Symptom family: Fatigue and Sleepiness

Parent symptom: Generalized Fatigue

Sub-symptom(s): Exhaustion From Long Term Illness

What is Exhaustion?

Exhaustion, a state of extreme tiredness or depletion, extends beyond ordinary fatigue. It's a profound weariness that can result from prolonged physical, mental, or emotional strain, often exacerbated by long-term illness.

Unlike simple tiredness that resolves with rest, exhaustion persists, deeply impacting daily functioning and overall wellbeing. It's a multifaceted condition, with symptoms ranging from physical lethargy to mental burnout.

How Does TCM View Exhaustion?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives exhaustion as an imbalance in the body's vital energy, or Qi. Contrasting with Western perspectives focusing primarily on physical factors, TCM evaluates exhaustion through the lens of disrupted harmony within the body's energy systems. TCM practitioners delve into the root causes behind this energy imbalance, viewing symptoms as interconnected parts of a larger holistic framework.

Root Causes of Exhaustion in TCM

TCM links exhaustion to several key imbalances, such as Yin Deficiency and Yang Deficiency. For instance, Heart Yin Deficiency can manifest as exhaustion accompanied by night sweats and a sensation of Heat, indicating an internal deficiency of cooling, nourishing Yin energy.

Similarly, Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency presents as exhaustion with cold extremities and lower back pain, reflecting a deficiency in the warming, active Yang energy. These patterns suggest that exhaustion in TCM is not a standalone condition but a symptom of deeper energetic imbalances.

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Heart
  • Liver
  • Kidney
Detailed description of the cause

Yang Deficiency

Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more

Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Exhaustion

Common Symptoms: Cold Extremities Lower Back Pain Lower Back Coldness Low Grade Fever Severe Chills Hypersomnia Lumbar Pain General Cold Feeling

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency Exhaustion, Low grade fever, Severe chills, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain, Lower back coldness, General cold feeling, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Weak voice... see more Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Zai Zao San
Kidney Yang Deficiency Exhaustion from long-term illness, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more You Gui Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Exhaustion

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart Yin Deficiency Exhaustion, Night sweats, Feeling of uneasiness, Feeling of heat, Heat sensation in palms Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Yang Excess

Yang Excess in TCM refers to a state where there is an overabundance of Yang energy, leading to symptoms of heat and hyperactivity in the body. This pattern of disharmony often arises from factors like stress, excessive physical activity, overconsumption of spicy or heating foods, or an internal imbalance that causes Yang to flare up. Symptoms of Yang Excess include a feeling of heat, red face, irritability, restlessness, thirst, constipation, and a rapid, forceful pulse. Treatment in TCM for Yang Excess aims to cool down and subdue the excessive Yang while nurturing Yin energy to restore balance.... see more

Yang Excess Patterns That Can Lead to Exhaustion

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Yang Rising Feeling work-up, Headaches, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Deafness, Blurry vision, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Insomnia, Irritability, Exhaustion, Anger, Stiff neck, Shoulder stiffness, Stiff upper back... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Da Chai Hu Tang | Zhen Zhu Mu Wan | Zhen Xin An Shen Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Cold

In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more

Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Exhaustion

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency Exhaustion, Low grade fever, Severe chills, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain, Lower back coldness, General cold feeling, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Weak voice... see more Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Zai Zao San
Detailed description of the cause

Wind

In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more

Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Exhaustion

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency Exhaustion, Low grade fever, Severe chills, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain, Lower back coldness, General cold feeling, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Weak voice... see more Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Zai Zao San
Detailed description of the cause

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 Exhaustion

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart Yin Deficiency Exhaustion, Night sweats, Feeling of uneasiness, Feeling of heat, Heat sensation in palms Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Exhaustion

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Yang Rising Feeling work-up, Headaches, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Deafness, Blurry vision, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Insomnia, Irritability, Exhaustion, Anger, Stiff neck, Shoulder stiffness, Stiff upper back... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Da Chai Hu Tang | Zhen Zhu Mu Wan | Zhen Xin An Shen Tang
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 Exhaustion

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency Exhaustion from long-term illness, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more You Gui Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Exhaustion

Addressing Heart Yin Deficiency, TCM prescribes formulas like Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan, featuring Unprepared Rehmannia, known for its Blood-cooling properties.

For Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency, Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang, containing warming Ephedra, is recommended to restore balance. These formulas, chosen based on individual patterns, aim to replenish the deficient energy, be it Yin or Yang, and thereby alleviate exhaustion.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
  • Formulas that clear exterior disorders with interior deficiency
  • Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
  • Formulas that release the exterior and purge the interior
  • Formulas that sedate and calm the mind
  • Formulas that warm yang and tonify

All Formulas Recommended for Exhaustion Caused by Yang Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Zai Zao San Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
You Gui Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Exhaustion Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan Heart Yin Deficiency
Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang Heart Yin Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Exhaustion Caused by Yang Excess

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Liver Yang Rising
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Liver Yang Rising
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin Liver Yang Rising
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang Liver Yang Rising
Da Chai Hu Tang Liver Yang Rising
Zhen Zhu Mu Wan Liver Yang Rising
Zhen Xin An Shen Tang Liver Yang Rising

All Formulas Recommended for Exhaustion Caused by Cold

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Zai Zao San Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Exhaustion Caused by Wind

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Zai Zao San Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency

All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for exhaustion

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang Heart Yin Deficiency
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Liver Yang Rising
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Liver Yang Rising

All "formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind" recommended for exhaustion

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan Heart Yin Deficiency
Zhen Xin An Shen Tang Liver Yang Rising

All "formulas that clear exterior disorders with interior deficiency" recommended for exhaustion

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Zai Zao San Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency

All "formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind" recommended for exhaustion

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin Liver Yang Rising
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang Liver Yang Rising

Acupoints for Exhaustion

TCM also suggests acupuncture as a remedy for exhaustion. Points like Gaohuangshu BL-43 and Shenshu BL-23 are targeted to nourish Lung Yin, fortify Qi, and balance Kidney Yin and Yang.

Zhishi BL-52 strengthens Kidney Essence and Will-power, vital for overcoming exhaustion. Feishu BL-13 is used to tonify Lung Qi and clear any Heat, addressing respiratory dimensions of exhaustion. These acupoints, by harmonizing internal energies, contribute to alleviating exhaustion and restoring vitality.

Explore below some acupoints used to address exhaustion, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
Feishu BL-13

Feishu BL-13

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3).

Shenshu BL-23

Shenshu BL-23

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumber vertebra (L2).

Pohu BL-42

Pohu BL-42

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3).

Gaohuangshu BL-43

Gaohuangshu BL-43

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th thoracic vertebra (T4).

Zhishi BL-52

Zhishi BL-52

3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumber vertebra (L2).