Postpartum Depressionaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Postpartum issues, Depression and Sadness
Did you mean? Postpartum Aphasia
What is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a complex, emotional, and mental health condition that affects new mothers following childbirth. It encompasses a range of symptoms from mild baby blues to severe depression, characterized by feelings of extreme sadness, exhaustion, anxiety, and changes in sleeping or eating patterns.
This condition not only affects the wellbeing of the mother but can also impact her ability to bond with and care for her newborn. Unlike the more transient "baby blues," postpartum depression is more intense and can persist if not addressed properly.
How does TCM view Postpartum Depression?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches postpartum depression as an imbalance of the body's vital energies and organ systems. Contrasting with Western medicine's focus on psychological and hormonal factors, TCM views PPD as a manifestation of disharmony in Qi (energy), Blood, and Yin.
TCM practitioners believe that childbirth can disrupt the body's balance, leading to deficiencies and stagnations that manifest as postpartum depression. Treatment is focused on restoring balance and nourishing the body at a deeper level.
Root Causes of Postpartum Depression in TCM
In TCM, postpartum depression is often attributed to a couple of key patterns. First, Blood Deficiency, particularly Heart Blood Deficiency, can lead to PPD symptoms like vivid dreaming and a general sense of unease. This pattern reflects a deficiency in the vital substances that nourish the Heart and Mind.
Secondly, Heart Yin Deficiency, characterized by symptoms like night sweats and a feeling of heat, indicates a deeper imbalance where the cooling, calming aspects of the body are depleted.
Additionally, Heart Blood Stagnation, marked by chest pain and emotional constriction, signifies a stagnation of blood affecting the emotional state. These patterns highlight the importance of a holistic approach in TCM to treat not just the symptoms but the root causes of postpartum depression.
Explore below more details about what might cause Postpartum depression according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Blood Deficiency
- Yin Deficiency
- Blood Stasis
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 Postpartum Depression
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Blood Deficiency | depression after giving birth, postnatal depression, postpartum depression, ppd, Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Hysteria, Neurasthenia | Gui Pi Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Postpartum Depression
To address these patterns, TCM recommends specific formulas and herbs. For Heart Blood Deficiency, Gui Pi Tang, which includes Ginseng (Ren Shen), is used to tonify Qi and Blood. In cases of Heart Yin Deficiency, Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan, with Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang), is prescribed to nourish the heart and calm the mind.
For Heart Blood Stagnation, a condition that can deeply impact the emotional wellbeing, Xiao Tiao Jing Tang with White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) is utilized to regulate Blood and alleviate emotional distress. These treatments are tailored to the individual, considering their unique presentation of postpartum depression, with the goal of restoring balance and promoting emotional and physical healing.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address postpartum depression, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Blood Deficiency
- Yin Deficiency
- Blood Stasis
Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
Gui Pi Tang
Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause postpartum depression, such as Heart Blood Deficiency
Learn moreTCM Herbs for Postpartum Depression
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address postpartum depression, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Postpartum depression 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 postpartum depression, like Gui Pi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for postpartum depression
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Gui Pi Tang | Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Liquorice (Gan Cao) | Gui Pi Tang |