Hysteriaaccording to TCM

What is Hysteria?

Hysteria, in the realms of both contemporary psychology and historical medicine, denotes a condition marked by emotional excess. Though its definition has evolved over time, it generally encapsulates what modern diagnostics refer to as conversion disorder—a manifestation of psychological stress in physical symptoms without a discernible organic cause.

These symptoms can be varied, often dramatic, and include psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, paralysis, or other sensory disturbances. Traditional nomenclature such as 'hysterical disorder' and 'conversion hysteria' reflects the enigmatic nature of the condition, which remains a complex challenge in mental health.

How Does TCM View Hysteria?

In the landscape of Traditional Chinese Medicine, hysteria is perceived through a lens of holistic balance, or the lack thereof, within the body's internal ecosystem. The ancient practice interprets such psychological disturbances as a disharmony in the vital life force—Qi—and the Blood, often precipitated by emotional turmoil or physiological imbalances.

The goal is to discern the 'pattern'—a unique TCM concept of symptom clusters that reflect an underlying imbalance. Recognizing these patterns, such as Qi stagnation or a deficiency of heart blood, is essential in TCM, as they guide the practitioner to the most harmonious treatment path.

Root Causes of Hysteria in TCM

In the delicate equilibrium of body and mind that TCM seeks to maintain, the causes of hysteria are multifactorial and nuanced. The Liver, seen as the seat of emotions, when constrained, can lead to Qi Stagnation—resulting in emotional volatility and physical symptoms associated with hysteria.

Similarly, the Heart, which houses the Mind or 'Shen' in TCM, when Deficient in blood, can fail to anchor the Shen, leading to restlessness and disquietude. Another common pattern is the unsettling influence of Phlegm, which, when clouding the Mind, can lead to confusion and emotional distress. It is the astute analysis of these patterns that allows TCM practitioners to tailor their therapeutic approaches effectively.

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

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Hysteria

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Heart Blood Deficiency	Hysteria, Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Neurasthenia	Gan Mai Da Zao Tang | Si Wu Tang | Gui Pi Tang | Shen Qi Si Wu Tang | Suan Zao Ren Tang | Zhen Xin An Shen Tang | Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang

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 Hysteria

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Heart Yin Deficiency	Hysteria, Night sweats, Feeling of uneasiness, Feeling of heat, Heat sensation in palms, Neurasthenia... see more	Gan Mai Da Zao Tang | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan

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 Hysteria

Common Symptoms: Easily Startled Vivid Dreaming Neurasthenia Palpitations Insomnia Poor Memory Dizziness Anxiety

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Heart Blood Deficiency	Hysteria, Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Neurasthenia	Gan Mai Da Zao Tang | Si Wu Tang | Gui Pi Tang | Shen Qi Si Wu Tang | Suan Zao Ren Tang | Zhen Xin An Shen Tang | Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang
Heart Yin Deficiency	Hysteria, Night sweats, Feeling of uneasiness, Feeling of heat, Heat sensation in palms, Neurasthenia... see more	Gan Mai Da Zao Tang | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Hysteria

The multifaceted nature of hysteria in TCM is addressed with a range of herbal formulas. For example, the warming and sensory-orifice-opening properties of Su He Xiang Wan target the dispelling of Phlegm that obscures the Heart and Mind, a common pathological pattern in hysteria.

For cases where underlying Heat arises from Deficiency, cooling formulas like Bai He Di Huang Tang serve to nourish Yin and clear the resulting Heat, thus calming the Shen and alleviating agitation. When Qi Stagnation plays a role, formulas such as Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang are employed to ensure the free flow of Qi, particularly in the digestive and emotional realms, thereby easing the somatic manifestations of hysteria.

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

Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang

Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause hysteria, such as Heart Blood Deficiency

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All Formulas Recommended for Hysteria Caused by Blood Deficiency

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang	Heart Blood Deficiency
Si Wu Tang	Heart Blood Deficiency
Gui Pi Tang	Heart Blood Deficiency
Shen Qi Si Wu Tang	Heart Blood Deficiency
Suan Zao Ren Tang	Heart Blood Deficiency
Zhen Xin An Shen Tang	Heart Blood Deficiency
Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan	Heart Blood Deficiency
Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang	Heart Blood Deficiency

Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang

Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause hysteria, such as Heart Yin Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Hysteria Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang	Heart Yin Deficiency
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan	Heart Yin Deficiency

Acupoints for Hysteria

Acupuncture, another pillar of TCM, employs specific points to restore balance. For example, Zhengying GB-17 on the Gall Bladder meridian is often selected for its potential to clear the mind and subdue excess Yang, which in TCM terms, can contribute to the manic manifestations of hysteria. Each point is chosen not only for its local influence but also for its capacity to harmonize the flow of Qi throughout the body, reflecting the interconnected nature of human physiology as understood by TCM.

In crafting a treatment plan, TCM practitioners weave together a tapestry of interventions—dietary, herbal, and acupuncture-based—to not just treat hysteria but to nurture a state of wellness that preempts its recurrence.

See more details below about Zhengying GB-17, an acupoint used to address hysteria.

Zhengying GB-17

1 cun posterior to Muchuang GB-16 or 2.5 cun posterior to the anterior hairline.