Delusionsaccording to TCM

What Are Delusions?

Delusions are false beliefs or misinterpretations of reality that are firmly held despite clear evidence to the contrary. These beliefs can be bizarre or entirely possible, yet they remain disconnected from the person’s actual experiences or the general consensus of reality.

Delusions are often a symptom of psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression. In these cases, they can lead to significant distress and impair an individual's ability to function normally in daily life. Understanding and addressing delusions is crucial in both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches to mental health.

How Does TCM View Delusions?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, delusions are seen as manifestations of imbalances within the body’s internal energies, often related to the Heart and the Mind (Shen). Unlike the Western medical perspective, which often focuses on neurological or psychological causes, TCM attributes delusions to patterns of disharmony that affect the flow of Qi and Blood, particularly in the Heart. Identifying the specific pattern of disharmony is essential for effective treatment, as it guides the selection of appropriate therapies to restore balance and clear the mind.

Root Causes of Delusions in TCM

One primary cause of delusions in TCM is Heart Blood Stagnation, a condition where the Blood does not flow smoothly through the Heart, leading to a lack of nourishment for the Mind (Shen). This pattern is characterized by symptoms such as delusions, stabbing chest pain, chest constriction, and a stifling sensation in the chest. The stagnation of Blood in the Heart can result from emotional stress, trauma, or prolonged illness, all of which can disrupt the normal flow of Qi and Blood, leading to the mental disturbances seen in delusions.

Another possible cause is Phlegm Misting the Heart, where an accumulation of Phlegm obstructs the Heart orifices, clouding the Mind. This pattern may present with symptoms like confusion, incoherent speech, and delusional thinking. Phlegm Misting the Heart is often linked to an underlying imbalance in the Spleen, which may produce excess Phlegm, or Heat, which transforms fluids into Phlegm. Both patterns underscore the importance of treating not just the mental symptoms but also the underlying bodily imbalances that contribute to delusions.

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

Blood Stasis

Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more

Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Delusions

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Heart Blood Stagnation	Delusions, Stabbing chest pain, Chest constriction, Stifling sensation in the chest	Xiao Tiao Jing Tang

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 Delusions

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Heart Blood Stagnation	Delusions, Stabbing chest pain, Chest constriction, Stifling sensation in the chest	Xiao Tiao Jing Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Delusions

Treatment of delusions in TCM focuses on addressing the underlying patterns of disharmony. For Heart Blood Stagnation, a common formula is Xiao Tiao Jing Tang, which helps to regulate Blood and alleviate the stasis in the Heart. This formula often includes White Peony Roots (Bai Shao), a key herb known for its ability to nourish Blood and soothe the Liver, thereby promoting smooth circulation and calming the Mind.

In cases where Phlegm is a contributing factor, formulas that clear Phlegm and open the Heart orifices might be recommended. The choice of herbs and formulas is always tailored to the individual’s specific pattern, ensuring a holistic approach to restoring balance and mental clarity. Through careful diagnosis and personalized treatment, TCM aims to clear the mind, improve mental focus, and alleviate the delusional thinking by addressing the root cause of the imbalance.

See more details below about Xiao Tiao Jing Tang, a herbal formula used to address delusions.

Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Xiao Tiao Jing Tang

Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause delusions, such as Heart Blood Stagnation

Learn more

TCM Herbs for Delusions

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address delusions, organized by herb category.