Hypomaniaaccording to TCM

What is Hypomania?

Hypomania is a mood state characterized by an elevated, expansive, or irritable mood that is more intense than usual but not as extreme as full-blown mania. Individuals experiencing hypomania often display increased energy, heightened creativity, reduced need for sleep, and excessive optimism. However, unlike mania, hypomania does not lead to severe functional impairments, making it less likely to be perceived as a problem by the person experiencing it. Despite its relatively mild nature, hypomania can still lead to impulsive decisions and potentially disruptive behavior, and it is often a precursor to more severe mood disorders, including bipolar disorder.

How Does TCM View Hypomania?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hypomania is viewed through the lens of imbalances in the body's vital energies, particularly those involving the Heart and Liver. TCM recognizes that symptoms like those seen in hypomania can arise from various patterns of disharmony, including excessive Heat, Phlegm-Fire disturbing the Mind, or Yin Deficiency leading to an excess of Yang energy.

Unlike the Western medical approach, which might focus on neurotransmitter imbalances, TCM emphasizes the importance of diagnosing the specific energetic pattern causing the symptoms. Identifying the correct pattern is crucial for effective treatment, as different imbalances require tailored approaches to restore balance and calm the Mind.

Acupoints for Hypomania

Acupuncture plays a vital role in TCM treatment for hypomania, helping to restore balance and calm the Mind. Several key acupoints are often recommended to address the symptoms associated with this condition. In the Heart Channel, Shaochong (HE-9) is located on the radial side of the little finger and is known for its ability to clear Heat, calm the mind, and expel Interior Wind. Another important point on this channel is Shaofu (HE-8), situated on the palmar surface between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones; it helps clear Fire from the Heart and calm the mind.

Additionally, Tianchong (GB-9) in the Gall Bladder Channel is beneficial for subduing Liver Yang and resolving Dampness and Heat from the head, which are often linked to hypomanic symptoms. Lastly, Yongquan (KID-1) in the Kidney Channel, located on the sole of the foot, nourishes Yin, clears Empty-Heat, and calms the mind, making it a crucial point for grounding excessive Yang energy and restoring mental calm. These acupoints, when used in combination, can effectively address the energetic imbalances underlying hypomania in TCM.

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

Shaofu HE-8

On the palmar surface, between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones. When a fist is made, the point is where the tip of the little finger rests.

Shaochong HE-9

On the radial side of the little finger, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail.

Tianchong GB-9

Posterior and superior to the auricle, about 0.5 cun posterior to Shuaigu GB-8.

Yongquan KID-1

In the depression between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones on the sole when the foot is in plantar flexion, approximately at the junction of the anterior and middle third of the sole.

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.