Loss Of Tasteaccording to TCM

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What is Loss of Taste?

Loss of taste, or ageusia, refers to the inability to detect flavors. This condition can significantly affect one’s enjoyment of food and drink, potentially leading to changes in appetite and nutrition. While various factors, including aging, medication, and illness, can cause taste impairment, it often signals an underlying health issue that needs attention.

How does TCM view Loss of Taste?

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, loss of taste is seen as a symptom of disharmony within the body. TCM emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body's organs and systems, attributing taste loss to patterns such as Qi (vital energy) Deficiency or Yin Deficiency, particularly in the Stomach and Spleen. Recognizing and treating the underlying pattern of disharmony is crucial in restoring taste sensation according to TCM principles.

Root Causes of Loss Of Taste in TCM

TCM identifies several patterns that could lead to loss of taste, primarily focusing on Qi Deficiency and Yin Deficiency. For example, a Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency might manifest as a lack of taste, accompanied by symptoms like slight abdominal distension after eating, generalized fatigue, and diarrhea.

Similarly, Stomach and Spleen Yin Deficiency could cause a lack of taste, dry mouth, and a preference for sipping liquids. These patterns highlight the importance of the stomach and spleen in the digestion and distribution of nutrients and how their imbalance can affect the senses.

Explore below more details about what might cause Loss of taste according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Stomach
  • Spleen
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Deficiency

Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more

Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Loss Of Taste

Common Symptoms: Lack Of Appetite Weak Limbs Diarrhea Upper Abdominal Discomfort Slight Abdominal Distension After Eating Generalized Fatigue General Weakness Pale Face

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency Lack of taste, Lack of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Pale face, Weak limbs, Diarrhea, Upper abdominal discomfort, Loss of taste... see more Si Jun Zi Tang | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San | Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang | Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan
Stomach Qi Deficiency Lack of taste, Morning fatigue Si Jun Zi Tang
Detailed description of the cause

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 Loss Of Taste

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach and Spleen Yin Deficiency Lack of taste, Lack of appetite, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry stools, Dry lips, Nausea, Generalized fatigue, Upper abdominal discomfort, Loss of taste... see more Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Detailed description of the cause

Stomach

In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more

Stomach Patterns That Can Lead to Loss Of Taste

Common Symptoms: Lack Of Appetite Upper Abdominal Discomfort Generalized Fatigue Weak Limbs Diarrhea Slight Abdominal Distension After Eating General Weakness Pale Face

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency Lack of taste, Lack of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Pale face, Weak limbs, Diarrhea, Upper abdominal discomfort, Loss of taste... see more Si Jun Zi Tang | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San | Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang | Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan
Stomach and Spleen Yin Deficiency Lack of taste, Lack of appetite, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry stools, Dry lips, Nausea, Generalized fatigue, Upper abdominal discomfort, Loss of taste... see more Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Stomach Qi Deficiency Lack of taste, Morning fatigue Si Jun Zi Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Spleen

In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more

Spleen Patterns That Can Lead to Loss Of Taste

Common Symptoms: Lack Of Appetite Generalized Fatigue Upper Abdominal Discomfort Slight Abdominal Distension After Eating General Weakness Pale Face Weak Limbs Diarrhea

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency Lack of taste, Lack of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Pale face, Weak limbs, Diarrhea, Upper abdominal discomfort, Loss of taste... see more Si Jun Zi Tang | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San | Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang | Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan
Stomach and Spleen Yin Deficiency Lack of taste, Lack of appetite, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry stools, Dry lips, Nausea, Generalized fatigue, Upper abdominal discomfort, Loss of taste... see more Shen Ling Bai Zhu San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Loss Of Taste

To address loss of taste, TCM recommends formulas that nourish the Qi and Yin of the Stomach and Spleen. Si Jun Zi Tang, a classic formula that tonifies Qi, is commonly prescribed for both Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency, aiming to boost the body's vital energy and improve digestive health.

For Yin Deficiencies, Shen Ling Bai Zhu San may be utilized to nourish the Yin and moisten dryness, thereby restoring the sense of taste. These treatments are tailored to the individual's specific TCM diagnosis to effectively restore balance.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Formulas that tonify qi

All Formulas Recommended for Loss Of Taste Caused by Qi Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Si Jun Zi Tang Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency, Stomach Qi Deficiency
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency
Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency
Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency

All "formulas that tonify qi" recommended for loss of taste

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Si Jun Zi Tang Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency, Stomach Qi Deficiency
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency, Stomach and Spleen Yin Deficiency
Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency
Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency

Acupoints for Loss Of Taste

Acupuncture can also play a vital role in treating taste loss in TCM. Specific points like Juquan EX-HN-10, located on the tongue, directly benefit the tongue and potentially restore taste sensation.

Another point, Qihu ST-13, situated below the clavicle, helps to descend rebellious Qi and open the chest, facilitating the improvement of taste by ensuring the smooth flow of Qi and Blood to the sensory organs. These acupoints are part of a holistic approach aimed at addressing the root cause of taste loss and harmonizing the body's internal systems.

Explore below some acupoints used to address loss of taste, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN)
  • Stomach Channel
Qihu ST-13

Qihu ST-13

About 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline, below the midpoint of the clavicle.