Worryaccording to TCM

What is Worry?

Worry is an emotional state characterized by feelings of unease, apprehension, and persistent concern about potential negative outcomes. It often involves excessive thinking about possible threats or problems and is commonly associated with anxiety. While worry can be a normal response to stress, it becomes problematic when it interferes with daily functioning or leads to physical symptoms like tension, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. In Western medicine, worry is often understood in terms of psychological and physiological processes, such as stress responses or cognitive distortions.

How Does TCM View Worry?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, worry is not viewed solely as a psychological issue but is seen as an imbalance within the body's energy systems. Unlike the Western perspective that focuses on psychological causes, TCM emphasizes that worry can arise from various patterns of disharmony, such as imbalances in Qi, Blood, or internal organs.

Therefore, identifying the correct underlying pattern is crucial for effective treatment. TCM considers worry a result of the body's inability to maintain harmony, with different patterns requiring distinct therapeutic approaches.

Root Causes of Worry in TCM

In TCM, worry is often linked to specific disharmonies within the body's energy systems. One common cause is Liver Qi Stagnation, which may lead to emotional disturbances, including worry, as the Liver plays a crucial role in regulating the smooth flow of Qi and emotions.

Another potential cause is Heart Yin Deficiency, where the body's ability to nourish the Heart and calm the Mind is compromised, resulting in restlessness and worry. While these are two frequent patterns associated with worry, it is essential to understand that there are many other patterns that could contribute to this symptom, and each individual case must be assessed thoroughly to determine the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Explore below more details about what might cause Worry according to TCM.

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 Worry

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels	Tendency to worry, Irregular periods, Brown vaginal discharge, Dark menstrual clots, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Lower abdominal pain, Umbilical pain, Breast engorgement, Breast pain... see more	Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Worry

In TCM, herbal remedies are often used to address the underlying patterns of disharmony that cause worry. For example, herbs that invigorate the Blood, such as Rice wine (Mi Jiu), can be used when worry is due to Blood Stagnation, helping to promote circulation and reduce emotional distress.

Another category is herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit, like Silktree Albizia Flowers (He Huan Hua), which target the Heart and Liver to relieve Liver Qi Stagnation and help ease emotional tension. The choice of herbs will depend on the individual's specific pattern of disharmony and the overall condition of their health.

See more details below about Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan, a herbal formula used to address worry.

Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan

Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause worry, such as Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels

Learn more

Acupoints for Worry

Acupuncture can be an effective tool in managing worry by addressing the underlying patterns of disharmony in TCM. Certain acupoints are specifically recommended for calming the mind and restoring balance. For example, Shentang BL-44 on the Bladder Channel can help clear Heart Fire and regulate Qi in the chest, providing emotional calm. Yishe BL-49, also on the Bladder Channel, is used to resolve Damp-Heat and benefit cognitive functions.

On the Heart Channel, Shaofu HE-8 can clear various forms of Heart Fire and calm the mind. Lastly, Zhongwan REN-12 on the Directing Vessel helps harmonize the Middle Burner and calm the mind, making it a versatile point in addressing worry. Each acupoint targets a specific imbalance, and the selection will depend on the individual's unique presentation.

Explore below some acupoints used to address worry, organized by meridian.

Shentang BL-44

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 5th thoracic vertebra (T5).

Yishe BL-49

3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra (T11).

Shaofu HE-8

On the palmar surface, between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones. When a fist is made, the point is where the tip of the little finger rests.

Zhongwan REN-12

On the midline of the abdomen, 4 cun above the umbilicus and 4 cun below the sternocostal angle.

Taichong LIV-3

On the dorsum of the foot, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones, in the depression proximal to the metatarsophalangeal joints and the proximal angle between the two bones.