Poor Concentrationaccording to TCM
*redirected from Inability to think or concentrate for even short periods of time
Symptom family: Mental Health Disorders
Root Causes of Poor Concentration in TCM
Explore below more details about what might cause Poor concentration according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Essence Deficiency
- Yin Deficiency
- Blood Deficiency
- Kidney
Essence Deficiency
In TCM "Essence" (Jing) deficiency refers to a depletion of the body's fundamental substance, which is vital for growth, development, reproduction, and overall vitality. Jing, often translated as "Essence," is a unique concept in TCM, seen as the basis of all life activities and inherited from our parents. Essence deficiency manifests in various symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, weakness, slow physical or mental development, fertility issues, premature aging, weak bones, and a lackluster complexion. It can also affect the hair, leading to premature greying or hair loss. This pattern of disharmony often arises from congenital factors, chronic illness, overwork, or excessive behaviors that drain the body's resources. ... see more
Essence Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Poor Concentration
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Essence Deficiency | Decreased mental sharpness, Deafness, Intellectual disability, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain, Infertility, Primary amenorrhea, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Absentmindness... see more | Zuo Gui Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
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 Poor Concentration
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Yin and Blood Deficiency | Inability to think or concentrate for even short periods of time, Irritability, Heart palpitations with anxiety, Generalized fatigue, Restless sleeplessness, Poor concentration, Nocturnal emission, Poor memory, Dry stools, Mouth ulcers, Menopausal symptoms... see more | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan |
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 Poor Concentration
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Yin and Blood Deficiency | Inability to think or concentrate for even short periods of time, Irritability, Heart palpitations with anxiety, Generalized fatigue, Restless sleeplessness, Poor concentration, Nocturnal emission, Poor memory, Dry stools, Mouth ulcers, Menopausal symptoms... see more | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan |
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 Poor Concentration
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Essence Deficiency | Decreased mental sharpness, Deafness, Intellectual disability, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain, Infertility, Primary amenorrhea, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Absentmindness... see more | Zuo Gui Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Poor Concentration
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address poor concentration, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Essence Deficiency
- Yin Deficiency
- Blood Deficiency
- Formulas that warm yang and tonify
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
Top Formula for Essence Deficiency:
Zuo Gui Wan
Suitable for Essence Deficiency patterns that may cause poor concentration, such as Kidney Essence Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Poor Concentration Caused by Essence Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Zuo Gui Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
| Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
| Tu Si Zi Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
| Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan
Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause poor concentration, such as Yin and Blood Deficiency
Learn more
Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan
Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause poor concentration, such as Yin and Blood Deficiency
Learn moreFormulas that warm Yang and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some poor concentration-causing patterns like Kidney Essence Deficiency.
One such formula is Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan, with cuscuta seeds as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm yang and tonify" recommended for poor concentration
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
| Tu Si Zi Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some poor concentration-causing patterns like Kidney Essence Deficiency.
One such formula is Zuo Gui Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
These formulas are suitable for some poor concentration-causing patterns like Kidney Essence Deficiency.
One such formula is Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, with fleeceflower root as a key herb.
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
These formulas are suitable for some poor concentration-causing patterns like Yin and Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan, with unprepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Acupoints for Poor Concentration
Explore below some acupoints used to address poor concentration, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Bladder Channel
- Governing Vessel
- Spleen Channel
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.
Xinshu BL-15
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 5th thoracic vertebra (T5).
Shenshu BL-23
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumber vertebra (L2).
Yishe BL-49
3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra (T11).
Dazhui DU-14
On the midline at the base of the neck, in the depression below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7).
Yamen DU-15
On the back of the neck, 0.5 cun directly above the midpoint of the posterior hairline, below the spinous process of 1st cervical vertebra (C1).
Taibai SP-3
Proximal and inferior to the head of the 1st metatarsal bone, at the border of the red and white skin.