Mental Exhaustionaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Fatigue and Sleepiness
What is Mental Exhaustion?
Mental exhaustion, a state often characterized by decreased cognitive functioning and a profound sense of fatigue, is more than just feeling tired. It encompasses a range of symptoms including cognitive fatigue, nervous exhaustion, and neurasthenia.
Individuals experiencing mental exhaustion often report feeling mentally drained, with a noticeable decrease in mental sharpness and an inability to concentrate effectively. This condition can emerge from prolonged periods of stress or overexertion, leading to a significant decline in one's cognitive and emotional resources.
How does TCM view Mental Exhaustion?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives mental exhaustion as a manifestation of an imbalance in the body's fundamental energies. Contrary to Western medicine, which tends to focus on the symptomatic relief of cognitive fatigue, TCM aims to restore harmony and balance within the body.
It views mental exhaustion as an indicator of underlying disharmonies, often involving Qi (vital energy), the essence, or specific organ systems. Treatment in TCM is holistic, targeting these imbalances to rejuvenate the mind and body.
Root Causes of Mental Exhaustion in TCM
In TCM, mental exhaustion is often attributed to two primary patterns: Qi Sinking and Essence Deficiency. Qi Sinking, such as in cases of Large Intestine collapse, presents symptoms like chronic diarrhea, anus prolapse, and a craving for hot beverages, reflecting a significant drop in the body's vital energy. The treatment focuses on formulas like Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, which utilizes Milkvetch Roots to fortify Qi.
Essence Deficiency, particularly of the Kidney, leads to symptoms like hair loss, lower back pain, and a decrease in mental acuity. Remedies like Zuo Gui Wan and Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan, containing ingredients like Prepared rehmannia and Cuscuta seeds, are prescribed to nourish and strengthen the Kidney essence.
Explore below more details about what might cause Mental exhaustion according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Qi Sinking
- Essence Deficiency
- Large Intestine
- Kidney
Qi Sinking
Qi Sinking is a pattern of disharmony in TCM where the body's energy, or Qi, is thought to "sink" or drop down. Imagine a balloon slowly deflating and falling; that's similar to what happens with Qi Sinking. This can lead to feelings of heaviness, fatigue, and even physical symptoms like prolapse of organs or frequent urination. It's as if the body's energy, which usually supports and holds things in place, isn't able to do its job properly. TCM views this as an imbalance where the uplifting and supporting qualities of Qi are weakened.... see more
Qi Sinking Patterns That Can Lead to Mental Exhaustion
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Large Intestine collapse | Mental exhaustion, Chronic diarrhea, Anus prolapse, Hemorrhoids, Generalized fatigue, Cold extremities, Lack of appetite, Craving for hot beverages... see more | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang |
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 Mental Exhaustion
| 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 |
Large Intestine
In TCM the Large Intestine is primarily seen as responsible for the absorption of fluids and the excretion of waste. It is closely related to the Lung in terms of energy flow and function, reflecting the interconnectedness of organ systems in TCM. When the Large Intestine malfunctions, it can lead to issues such as constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain, and an inability to let go of emotional waste, like holding onto grief or stress. This is in line with the TCM view that the physical and emotional aspects of health are deeply connected. An imbalanced Large Intestine can also manifest as skin problems, signifying the organ’s role in eliminating toxins and maintaining balance in the body’s internal environment.... see more
Large Intestine Patterns That Can Lead to Mental Exhaustion
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Large Intestine collapse | Mental exhaustion, Chronic diarrhea, Anus prolapse, Hemorrhoids, Generalized fatigue, Cold extremities, Lack of appetite, Craving for hot beverages... see more | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang |
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 Mental Exhaustion
| 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 Mental Exhaustion
To combat mental exhaustion, TCM employs various herbal formulas tailored to address specific patterns of imbalance. For Qi Sinking, Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, rich in Qi-boosting ingredients like Milkvetch Roots, is employed to enhance vitality and overall energy.
For Essence Deficiency, formulas like Zuo Gui Wan and Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan are used. These contain key herbs such as Prepared rehmannia and Cuscuta seeds, respectively, known for their efficacy in nourishing the Kidney essence and improving mental function. The choice of formula is highly individualized, based on the unique pattern of disharmony present in each patient.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address mental exhaustion, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Qi Sinking
- Essence Deficiency
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
- Formulas that tonify qi and blood
- Formulas that warm yang and tonify
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
- Formulas that secure essence and stop enuresis
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that tonify
- Formulas that clear qi-level heat
- Formulas that tonify blood
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
Top Formula for Qi Sinking:
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Suitable for Qi Sinking patterns that may cause mental exhaustion, such as Large Intestine collapse
Learn more
Top Formula for Essence Deficiency:
Zuo Gui Wan
Suitable for Essence Deficiency patterns that may cause mental exhaustion, such as Kidney Essence Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Mental Exhaustion 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 |
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some mental exhaustion-causing patterns like Kidney Essence Deficiency.
