Neurosesaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Mental Health Disorders
Did you mean? Psychosis
What is neuroses?
Neuroses, or neurotic disorders, are a class of mental health conditions characterized by excessive anxiety, emotional distress, and maladaptive behaviors. Unlike psychotic disorders, individuals with neuroses maintain a firm grasp on reality but experience persistent psychological discomfort that interferes with daily functioning. These disorders often manifest as chronic anxiety, obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, or persistent feelings of inadequacy.
Common types of neurotic disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and various phobias. Symptoms may include excessive worry, irrational fears, panic attacks, and somatic complaints without apparent physical cause. While the exact causes of neuroses are complex and multifaceted, they are often attributed to a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and psychological stressors. Treatment typically involves psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, and in some cases, medication to manage symptoms.
How does TCM view neuroses?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches neuroses from a holistic perspective, viewing them as manifestations of imbalance within the body's energy systems. Unlike Western medicine's focus on psychological factors and brain chemistry, TCM considers neurotic disorders as results of disrupted Qi flow and disharmony among various organs, particularly the Heart, Liver, and Spleen.
In TCM, neuroses can stem from multiple patterns of disharmony, each requiring a unique treatment approach. This individualized perspective emphasizes the importance of identifying the specific underlying pattern before initiating treatment, as addressing the root cause is crucial for restoring balance and alleviating symptoms.
Causes of neuroses according to TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, neuroses are often attributed to imbalances involving key organ systems and their associated functions. One primary pattern associated with neurotic disorders is Heat in the Blood. In TCM theory, when Heat accumulates in the Blood, it can agitate the mind and spirit, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, and emotional volatility. This pattern may also manifest with physical symptoms like a flushed face, dry mouth, and in some cases, skin rashes or eruptions.
Another pattern in neuroses is Qi Stagnation, particularly affecting the Liver system. The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body, and when this flow is obstructed, it can manifest as emotional instability, irritability, and a sensation of fullness or distension in the chest or abdomen. Qi Stagnation can also lead to mood swings, depression, and a tendency to sigh frequently. It's important to note that TCM recognizes various other patterns that can contribute to neuroses, each requiring a tailored approach to treatment.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Neuroses
Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a variety of herbal formulas tailored to address the specific patterns underlying neurotic disorders. For Heat in the Blood, Bai He Di Huang Tang may be recommended, featuring Lily Bulbs (Bai He) as a key herb. Bai He is known for its sweet and cold properties, which help to clear Heat and calm the mind. This formula aims to cool the Blood, nourish Yin, and restore emotional balance.
In cases of Qi Stagnation, Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang might be prescribed. This formula includes Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) as a primary ingredient, known for its ability to promote Qi movement and alleviate emotional stagnation. Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang works to regulate Qi flow, particularly in the chest and epigastrium, helping to relieve the emotional and physical symptoms associated with Qi Stagnation. It's essential to consult with a qualified TCM practitioner for proper diagnosis and personalized treatment, as the choice of formula depends on the individual's specific pattern of disharmony and overall health condition.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address neuroses, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
- Formulas that regulate blood
- Formulas that induce vomiting
- Formulas that clear qi-level heat
- Formulas that promote qi movement
- Formulas that tonify blood
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
- Formulas that secure essence and stop enuresis
- Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
- Formulas that purge heat accumulation
Formulas that clear Heat from Deficiency
Neuroses 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 Bai He Di Huang Tang, with lily bulb as a key herb.
Formulas that regulate Blood
Neuroses can be treated by these formulas when it stems from irregularities or imbalances in the blood, which may affect circulation or cause other blood-related issues.
One such formula is Bu Yang Huang Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that induce vomiting
Neuroses can be treated by these formulas when the condition is caused by the presence harmful substances that require induced vomiting to expel them as part of the treatment.
One such formula is Gua Di San, with melon stalk as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Qi-level Heat
Neuroses 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 Zhi Zi Chi Tang, with cape jasmine fruit as a key herb.
Formulas that promote Qi movement
Neuroses can be treated by these formulas if it stems from stagnation or imbalance in the flow of Qi, the vital life energy, within the body.
One such formula is Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Blood
Neuroses 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 harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
Neuroses can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.
One such formula is Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
Neuroses can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a deficiency in both Yin and Yang energies, necessitating a balanced approach to tonification.
One such formula is Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, with cinnamon twigs as a key herb.
Formulas that secure Essence and stop enuresis
Neuroses 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 Sang Piao Xiao San, with praying mantis egg-Case as a key herb.
Formulas that pacify and extinguish Internal Wind
Neuroses can be treated by these formulas when it is due to internal wind, which is often associated with spasms, tremors, or dizziness.
One such formula is Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin, with gastrodia rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that purge Heat accumulation
Neuroses can be treated by these formulas if it arises from an excess of internal heat, needing actions that clear heat and reduce its intensity.
One such formula is Xiao Cheng Qi Tang
TCM Herbs for Neuroses
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address neuroses, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that pacify internal liver wind and stop tremors
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Neuroses can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Melon Stalks (Gua Di ), a key herb in some formulas recommended for neuroses, like Gua Di San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for neuroses
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Melon Stalks (Gua Di ) | Gua Di San |
| Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) | Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Neuroses 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 White Peony Roots (Bai Shao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for neuroses, like Bu Gan Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for neuroses
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) | Bu Gan Tang | Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang |
| Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) | Bu Gan Tang |
Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors
Neuroses 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 Gastrodia Rhizomes (Tian Ma), a key herb in some formulas recommended for neuroses, like Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors" recommended for neuroses
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Gastrodia Rhizomes (Tian Ma) | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin |
| Gambir Stems And Thorns (Gou Teng) | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin |
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Neuroses 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 Lily Bulbs (Bai He), a key herb in some formulas recommended for neuroses, like Bai He Di Huang Tang.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Neuroses 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 neuroses, like Bu Yang Huang Wu Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Neuroses 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 Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for neuroses, like Zhi Zi Chi Tang.
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Neuroses can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for neuroses, like Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Neuroses can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for neuroses, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Neuroses 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 Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), a key herb in some formulas recommended for neuroses, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Neuroses can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for neuroses, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Neuroses can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for neuroses, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Neuroses 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 Praying Mantis Egg-Cases (Sang Piao Shao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for neuroses, like Sang Piao Xiao San.