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 |
Yin Deficiency
Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more
Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Postpartum Depression
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Yin Deficiency | depression after giving birth, postnatal depression, postpartum depression, ppd, Night sweats, Feeling of uneasiness, Feeling of heat, Heat sensation in palms, Hysteria, Neurasthenia... see more | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang |
Blood Stasis
Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more
Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Postpartum Depression
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Blood Stagnation | depression after giving birth, postnatal depression, postpartum depression, ppd, Stabbing chest pain, Chest constriction, Stifling sensation in the chest | Xiao Tiao Jing Tang |
Heart
In TCM the Heart is considered the "emperor" of all organs, primarily responsible for governing Blood and housing the mind, known as "Shen." It plays a crucial role in maintaining mental-emotional equilibrium and controlling the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Heart is imbalanced or malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues like heart palpitations, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, and a flushed complexion. Emotional disturbances such as excessive joy or lack of joy are also seen as signs of Heart disharmony. These symptoms reflect not just physical heart conditions but also the state of one's Shen, indicating the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being in TCM.... see more
Heart Patterns That Can Lead to Postpartum Depression
Common Symptoms: Palpitations Easily Startled Vivid Dreaming Hysteria Neurasthenia Insomnia Poor Memory Dizziness
| 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 |
| Heart Yin Deficiency | depression after giving birth, postnatal depression, postpartum depression, ppd, Night sweats, Feeling of uneasiness, Feeling of heat, Heat sensation in palms, Hysteria, Neurasthenia... see more | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang |
| Heart Blood Stagnation | depression after giving birth, postnatal depression, postpartum depression, ppd, Stabbing chest pain, Chest constriction, Stifling sensation in the chest | Xiao Tiao Jing 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 more
Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan
Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause postpartum depression, such as Heart Yin Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Postpartum Depression Caused by Yin Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Heart Yin Deficiency |
| Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang | Heart Yin Deficiency |
Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Xiao Tiao Jing Tang
Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause postpartum depression, such as Heart Blood Stagnation
Learn moreFormulas that tonify Qi and Blood
These formulas are suitable for some postpartum depression-causing patterns like Heart Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Gui Pi Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
These formulas are suitable for some postpartum depression-causing patterns like Heart Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan, with unprepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some postpartum depression-causing patterns like Heart Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that regulate Blood
These formulas are suitable for some postpartum depression-causing patterns like Heart Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Xiao Tiao Jing Tang, with white peony root as a key herb.
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Postpartum depression can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Dang Gui Shao Yao San, with white peony root as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify
Postpartum depression 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 Yu Lin Zhu, with cuscuta seeds as a key herb.
TCM 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 |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Postpartum depression 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 Dong Quai (Dang Gui), a key herb in some formulas recommended for postpartum depression, like Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for postpartum depression
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dong Quai (Dang Gui) | Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang | Xiao Tiao Jing Tang |
| White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) | Xiao Tiao Jing Tang | Dang Gui Shao Yao San |
| Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) | Yu Lin Zhu |
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Postpartum depression 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 postpartum depression, like Yu Lin Zhu.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency" recommended for postpartum depression
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cuscuta Seeds (Tu Si Zi) | Yu Lin Zhu |
| Eucommia Bark (Du Zhong) | Yu Lin Zhu |
Herbs that cool the Blood
Postpartum depression 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 postpartum depression, like Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan.