Schizophreniaaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Mental Health Disorders
Parent symptom: Psychosis
Sub-symptom(s): Early Stage Schizophrenia
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a complex and chronic mental health disorder characterized by a range of symptoms that can include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, and altered perceptions of reality. Often misunderstood as a 'split personality' disorder, schizophrenia actually entails a fragmentation of thought processes and emotional responsiveness.
It can significantly impact a person's ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions, and relate to others. The onset typically occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood, making it a pivotal concern in psychiatric health.
How does TCM view Schizophrenia?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a distinct perspective on schizophrenia, diverging from the biomedical understanding of the condition. TCM views schizophrenia as a manifestation of internal disharmony and imbalances within the body's vital energy or Qi.
This approach emphasizes that symptoms like those seen in schizophrenia are the result of various patterns of disharmony, each requiring a unique diagnostic and treatment strategy. TCM stresses the importance of identifying the specific pattern of imbalance to effectively address the root cause of the disorder.
Causes of Schizophrenia according to TCM
In TCM, the causes of schizophrenia are seen as multifaceted, stemming from various imbalances within the body. One potential cause is the disturbance of the Heart and Kidney Yin, leading to mental disturbances. Another cause can be Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart, where an imbalance of bodily fluids and internal heat affects mental clarity.
These examples illustrate TCM's holistic view, where mental disorders like schizophrenia are not isolated to the mind but are connected to the overall harmony of the body's systems.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Schizophrenia
TCM employs a range of formulas and herbs tailored to the individual's specific pattern of disharmony in treating schizophrenia. For Heart and Kidney Yin Deficiency, a formula like Ci Zhu Wan, which contains Magnetite (Ci Shi), can be used. For patterns like Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart, Sheng Tie Luo Yin, with Oxidized Iron Filings (Sheng Tie Luo), is recommended.
These formulas are part of broader categories such as those that sedate and calm the mind or those that clear heat and transform Phlegm. The selection of these formulas is based on a thorough TCM diagnosis to ensure alignment with the individual's unique pattern.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address schizophrenia, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that sedate and calm the mind
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
- Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
- Formulas that purge heat accumulation
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
- Formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm
Formulas that sedate and calm the Mind
Schizophrenia can be treated by these formulas when it stems from an agitated or disturbed mental state, requiring calming and mind-stabilizing actions.
One such formula is Ci Zhu Wan, with magnetite as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that sedate and calm the mind" recommended for schizophrenia
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Ci Zhu Wan | Magnetite (Ci Shi) |
| Sheng Tie Luo Yin | Oxidized Iron Filings (Sheng Tie Luo), Cinnabar (Zhu Sha) |
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Schizophrenia can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Di Dang Tang, with leech as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for schizophrenia
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Di Dang Tang | Leeches (Shui Zhi), Tabanus Horseflies (Meng Chong) |
| Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), Rhubarb (Da Huang) |
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
Schizophrenia can be treated by these formulas when it stems from a disharmony between the heart and the mind, often manifesting as emotional disturbances or sleep issues.
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 schizophrenia
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Gan Mai Da Zao Tang | Light Wheats (Fu Xiao Mai) |
| Suan Zao Ren Tang | Jujube Seeds (Suan Zao Ren) |
Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm
Schizophrenia can be treated by these formulas when there's an accumulation of dampness and phlegm in the body, requiring herbs that dry dampness and transform phlegm.
One such formula is Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm" recommended for schizophrenia
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) |
| Wen Dan Tang | Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) |
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
Schizophrenia can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.
One such formula is Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that purge Heat accumulation
Schizophrenia can be treated by these formulas if it arises from an excess of internal heat, needing actions that clear heat and reduce its intensity.
One such formula is Da Cheng Qi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
Schizophrenia can be treated by these formulas when it results from external wind invasion disrupting the body's surface and normal function, requiring wind-dispersing actions.
One such formula is Feng Yin Tang, with dragon bones as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm
Schizophrenia can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm if it is linked to heat leading to phlegm accumulation.
One such formula is Gun Tan Wan, with chlorite schist as a key herb.
Acupoints for Schizophrenia
TCM also incorporates acupuncture in the treatment of schizophrenia, focusing on specific acupoints that correspond to the underlying imbalances. In the Governing Vessel, Shenting DU-24 is used for its ability to calm the mind and expel internal wind. In the Stomach Channel, Tianshu ST-25 is selected to regulate the intestines and calm the mind.
Additionally, in the Gall Bladder Channel, Zhengying GB-17 is employed to open the mind's orifices and subdue Liver Yang. These acupoints are strategically chosen based on their traditional functions and relevance to the patterns of disharmony associated with schizophrenia.
Explore below some acupoints used to address schizophrenia, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Governing Vessel
- Stomach Channel
- Gall Bladder Channel
TCM Herbs for Schizophrenia
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address schizophrenia, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit
Schizophrenia 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 Magnetite (Ci Shi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for schizophrenia, like Ci Zhu Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit" recommended for schizophrenia
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Magnetite (Ci Shi) | Ci Zhu Wan |
| Dragon Bones (Long Gu) | Feng Yin Tang |
| Oyster Shells (Mu Li ke) | Feng Yin Tang |
| Oxidized Iron Filings (Sheng Tie Luo) | Sheng Tie Luo Yin |
| Cinnabar (Zhu Sha) | Sheng Tie Luo Yin |
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Schizophrenia can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Leeches (Shui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for schizophrenia, like Di Dang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for schizophrenia
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Leeches (Shui Zhi) | Di Dang Tang |
| Tabanus Horseflies (Meng Chong) | Di Dang Tang |
| Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) | Tao He Cheng Qi Tang |
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Schizophrenia can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for schizophrenia, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Schizophrenia can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), a key herb in some formulas recommended for schizophrenia, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Schizophrenia 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 schizophrenia, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Schizophrenia can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for schizophrenia, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Schizophrenia 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 Liquorice (Gan Cao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for schizophrenia, like Feng Yin Tang.
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Schizophrenia 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 schizophrenia, like Gan Mai Da Zao Tang.
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Schizophrenia can be treated by these herbs when it is related to heat-phlegm accumulation, aiding in dissolving phlegm and soothing the respiratory system.
One such herb is Chlorite Schist (Meng Shi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for schizophrenia, like Gun Tan Wan.
Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit
Schizophrenia 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 Jujube Seeds (Suan Zao Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for schizophrenia, like Suan Zao Ren Tang.
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Schizophrenia can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), a key herb in some formulas recommended for schizophrenia, like Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang.