Root Causes of Mood Swings in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Mood swings according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
Detailed description of the cause

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 Mood Swings

Common Symptoms: Irritability Depression Menstrual Cramps Irregular Periods Breast Engorgement Abdominal Pain Globus Sensation Dark Menstrual Blood

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi And Blood Stagnation Moodiness, Mood swings, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Tao Hong Si Wu Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Wu Yao Tang | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Wei Jing Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Shi Xiao San | Qi Li San | Dan Shen Yin | Guo Qi Yin
Liver Qi Stagnation Moodiness, Mood swings, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger... see more Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Xiao Yao San | Yue Ju Wan | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Yi Guan Jian | Gua Lou San
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire Moodiness, 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
Qi Stagnation Mood swings, General fullness, Moving pain, Depression, Irritability, Sighing Xiao Yao San | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Si Mo Tang | Qi Ge San
Qi-Phlegm Mood swings, Globus sensation, Dysphagia, Upper abdominal oppression, Irritability, Depression... see more Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Mood Swings

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address mood swings, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type

All Formulas Recommended for Mood Swings Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Qi And Blood Stagnation, Liver Qi Stagnation, Qi Stagnation
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Qi And Blood Stagnation, Liver Qi Stagnation
Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation, Qi Stagnation
Yue Ju Wan Liver Qi Stagnation
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang Qi-Phlegm
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wu Yao Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wei Jing Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shi Xiao San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Qi Li San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Dan Shen Yin Qi And Blood Stagnation
Guo Qi Yin Qi And Blood Stagnation
Yi Guan Jian Liver Qi Stagnation
Gua Lou San Liver Qi Stagnation
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Si Mo Tang Qi Stagnation
Qi Ge San Qi Stagnation

Acupoints for Mood Swings

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

  • By Meridian
  • Gall Bladder Channel
  • Triple Burner Channel
Toulinqi GB-15

Toulinqi GB-15

Directly above Yangbai GB-14, on the pupil line, 0.5 cun within the hairline, midway between Shenting DU-24 and Touwei ST-8.

Yanglingquan GB-34

Yanglingquan GB-34

In the depression anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula.

Qiuxu GB-40

Qiuxu GB-40

Anterior and inferior to the external malleolus, in the depression on the lateral side of the tendon of extensor digitorum longus muscle that goes to the little toe.

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