Head Fogaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Cognitive Impairment
Did you mean? Confusion
Root Causes of Head Fog in TCM
Explore below more details about what might cause Head fog according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- Phlegm
Phlegm
In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more
Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Head Fog
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Phlegm | Muzziness of the head, Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness | Er Chen Tang | Liu Jun Zi Tang | Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang | Wen Dan Tang | Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang | Xing Su San |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Head Fog
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address head fog, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Phlegm
- Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that transform phlegm and extinguish wind
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
- Formulas that disperse dryness and moisten
Top Formula for Phlegm:
Er Chen Tang
Suitable for Phlegm patterns that may cause head fog, such as Phlegm
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Head Fog Caused by Phlegm
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Er Chen Tang | Phlegm |
| Liu Jun Zi Tang | Phlegm |
| Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang | Phlegm |
| Wen Dan Tang | Phlegm |
| Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang | Phlegm |
| Xing Su San | Phlegm |
Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm
These formulas are suitable for some head fog-causing patterns like Phlegm.
One such formula is Er Chen Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm" recommended for head fog
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Er Chen Tang | Phlegm |
| Wen Dan Tang | Phlegm |
Formulas that tonify Qi
These formulas are suitable for some head fog-causing patterns like Phlegm.
One such formula is Liu Jun Zi Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that transform Phlegm and extinguish Wind
These formulas are suitable for some head fog-causing patterns like Phlegm.
One such formula is Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
These formulas are suitable for some head fog-causing patterns like Phlegm.
One such formula is Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang, with sweet wormwood herb as a key herb.
Formulas that disperse Dryness and moisten
These formulas are suitable for some head fog-causing patterns like Phlegm.
One such formula is Xing Su San, with apricot seed as a key herb.
Acupoints for Head Fog
Explore below some acupoints used to address head fog, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Spleen Channel
- Stomach Channel
Taibai SP-3
Proximal and inferior to the head of the 1st metatarsal bone, at the border of the red and white skin.
Touwei ST-8
At the temporal corner of the forehead, on the border of the temporalis muscle. 0.5 cun within the anterior hairline at the corner of the forehead and 4.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.