Dull Shallow Faceaccording to TCM

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Symptom families: Complexion and Facial Appearance Issues, Fatigue and Sleepiness

Parent symptom: Low Energy

Did you mean? Pale Face

What is Dull Shallow Face?

"Dull shallow face" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) refers to a specific facial appearance characterized by lack of vitality, pallor, and an overall lackluster quality. It often reflects deeper internal imbalances.

This symptom encompasses a range of synonyms, including listlessness and shiny white complexion, lethargy and pale skin, and sallow complexion. Recognizing these external signs is important in TCM as they often signal underlying health issues.

How does TCM view Dull Shallow Face?

In TCM, a dull shallow face is seen as a manifestation of internal disharmony. This perspective differs significantly from Western medicine, which may not always correlate facial appearance with overall health.

TCM practitioners interpret such facial signs as indicators of imbalances in Qi (energy), Blood, or specific organ systems. Diagnosing the root cause behind a dull shallow face is essential in TCM to restore balance and vitality.

Root Causes of Dull Shallow Face in TCM

TCM attributes a dull shallow face to several potential causes. Phlegm patterns, like Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium or Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart, often present with symptoms including dull complexion, palpitations, and insomnia. These are typically treated with formulas like Wen Dan Tang.

Another cause, Qi Deficiency, such as Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency, may also lead to a dull complexion, along with additional symptoms like excessive menstruation and palpitations, treated with Fu Tu Dan. Understanding these specific patterns is key to selecting the right treatment in TCM.

Explore below more details about what might cause Dull shallow face according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Heat
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Phlegm
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 Dull Shallow Face

Common Symptoms: Palpitations Flushed Face Bitter Taste In The Mouth Noisy Breathing Restlessness Insomnia Vivid Dreaming Anxiety

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium Dull face, 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, Stifling sensation in the chest, Chest pain, Rapid breath... see more Wen Dan Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Zhi Bao Dan | Hui Chun Dan
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart Dull face, 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
Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation Sallow complexion, Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Lack of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Dull shallow face, Irritability, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac distention, Hypochondriac pain... see more Ping Wei San | Dang Gui Shao Yao San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Dull Shallow Face

In addressing dull shallow face, TCM relies on tailored herbal formulas. For Phlegm patterns with symptoms like restlessness and vivid dreaming, formulas such as Wen Dan Tang, which includes Crow-Dipper Rhizomes, are recommended.

In cases of Qi Deficiency, formulations like Fu Tu Dan and Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, rich in herbs like Milkvetch Roots, help replenish vital energy. These treatments are carefully chosen based on individual diagnostic patterns to effectively restore facial radiance and internal health.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Heat
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Phlegm

All Formulas Recommended for Dull Shallow Face Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Wen Dan Tang Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
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
Sheng Tie Luo Yin Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
Ping Wei San Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
Dang Gui Shao Yao San Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation

TCM Herbs for Dull Shallow Face

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address dull shallow face, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Herbs that cool the blood
  • Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit

"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for dull shallow face

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Yam (Shan Yao) Wan Dai Tang | Yi Huang Tang
Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang
Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) Wan Dai Tang

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