One such formula is Zuo Gui Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for mental exhaustion
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Zuo Gui Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
| Da Bu Yin Wan | Not applicable |
| Yi Guan Jian | Not applicable |
| Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Not applicable |
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Not applicable |
Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
These formulas are suitable for some mental exhaustion-causing patterns like Kidney Essence Deficiency.
One such formula is Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, with fleeceflower root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that tonify yin and yang" recommended for mental exhaustion
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
| Shi Quan Da Bu Tang | Not applicable |
| Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang | Not applicable |
Formulas that warm Yang and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some mental exhaustion-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 mental exhaustion
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
| Tu Si Zi Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
Formulas that tonify Qi
These formulas are suitable for some mental exhaustion-causing patterns like Large Intestine collapse.
One such formula is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
Mental exhaustion can be treated by these formulas when it stems from a disharmony between the heart and the mind, often manifesting as emotional disturbances or sleep issues.
One such formula is Gan Mai Da Zao Tang, with light wheat as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind" recommended for mental exhaustion
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Gan Mai Da Zao Tang | Not applicable |
| Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Not applicable |
| Jiao Tai Wan | Not applicable |
| Suan Zao Ren Tang | Not applicable |
| Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Not applicable |
Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood
Mental exhaustion can be treated by these formulas when there is a combined deficiency of both Qi and Blood, requiring comprehensive tonification.
One such formula is Ba Zhen Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that tonify qi and blood" recommended for mental exhaustion
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ba Zhen Tang | Not applicable |
| Gui Pi Tang | Not applicable |
Formulas that clear Heat from Deficiency
Mental exhaustion can be treated by these formulas if it is due to an imbalance where yin deficiency leads to a false heat syndrome.
One such formula is Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang, with dong quai as a key herb.
Formulas that secure Essence and stop enuresis
Mental exhaustion can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by a deficiency in the body's essence, leading to symptoms like involuntary urination.
One such formula is Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan, with milkvetch seeds as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
Mental exhaustion can be treated by these formulas if it stems from an excess heat condition in specific organs, leading to internal disharmony.
One such formula is Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin, with lotus seeds as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify
Mental exhaustion can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a general deficiency in the body, needing strengthening and nourishing actions.
One such formula is Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Qi-level Heat
Mental exhaustion can be treated by these formulas when it results from an intense heat condition at the qi level, affecting the body's energy flow.
One such formula is Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang, with gypsum as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Blood
Mental exhaustion can be treated by these formulas when it is due to blood deficiency, requiring blood-nourishing and enriching actions.
One such formula is Bu Gan Tang, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
Mental exhaustion can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold in the middle jiao (digestive region), necessitating warming and cold-dispelling actions.
One such formula is Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Mental Exhaustion
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address mental exhaustion, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
- Herbs that pacify internal liver wind and stop tremors
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Mental exhaustion can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for mental exhaustion, like Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for mental exhaustion
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Mental exhaustion can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for mental exhaustion, like Ba Zhen Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for mental exhaustion
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Mental exhaustion can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Cuscuta Seeds (Tu Si Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for mental exhaustion, like Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency" recommended for mental exhaustion
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cuscuta Seeds (Tu Si Zi) | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan |
| Milkvetch Seeds (Sha Yuan Zi) | Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan |
| Pilose Antlers (Lu Rong) | Tu Si Zi Wan |
| Desert-Living Cistanches (Rou Cong Rong) | Tu Si Zi Wan |
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Mental exhaustion can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Light Wheats (Fu Xiao Mai), a key herb in some formulas recommended for mental exhaustion, like Gan Mai Da Zao Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that stabilize and bind" recommended for mental exhaustion
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Light Wheats (Fu Xiao Mai) | Gan Mai Da Zao Tang |
| Lotus Seeds (Lian Zi) | Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin |
Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors
Mental exhaustion can be treated by these herbs when caused by internal wind from Liver disharmony, often manifesting in symptoms like spasms or tremors.
One such herb is Dogbane Leaves (Luo Bu Ma), which is directly recommended for mental exhaustion.
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Mental exhaustion can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Tortoise Plastrons (Gui Ban), a key herb in some formulas recommended for mental exhaustion, like Da Bu Yin Wan.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Mental exhaustion can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for mental exhaustion, like Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Mental exhaustion can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for mental exhaustion, like Huang Lian E Jiao Tang.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Mental exhaustion can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Donkey-Hide Gelatin (E Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for mental exhaustion, like Huang Lian E Jiao Tang.
Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit
Mental exhaustion can be treated by these herbs when it is linked to deficiencies in heart nourishment, addressing both physical and emotional imbalances.
One such herb is Jujube Seeds (Suan Zao Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for mental exhaustion, like Suan Zao Ren Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Mental exhaustion can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Gypsum (Shi Gao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for mental exhaustion, like Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Mental exhaustion can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui), a key herb in some formulas recommended for mental exhaustion, like Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.