kidney Essence Deficiency
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan Kidney Essence Deficiency
Tu Si Zi Wan Kidney Essence Deficiency
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan Kidney Essence Deficiency

Formulas that warm Yang and tonify

These formulas are suitable for some intellectual disability-causing patterns like Kidney Essence Deficiency.

One such formula is Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan, with cuscuta seeds as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that warm yang and tonify" recommended for intellectual disability

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan Kidney Essence Deficiency
Tu Si Zi Wan Kidney Essence Deficiency

Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify

These formulas are suitable for some intellectual disability-causing patterns like Kidney Essence Deficiency.

One such formula is Zuo Gui Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.

Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang

These formulas are suitable for some intellectual disability-causing patterns like Kidney Essence Deficiency.

One such formula is Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, with fleeceflower root as a key herb.

Acupoints for Intellectual Disability

See more details below about Dazhong KID-4, an acupoint used to address intellectual disability.

  • By Meridian
  • Kidney Channel
Dazhong KID-4

Dazhong KID-4

Posterior and inferior to the medial malleolus, in the depression medial to the Achilles tendon, superior to its insertion at the calcaneus.