Neurastheniaaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Fatigue and Sleepiness
What is Neurasthenia?
Neurasthenia, a term that may not be as commonly used in modern Western medicine, refers to a condition characterized by chronic fatigue, weakness, and sometimes psychological distress. Symptoms often include a feeling of physical or mental tiredness, poor concentration, irritability, and sleep disturbances.
This condition is generally understood as a reaction to stress, chronic illness, or psychological factors. While the term 'neurasthenia' might be less prevalent today, the symptoms it describes are still widely recognized and treated in various medical practices, including Traditional Chinese Medicine.
How does TCM view Neurasthenia?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), neurasthenia is viewed through the lens of imbalance and disharmony within the body's systems. TCM recognizes that this condition can arise from a variety of imbalances, including deficiencies in Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, or Yang.
The approach in TCM is holistic, focusing not just on alleviating symptoms but on restoring balance and harmony to the entire body. This perspective underscores the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and mental health in TCM.
Root Causes of Neurasthenia in TCM
TCM attributes neurasthenia to several key patterns of disharmony. A common cause is Kidney Yin Deficiency, where the body lacks the cooling and nourishing aspects of Yin, leading to symptoms like restlessness, insomnia, and irritability.
Another pattern is Liver Blood Deficiency, which can manifest as dizziness, blurred vision, and emotional instability. These conditions are not just physical ailments in TCM but reflect deeper imbalances in the body's vital energies. Understanding these patterns is crucial for TCM practitioners to provide effective treatment.
Explore below more details about what might cause Neurasthenia according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Blood Deficiency
- Yin Deficiency
Blood Deficiency
Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more
Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Neurasthenia
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Blood Deficiency | Neurasthenia, Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Hysteria | Gan Mai Da Zao Tang | Si Wu Tang | Gui Pi Tang | Shen Qi Si Wu Tang | Suan Zao Ren Tang | Zhen Xin An Shen Tang | Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Neurasthenia
To address neurasthenia, TCM relies on a variety of formulas and herbs, tailored to the individual's specific pattern of disharmony. Formulas like Ba Wei Di Huang Wan and Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, both containing Prepared rehmannia, are used for Kidney Yin Deficiency and related patterns.
For Liver Blood Deficiency, Bu Gan Tang is often prescribed. In cases of Heart Yang Deficiency, Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang with Cinnamon Bark is recommended, while Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang is suitable for Stomach Yang Deficiency and Cold. Each of these formulas works to rebalance the body's energies and alleviate the symptoms of neurasthenia.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address neurasthenia, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Blood Deficiency
- Yin Deficiency
Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang
Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause neurasthenia, such as Heart Blood Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Neurasthenia Caused by Blood Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Gan Mai Da Zao Tang | Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Si Wu Tang | Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Gui Pi Tang | Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Shen Qi Si Wu Tang | Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Suan Zao Ren Tang | Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Zhen Xin An Shen Tang | Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan | Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Heart Blood Deficiency |
TCM Herbs for Neurasthenia
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address neurasthenia, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
- Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Neurasthenia 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 Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for neurasthenia, like Ding Zhi Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for neurasthenia
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Ding Zhi Wan | Gui Pi Tang | Sheng Mai San |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Gui Pi Tang | Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan | Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang |
| Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Liquorice (Gan Cao) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Maltose (Yi Tang) | Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang |