Dysautonomiaaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Neurological Disorders
What is Dysautonomia?
Dysautonomia refers to a disorder of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. Individuals with dysautonomia experience a malfunctioning of these automatic processes, leading to a wide range of symptoms including but not limited to abnormal heart rates, fainting, unstable blood pressure, and digestive issues.
Because the ANS regulates so many critical functions, dysautonomia can significantly impact one's quality of life, presenting challenges that vary greatly in severity and symptoms.
How does TCM view Dysautonomia?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dysautonomia is seen through the lens of imbalance within the body's internal systems. Unlike the Western approach that categorizes it as a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, TCM interprets the symptoms associated with dysautonomia as manifestations of disharmony between the fundamental elements of Qi, Yin, Yang, and Blood.
The focus is on identifying the underlying imbalances that disrupt the body's natural state of equilibrium, leading to the diverse and complex symptoms observed in dysautonomia. Diagnosis and treatment in TCM, therefore, aim to restore balance and harmony to the body's vital energies.
Causes of Dysautonomia According to TCM
TCM identifies several patterns that could lead to symptoms associated with dysautonomia, focusing particularly on the imbalance of Qi and Blood and the disharmony between the Heart and Kidneys. For example, Heart and Kidney Yin Deficiency highlights a depletion of the cooling, nourishing elements in the body, leading to symptoms like palpitations and insomnia, while Phlegm Fire harassing the Heart points to an accumulation of Heat and Phlegm that disturbs mental clarity and emotional stability.
These patterns underscore the importance of a holistic approach to address the root causes of dysautonomia in TCM.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Dysautonomia
To address the complex patterns associated with dysautonomia, TCM utilizes a variety of herbal formulas designed to nourish Yin, clear Heat, stabilize the exterior, and transform Phlegm. Formulas such as Huang Lian E Jiao Tang and Jiao Tai Wan are prescribed to treat Yin Deficiency and harmonize the Heart and Kidneys, thereby mitigating the symptoms of autonomic dysfunction.
Similarly, Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang and Wen Dan Tang are used for conditions marked by Phlegm Heat, effectively clearing Heat and transforming Phlegm to restore mental clarity and emotional balance. Through these carefully selected formulas, TCM aims to realign the body's internal environment, promoting the proper function of the autonomic processes.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address dysautonomia, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
- Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
- Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
- Formulas that stabilize exterior and stop sweating
- Formulas that secure essence and stop enuresis
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
- Formulas that clear qi-level heat
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
Dysautonomia 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 Huang Lian E Jiao Tang, with goldthread rhizome 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 dysautonomia
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), Donkey-Hide Gelatin (E Jiao) |
| Jiao Tai Wan | Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) |
Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm
Dysautonomia 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 dysautonomia
| 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 from Deficiency
Dysautonomia can be treated by these formulas if it is due to an imbalance where yin deficiency leads to a false heat syndrome.
One such formula is Bai He Di Huang Tang, with lily bulb as a key herb.
Formulas that stabilize Exterior and stop sweating
Dysautonomia can be treated by these formulas if it arises from a weakness in the body's exterior defense, leading to spontaneous sweating.
One such formula is Mu Li San, with oyster shells as a key herb.
Formulas that secure Essence and stop enuresis
Dysautonomia can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by a deficiency in the body's essence, leading to symptoms like involuntary urination.
One such formula is Sang Piao Xiao San, with praying mantis egg-Case as a key herb.
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
Dysautonomia can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold in the middle jiao (digestive region), necessitating warming and cold-dispelling actions.
One such formula is Xiao Jian Zhong Tang, with maltose as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Qi-level Heat
Dysautonomia can be treated by these formulas when it results from an intense heat condition at the qi level, affecting the body's energy flow.
One such formula is Zhi Zi Chi Tang, with cape jasmine fruit as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Dysautonomia
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address dysautonomia, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Dysautonomia can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Lily Bulbs (Bai He), a key herb in some formulas recommended for dysautonomia, like Bai He Di Huang Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Dysautonomia 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 Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for dysautonomia, like Huang Lian E Jiao Tang.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Dysautonomia 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 Donkey-Hide Gelatin (E Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for dysautonomia, like Huang Lian E Jiao Tang.
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Dysautonomia 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 dysautonomia, like Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang.
Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit
Dysautonomia 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 Oyster Shells (Mu Li ke), a key herb in some formulas recommended for dysautonomia, like Mu Li San.
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Dysautonomia 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 Praying Mantis Egg-Cases (Sang Piao Shao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for dysautonomia, like Sang Piao Xiao San.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Dysautonomia 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 Maltose (Yi Tang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for dysautonomia, like Xiao Jian Zhong Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Dysautonomia can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for dysautonomia, like Zhi Zi Chi Tang.