Symptom family: Coma

What is Coma?

A coma is a deep state of prolonged unconsciousness in which individuals cannot be awakened, fail to respond normally to painful stimuli, light, or sound, lack a normal wake-sleep cycle, and do not initiate voluntary actions.

Comas can result from various conditions, including severe injuries to the brain, such as trauma or stroke, illnesses that affect the brain, like diabetes or infections, and substances that alter brain function, including drugs and alcohol. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for treatment and prognosis.

How does TCM view Coma?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets coma as a severe disturbance in the balance of Yin and Yang within the body, affecting the flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on the physical causes of coma, TCM considers both the physical and spiritual aspects, attributing coma to factors such as Phlegm obstruction, Internal Wind, extreme Heat, or a Deficiency of vital substances. Identifying the specific disharmony is key to TCM treatment, aiming to restore balance and awaken the patient from the coma.

Root Causes of Coma in TCM

In TCM, coma is commonly associated with patterns like Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium or Phlegm Misting the Heart. Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium can lead to symptoms like restlessness, insomnia, and palpitations alongside coma, indicating an accumulation of Fire and Phlegm in the Heart protector.

Phlegm Misting the Heart presents with confusion, slurred speech, and vomiting, reflecting Phlegm obscuring the Heart's mental faculties. These patterns emphasize the significance of clearing Phlegm and Heat to restore consciousness.

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
Detailed description of the cause

Phlegm

In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more

Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Coma

Common Symptoms: Noisy Breathing Incoherent Or Confused Speech Confusion Talking To Oneself Depression Aphasia Palpitations Flushed Face

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium Coma, Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression, Stifling sensation in the chest, Chest pain, Rapid breath... see more Zhi Bao Dan | Wen Dan Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Hui Chun Dan
Phlegm Misting the Heart Coma, Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia, Noisy breathing, Vomit... see more Wen Dan Tang | Di Tan Tang | Gun Tan Wan | Su He Xiang Wan
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart Coma, Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression... see more Wen Dan Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Sheng Tie Luo Yin
Turbid Phlegm Blocks Orifices Sudden collapse, Coma, Loss of consciousness, Clenching of teeth, Shortness of breath, Pale face, Copious sputum, Drooling... see more Tong Guan San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Coma

To address coma, TCM recommends formulas such as Zhi Bao Dan and Wen Dan Tang for patterns involving Phlegm and Heat. Zhi Bao Dan, with ingredients like Water Buffalo Horns, is used to clear Heat and open sensory orifices, particularly effective for Phlegm Fire disturbing the Pericardium.

Wen Dan Tang, containing Crow-Dipper Rhizomes, targets Phlegm Dampness affecting the Heart and Gallbladder, aiming to clear the mind and resolve Dampness. These formulas illustrate TCM’s approach to treating the intricate imbalances leading to coma.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address coma, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type

All Formulas Recommended for Coma Caused by Phlegm

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Wen Dan Tang Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, Phlegm Misting the Heart, Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart... see more
Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
Zhi Bao Dan Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Hui Chun Dan Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Di Tan Tang Phlegm Misting the Heart
Gun Tan Wan Phlegm Misting the Heart
Su He Xiang Wan Phlegm Misting the Heart
Sheng Tie Luo Yin Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
Tong Guan San Turbid Phlegm Blocks Orifices

Acupoints for Coma

Acupuncture plays a crucial role in TCM's treatment of coma, with specific acupoints like Huiyin REN-1, Jianshi P-5, and Renzhong DU-26 being pivotal. Huiyin REN-1 is believed to restore consciousness and regulate genitalia, while Jianshi P-5 opens the mind's orifices, removing Phlegm and calming the spirit.

Renzhong DU-26, located below the nose, is particularly valued for its ability to restore consciousness and expel Wind. Stimulating these acupoints can help awaken the patient by restoring the flow of Qi and addressing the spiritual aspects underlying the coma.

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

  • By Meridian
  • Directing Vessel
  • Pericardium Channel
  • Governing Vessel
Huiyin REN-1

Huiyin REN-1

In the center of the perineum.

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