Generalized Fatigueaccording to TCM

What is Generalized Fatigue?

Generalized fatigue is a common complaint characterized by a pervasive and persistent sense of weariness, lack of energy, and diminished capacity for physical and mental work. Unlike normal tiredness which results from specific exertion and is usually alleviated by rest, generalized fatigue is chronic and not proportionate to one's activity level.

This symptom can manifest in various forms, such as debility, lassitude, and exhaustion, including specific types like morning fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome.

How does TCM view Generalized Fatigue?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), generalized fatigue is viewed through the lens of energy balance and harmony within the body. TCM practitioners believe this condition results from disharmonies or deficiencies in the body’s Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, or Yang.

TCM approaches fatigue not just as a physical issue but as a holistic imbalance, emphasizing the interconnectedness of physical symptoms with emotional and mental well-being. Identifying the underlying pattern of disharmony is crucial for effective treatment in TCM.

Root Causes of Generalized Fatigue in TCM

TCM attributes generalized fatigue to various imbalances. Qi Deficiency is a common cause, where the body lacks the vital energy to perform its functions, leading to symptoms like tiredness and lethargy.

Blood Deficiency, another cause, leads to inadequate nourishment of the body, resulting in fatigue and weakness. These deficiencies often arise from an imbalance in organ systems such as the Spleen or Kidney, affecting the body's ability to generate Qi and Blood. In TCM, understanding the specific underlying pattern is key to addressing generalized fatigue effectively.

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Yin Deficiency
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Deficiency

Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more

Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Generalized Fatigue

Common Symptoms: Lack Of Appetite Diarrhea Pale Face Shortness Of Breath Palpitations General Weakness Weak Voice Spontaneous Sweat

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi Deficiency Fatigue, Tiredness, General weakness, Weak voice, Generalized fatigue, Low energy, Reluctance to speak, Spontaneous sweat, Frequent colds or flu, Lack of appetite, Diarrhea, Shortness of breath... see more Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Gui Pi Tang | Gu Ben Zhi Beng Tang | Si Jun Zi Tang | Liu Jun Zi Tang | Ju Yuan Jian
Qi and Blood Deficiency Fatigue, Tiredness, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Reluctance to speak, Lack of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Gui Pi Tang | Shi Quan Da Bu Tang | Si Wu Tang | Tong Ru Dan | Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang | Sheng Yu Tang | Ba Zhen Tang | Guo Qi Yin | Zhi Gan Cao Tang
Heart Qi Deficiency Fatigue, Palpitations, Exertional dyspnea, Pale face, Spontaneous sweat, Generalized fatigue... see more Bao Yuan Tang | Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang
Kidney Qi not Firm Fatigue, Lower back pain, Lower back weakness, Polyuria, Weak urine stream, Enuresis, Nocturnal emission, Generalized fatigue, Chills, Cold extremities, White vaginal discharge, Bearing down sensation in abdomen, Recurrent miscarriage... see more You Gui Wan | Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan | Fu Tu Dan | Qing E Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan
Liver Qi Deficiency Fatigue, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Nervousness, Timidity, Easily startled, Lack of bravery, Indecision, Sighing, Vivid dreaming, Depression, Irritability, Hypochondriac distention, Irregular periods, Lack of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Abdominal distention... see more Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Si Wu Tang | Xiao Yao San
Spleen Qi Deficiency Fatigue, Lassitude, Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down, Slight abdominal pain, Excessive gas and flatulence, Bloated abdomen, Dyspepsia, Swollen complexion, Obesity... see more Si Jun Zi Tang | Liu Jun Zi Tang | Fei Er Wan | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency Tiredness, Lassitude, Lack of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Pale face, Weak limbs, Diarrhea, Obesity, Shortness of breath, Coughing, Weak voice, Spontaneous sweat, Reluctance to speak, Frequent colds or flu, Aversion to cold... see more Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Si Jun Zi Tang | Liu Jun Zi Tang
Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency Tiredness, Lassitude, Lack of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Pale face, Weak limbs, Diarrhea, Upper abdominal discomfort, Loss of taste... see more Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Si Jun Zi Tang | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San | Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang | Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan
Lung and Heart Qi Deficiency Tiredness, Shortness of breath, Coughing, Weak voice, Reluctance to speak, Pale face, Frequent colds or flu, Generalized fatigue, Palpitations, Depression, Spontaneous sweat, Sighing... see more Bao Yuan Tang | Si Jun Zi Tang
Lung Qi Deficiency Tiredness, Daytime sweating, Reluctance to speak Si Jun Zi Tang | Zhi Gan Cao Tang | Jiu Xian San | Bu Fei Tang | Ren Shen Ge Jie San
Stomach Qi Deficiency Tiredness in the morning, Morning fatigue Si Jun Zi Tang
Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency Fatigue, Palpitations, Poor memory, Restless sleeplessness, Fever, Lack of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Exertional dyspnea, Weight loss... see more Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang
Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency Fatigue, Early menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Chills, Nocturia, Thin menstrual blood, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Spontaneous sweat... see more Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Gui Pi Tang | He Che Da Zao Wan
Heart and Spleen Deficiency Fatigue, Palpitations, Insomnia, Lack of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Anxiety, Pale face, Poor memory, Diarrhea, Scanty menstruation, Pale lips... see more Gui Pi Tang
Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency Fatigue, Dizziness, Unsteadiness, Blurry vision, Deafness, Tinnitus, Shortness of breath, Weak voice, Pale face, Lack of appetite, Diarrhea... see more Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Ba Zhen Tang
Spleen Deficiency Tiredness, Sticky vaginal discharge, Generalized fatigue, Depression, Cold extremities, Diarrhea, White vaginal discharge, Lack of appetite, Amenorrhea, Dull shallow face, Weak limbs... see more Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Wan Dai Tang | Yi Huang Tang
Stomach Deficiency Tiredness, Nausea or vomiting, Generalized fatigue, Chills, Lack of appetite, Depression, Dry mouth, Morning sickness... see more Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang | Er Chen Tang | Mai Men Dong Tang
Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Tiredness, Edema, Feeling of heaviness, Diarrhea, Urinary dysfunction, Glomerulonephritis, Kidney infection, Nephrotic syndrome, Cystitis, Hydrocele, Migraine... see more Liu Jun Zi Tang | Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin

TCM Herbal Formulas for Generalized Fatigue

To combat generalized fatigue, TCM relies on a range of herbal formulas tailored to address specific imbalances. For Qi Deficiency, formulations like Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, rich in herbs like Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), are used to boost the body's Qi.

In cases of Blood Deficiency, Gui Pi Tang, containing Ginseng (Ren Shen), helps replenish the blood and Qi. For Yang Deficiency, warming formulas like Shen Qi Wan, incorporating Prepared aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), are prescribed. These formulas are carefully selected based on individual diagnostic patterns, ensuring a holistic and personalized approach to treatment.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Yin Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Generalized Fatigue Caused by Qi Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang Qi Deficiency, Qi and Blood Deficiency, Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency, Liver Qi Deficiency, Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency, Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency, Spleen Deficiency... see more
Si Jun Zi Tang Qi Deficiency, Spleen Qi Deficiency, Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency, Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency, Lung and Heart Qi Deficiency, Lung Qi Deficiency, Stomach Qi Deficiency... see more
Gui Pi Tang Qi Deficiency, Qi and Blood Deficiency, Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency, Heart and Spleen Deficiency... see more
Liu Jun Zi Tang Qi Deficiency, Spleen Qi Deficiency, Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness... see more
Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency, Qi and Blood Deficiency, Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency... see more
Si Wu Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency, Liver Qi Deficiency
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San Spleen Qi Deficiency, Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency
Ba Zhen Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency, Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency
Zhi Gan Cao Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency, Lung Qi Deficiency
Bao Yuan Tang Heart Qi Deficiency, Lung and Heart Qi Deficiency
He Che Da Zao Wan Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency
You Gui Wan Kidney Qi not Firm
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang Stomach Deficiency
Gu Ben Zhi Beng Tang Qi Deficiency
Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang Heart Qi Deficiency
Tu Si Zi Wan Kidney Qi not Firm
Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Deficiency
Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency
Wan Dai Tang Spleen Deficiency
Yi Huang Tang Spleen Deficiency
Jiu Xian San Lung Qi Deficiency
Er Chen Tang Stomach Deficiency
Ju Yuan Jian Qi Deficiency
Shi Quan Da Bu Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency
Tong Ru Dan Qi and Blood Deficiency
Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency
Sheng Yu Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency
Guo Qi Yin Qi and Blood Deficiency
Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan Heart Qi Deficiency
Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan Kidney Qi not Firm
Fu Tu Dan Kidney Qi not Firm
Qing E Wan Kidney Qi not Firm
Fei Er Wan Spleen Qi Deficiency
Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency
Bu Fei Tang Lung Qi Deficiency
Ren Shen Ge Jie San Lung Qi Deficiency
Mai Men Dong Tang Stomach Deficiency
Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin Spleen Deficiency with Dampness

Acupoints for Generalized Fatigue

Acupuncture, another integral part of TCM, uses specific acupoints to alleviate generalized fatigue. Points like Daheng SP-15 and Sanyinjiao SP-6 on the Spleen Channel are targeted to strengthen the Spleen and resolve Dampness, vital for boosting energy. Qihai REN-6 and Shanzhong REN-17 along the Directing Vessel are known for their ability to tonify Qi and regulate the body's vital energy.

These acupoints are carefully chosen based on the individual's unique pattern of disharmony, aiming to restore balance and alleviate the symptoms of generalized fatigue.

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

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
  • Spleen Channel
  • Directing Vessel
Feishu BL-13

Feishu BL-13

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

Pishu BL-20

Pishu BL-20

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra (T11).

Weishu BL-21

Weishu BL-21

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 12th thoracic vertebra (T12).

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).

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