Melancholiaaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Depression and Sadness
What is Melancholia?
Melancholia, a term with ancient roots, describes a profound state of persistent sadness, often accompanied by a lack of interest in activities that once brought joy. This condition, characterized by deeper and more severe feelings than typical sadness or depression, can significantly impact an individual's daily life and overall well-being.
Historically, melancholia was considered to encompass a wide range of psychological disturbances, including what modern psychiatry might classify under depressive disorders.
How does TCM View Melancholia?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), melancholia is seen as a manifestation of disharmony in the body's Qi, or vital energy. The concept of a 'pattern' is crucial as it encapsulates the unique constellation of symptoms and imbalances within a person. Identifying this pattern is critical for TCM practitioners because it determines the personalized treatment approach, ensuring that the root cause of melancholia is addressed for effective and holistic healing.
Root Causes of Melancholia in TCM
TCM attributes melancholia to several potential internal disharmonies. Liver Qi Stagnation is commonly implicated, where emotional repression or life stress leads to the stagnation of Qi, manifesting as melancholia alongside physical symptoms like hypochondriac pain. Another pattern, Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation, highlights the interplay between the emotional and physical, where insufficient Blood fails to nourish the Heart, affecting mental states.
Additionally, Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire suggests an escalation of constrained emotions into more intense feelings of irritability and unrest. These patterns underscore TCM's holistic view, where emotional health is deeply intertwined with physical states.
Explore below more details about what might cause Melancholia according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Qi Stagnation
- Blood Deficiency
- Heat
Qi Stagnation
Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more
Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Melancholia
Common Symptoms: Insomnia Hypochondriac Distention Upper Abdominal Distension Depression Mood Swings Irregular Periods Globus Sensation Pre Menstrual Breast Distension
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation | Melancholy, Confusion, Melancholia, Crying, Abnormal behavior, Insomnia, Yawning | Gan Mai Da Zao Tang |
| Liver Qi Stagnation | Melancholy, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger... see more | Xiao Yao San | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Yue Ju Wan | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Yi Guan Jian |
| Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire | Melancholy, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation... see more | Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Melancholia
To address the underlying causes of melancholia, TCM employs specific herbal formulas. For Liver Qi Stagnation, Xiao Yao San is favored to soothe the Liver and regulate Qi. When melancholia stems from Heart Blood Deficiency, Gan Mai Da Zao Tang is recommended to nourish the Heart and calm the Mind.
In cases where Liver Qi Stagnation has escalated to Heat, Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San helps clear Heat and alleviate emotional distress. These formulas exemplify TCM's nuanced approach, targeting the root causes of melancholia with a blend of herbs tailored to the individual's specific pattern of imbalance.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address melancholia, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Qi Stagnation
- Blood Deficiency
- Heat
Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang
Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause melancholia, such as Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Melancholia Caused by Qi Stagnation
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Gan Mai Da Zao Tang | Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation |
| Xiao Yao San | Liver Qi Stagnation |
| Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Liver Qi Stagnation |
| Yue Ju Wan | Liver Qi Stagnation |
| Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Liver Qi Stagnation |
| Yi Guan Jian | Liver Qi Stagnation |
| Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San | Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire |
Acupoints for Melancholia
TCM also utilizes acupuncture to treat melancholia, targeting specific acupoints to rebalance Qi flow. Shangqiu SP-5, located on the Spleen meridian, is utilized to strengthen the Spleen, remove obstructions from the Channel, and calm the Mind, reflecting TCM's comprehensive approach to treating melancholia by harmonizing the body's internal energies and supporting emotional well-being.
See more details below about Shangqiu SP-5, an acupoint used to address melancholia.
- By Meridian
- Spleen Channel
Shangqiu SP-5
In the depression distal and inferior to the medial malleolus, midway between the navicular bone tubercle and the tip of the medial malleolus.