Hallucinationsaccording to TCM

What is hallucinations?

Hallucinations are sensory experiences that occur in the absence of external stimuli. They involve perceiving something that isn't actually present in the environment, yet these perceptions feel very real to the individual experiencing them. Hallucinations can affect any of the five senses, including sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Visual hallucinations, such as seeing objects or people that aren't there, are among the most common types.

These false perceptions can range from simple patterns or colors to complex scenes or beings. Hallucinations are distinct from illusions, which involve misinterpreting real sensory stimuli. They can occur in various mental health conditions, neurological disorders, or as a result of substance use. While often associated with psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, hallucinations can also manifest in conditions such as severe depression, bipolar disorder, or certain types of epilepsy.

How does TCM view hallucinations?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches hallucinations from a holistic perspective, viewing them as manifestations of imbalance within the body's energy systems. Unlike Western medicine's focus on brain chemistry and neurological factors, TCM considers hallucinations a result of disrupted Qi flow and disharmony among various organs, particularly the Heart, Liver, and Gallbladder.

In TCM, hallucinations can stem from multiple patterns of disharmony, each requiring a unique treatment approach. This individualized perspective emphasizes the importance of identifying the specific underlying pattern before initiating treatment, as addressing the root cause is crucial for restoring balance and alleviating symptoms.

Root Causes of Hallucinations in TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, hallucinations are often attributed to imbalances involving the Heart and Blood. One primary pattern associated with hallucinations is Heart Blood Stagnation. In TCM theory, the Heart houses the Mind (Spirit or consciousness). When Blood stagnates in the Heart, it can lead to a disturbance of the Mind, manifesting as hallucinations, along with symptoms like chest pain and a feeling of constriction in the chest.

Explore below more details about what might cause Hallucinations 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 Hallucinations

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Heart Blood Stagnation	Hallucinations, 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 Hallucinations

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

TCM Herbal Formulas for Hallucinations

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers herbal formulas tailored to address the specific patterns underlying hallucinations. For Heart Blood Stagnation, Xiao Tiao Jing Tang may be recommended. This formula belongs to the category of "Formulas that regulate Blood" and features White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) as a key herb. Bai Shao is known for its ability to nourish Blood and soothe the Liver, potentially helping to resolve Blood stagnation and calm the mind.

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

Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Xiao Tiao Jing Tang

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

Learn more

Acupoints for Hallucinations

Acupuncture plays a crucial role in TCM's approach to hallucinations. Key points include Fenglong ST-40 on the Stomach Channel, known for its ability to resolve Dampness and Phlegm, calm the Mind, and open the Mind's orifices. Tianzhu BL-10 on the Bladder Channel is valued for its capacity to clear the Brain, benefit the sense orifices, and calm the Mind. In the Large Intestine Channel, Wenliu LI-7 is noted for its ability to open the Mind's orifices and clear Heat.

Jianshi P-5 on the Pericardium Channel is recognized for opening the Mind's orifices, removing Phlegm, and calming the Mind. Lastly, Shenzhu DU-12 on the Governing Vessel is known for its ability to calm the Mind and clear Heat. These acupoints, when stimulated by a skilled practitioner, work in harmony with herbal treatments to address the underlying imbalances contributing to hallucinations, offering a comprehensive approach to managing this complex symptom.

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

Fenglong ST-40

Midway between Dubi ST-35 and Jiexi ST-41, two middle finger-width from the anterior crest of the tibia, or one middle finger-width from Tiaokou ST-38.

Jiexi ST-41

At the junction of the dorsum of the foot and leg, between the tendons of extensor digitorum and the extensor hallucis longus muscle. Approximately at the level of the tip of the external malleolus.

Tianzhu BL-10

1.3 cun lateral to Yamen DU-15 on the posterior midline, 0.5 cun above the posterior hairline, on the lateral side of trapezius muscle.

Pucan BL-61

Posterior and inferior to the external malleolus, directly below Kunlun BL-60, in the depression of the calcaneum at the junction of the red and white skin.

Yangxi LI-5

On the radial side of the wrist. When the thumb is tilted upward, it is in the depression on the wrist joint space (wrist crease) between the tendons of extensor pollicis longus and brevis muscles.

Wenliu LI-7

When a fist is made, with the ulnar side downward and elbow flexed, the point is 5 cun above Yangxi LI-5 at the wrist crease, 1 cun distal to the midpoint of the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.

Jianshi P-5

3 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscle.

Shenzhu DU-12

On the back midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 3th thoracic vertebra (T3).

Tianchuang SI-16

In the lateral aspect of the neck, on the posterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle, lever with the Adam's apple.

Tianfu LU-3

On the medial aspect of the upper arm, 3 cun below the end of the axillary fold and 6 cun above Chize LU-5, in the depression on the lateral border of biceps muscle.