Psychosisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Mental Health Disorders
Sub-symptom(s): Schizophrenia Bipolar Disorder Early Stage Schizophrenia
Did you mean? Neuroses Emotional Disorder
What is Psychosis?
Psychosis is a serious mental health condition characterized by an impaired relationship with reality. It often involves hallucinations or delusions, where individuals may see, hear, or believe things that are not real.
Psychosis can be a symptom of various psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and can also occur in early stage schizophrenia. It significantly impacts a person's thoughts, emotions, and behavior, and can disrupt their ability to carry out daily activities.
How does TCM view Psychosis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches psychosis differently from Western medicine. TCM sees it as a manifestation of imbalances and disharmonies within the body's energy system or Qi.
This perspective suggests that psychosis can result from various underlying patterns of disharmony. TCM emphasizes the importance of identifying these specific patterns in order to provide effective treatment, focusing on restoring balance and harmony to the body as a whole.
Causes of Psychosis According to TCM
In TCM, psychosis is understood to arise from multiple potential causes. One key cause is the imbalance of Phlegm-Fire, where an excess of internal Heat and disturbed fluid metabolism lead to mental disturbances.
Another cause can be Qi Stagnation, where the life force of the body is blocked or unbalanced, affecting mental clarity and emotional stability. These examples reflect the holistic nature of TCM, where mental health is intricately linked to the balance of physical and energetic systems within the body.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Psychosis
TCM treatment for psychosis involves a variety of herbal formulas, each tailored to address specific underlying patterns. For conditions like Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart, formulas such as Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang, with key herbs like Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), are used.
Other formulas, such as Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang, are used for Qi Stagnation patterns. These formulas belong to categories like those that dry dampness and transform Phlegm or those that promote Qi movement. The choice of formula is determined based on a comprehensive TCM diagnosis, ensuring that the treatment aligns with the individual's unique pattern of disharmony.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address psychosis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
- Formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm
- Formulas that sedate and calm the mind
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
- Formulas that promote qi movement
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that warm and open sensory orifices
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
- Formulas that purge heat accumulation
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Psychosis 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 Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang, with peach kernel as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for psychosis
Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm
Psychosis can be treated by these formulas when there's an accumulation of dampness and phlegm in the body, requiring herbs that dry dampness and transform phlegm.
One such formula is Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm" recommended for psychosis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) |
| Wen Dan Tang | Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) |
Formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm
Psychosis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm if it is linked to heat leading to phlegm accumulation.
One such formula is Xiao Xian Xiong Tang, with snake gourd as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm" recommended for psychosis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Xiao Xian Xiong Tang | Snake Gourds (Gua Lou) |
| Gun Tan Wan | Chlorite Schist (Meng Shi) |
Formulas that sedate and calm the Mind
Psychosis can be treated by these formulas when it stems from an agitated or disturbed mental state, requiring calming and mind-stabilizing actions.
One such formula is Ci Zhu Wan, with magnetite as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that sedate and calm the mind" recommended for psychosis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Ci Zhu Wan | Magnetite (Ci Shi) |
| Sheng Tie Luo Yin | Oxidized Iron Filings (Sheng Tie Luo), Cinnabar (Zhu Sha) |
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
Psychosis can be treated by these formulas when it stems from a disharmony between the heart and the mind, often manifesting as emotional disturbances or sleep issues.
One such formula is Gan Mai Da Zao Tang, with light wheat as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind" recommended for psychosis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Gan Mai Da Zao Tang | Light Wheats (Fu Xiao Mai) |
| Suan Zao Ren Tang | Jujube Seeds (Suan Zao Ren) |
Formulas that promote Qi movement
Psychosis 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 clear Heat from the Organs
Psychosis can be treated by these formulas if it stems from an excess heat condition in specific organs, leading to internal disharmony.
One such formula is Dang Gui Long Hui Wan, with dong quai as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and open sensory orifices
Psychosis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold affecting the sensory orifices, requiring warming and opening actions.
One such formula is Tong Guan San, with chinese honeylocust abnormal fruit as a key herb.
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
Psychosis 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 purge Heat accumulation
Psychosis 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 Da Cheng Qi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
Psychosis can be treated by these formulas when it results from external wind invasion disrupting the body's surface and normal function, requiring wind-dispersing actions.
One such formula is Feng Yin Tang, with dragon bones as a key herb.
Acupoints for Psychosis
Explore below some acupoints used to address psychosis, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Governing Vessel
- Stomach Channel
- Gall Bladder Channel
TCM Herbs for Psychosis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address psychosis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
- Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit
Psychosis can be treated by these herbs if it stems from disturbances in the Shen (spirit), often due to instability in the heart and kidney energies.
One such herb is Magnetite (Ci Shi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for psychosis, like Ci Zhu Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit" recommended for psychosis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Magnetite (Ci Shi) | Ci Zhu Wan |
| Dragon Bones (Long Gu) | Feng Yin Tang |
| Oyster Shells (Mu Li ke) | Feng Yin Tang |
| Oxidized Iron Filings (Sheng Tie Luo) | Sheng Tie Luo Yin |
| Cinnabar (Zhu Sha) | Sheng Tie Luo Yin |
| Dragon Tooth (Long Chi) | Not applicable |
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Psychosis can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for psychosis, like Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for psychosis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Tao He Cheng Qi Tang |
| Safflowers (Hong Hua) | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang |
| Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang |
| Leeches (Shui Zhi) | Di Dang Tang |
| Tabanus Horseflies (Meng Chong) | Di Dang Tang |
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Psychosis 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 Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), a key herb in some formulas recommended for psychosis, like Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for psychosis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) | Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Wen Dan Tang |
| Chinese Honeylocust Abnormal Fruits (Zhu Ya Zao) | Tong Guan San |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Psychosis 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 Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for psychosis, like Dang Gui Long Hui Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for psychosis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao) | Dang Gui Long Hui Wan |
| Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) | Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang |
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Psychosis can be treated by these herbs when it is related to heat-phlegm accumulation, aiding in dissolving phlegm and soothing the respiratory system.
One such herb is Snake Gourds (Gua Lou), a key herb in some formulas recommended for psychosis, like Xiao Xian Xiong Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for psychosis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Snake Gourds (Gua Lou) | Xiao Xian Xiong Tang |
| Chlorite Schist (Meng Shi) | Gun Tan Wan |
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Psychosis 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 psychosis, like Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Psychosis 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 psychosis, like Dang Gui Long Hui Wan.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Psychosis 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 psychosis, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Psychosis 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 psychosis, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Psychosis 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 psychosis, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Psychosis 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 Liquorice (Gan Cao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for psychosis, like Feng Yin Tang.
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Psychosis 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 Light Wheats (Fu Xiao Mai), a key herb in some formulas recommended for psychosis, like Gan Mai Da Zao Tang.
Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit
Psychosis can be treated by these herbs when it is linked to deficiencies in heart nourishment, addressing both physical and emotional imbalances.
One such herb is Jujube Seeds (Suan Zao Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for psychosis, like Suan Zao Ren Tang.