Hysteriaaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Neurological Disorders
What is Hysteria?
Hysteria, in the realms of both contemporary psychology and historical medicine, denotes a condition marked by emotional excess. Though its definition has evolved over time, it generally encapsulates what modern diagnostics refer to as conversion disorder—a manifestation of psychological stress in physical symptoms without a discernible organic cause.
These symptoms can be varied, often dramatic, and include psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, paralysis, or other sensory disturbances. Traditional nomenclature such as 'hysterical disorder' and 'conversion hysteria' reflects the enigmatic nature of the condition, which remains a complex challenge in mental health.
How Does TCM View Hysteria?
In the landscape of Traditional Chinese Medicine, hysteria is perceived through a lens of holistic balance, or the lack thereof, within the body's internal ecosystem. The ancient practice interprets such psychological disturbances as a disharmony in the vital life force—Qi—and the Blood, often precipitated by emotional turmoil or physiological imbalances.
The goal is to discern the 'pattern'—a unique TCM concept of symptom clusters that reflect an underlying imbalance. Recognizing these patterns, such as Qi Stagnation or a deficiency of heart blood, is essential in TCM, as they guide the practitioner to the most harmonious treatment path.
Causes of Hysteria According to TCM
In the delicate equilibrium of body and mind that TCM seeks to maintain, the causes of hysteria are multifactorial and nuanced. The Liver, seen as the seat of emotions, when constrained, can lead to Qi Stagnation—resulting in emotional volatility and physical symptoms associated with hysteria.
Similarly, the Heart, which houses the Mind or 'Shen' in TCM, when Deficient in blood, can fail to anchor the Shen, leading to restlessness and disquietude. Another common pattern is the unsettling influence of Phlegm, which, when clouding the Mind, can lead to confusion and emotional distress. It is the astute analysis of these patterns that allows TCM practitioners to tailor their therapeutic approaches effectively.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Hysteria
The multifaceted nature of hysteria in TCM is addressed with a range of herbal formulas. For example, the warming and sensory-orifice-opening properties of Su He Xiang Wan target the dispelling of Phlegm that obscures the Heart and Mind, a common pathological pattern in hysteria.
For cases where underlying Heat arises from Deficiency, cooling formulas like Bai He Di Huang Tang serve to nourish Yin and clear the resulting Heat, thus calming the Shen and alleviating agitation. When Qi Stagnation plays a role, formulas such as Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang are employed to ensure the free flow of Qi, particularly in the digestive and emotional realms, thereby easing the somatic manifestations of hysteria.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address hysteria, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that warm and open sensory orifices
- Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
- Formulas that promote qi movement
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
Formulas that warm and open sensory orifices
Hysteria 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 Su He Xiang Wan, with styrax resin as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm and open sensory orifices" recommended for hysteria
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Su He Xiang Wan | Styrax (Su He Xiang), Musk (She Xiang), Borneol (Bing Pian), Benzoin (An Xi Xiang) |
| Tong Guan San | Chinese Honeylocust Abnormal Fruits (Zhu Ya Zao) |
Formulas that clear Heat from Deficiency
Hysteria 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 promote Qi movement
Hysteria 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 nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
Hysteria 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.
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Hysteria 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 Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, with peach kernel as a key herb.
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
Hysteria 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 Hysteria
Acupuncture, another pillar of TCM, employs specific points to restore balance. For example, Zhengying GB-17 on the Gall Bladder meridian is often selected for its potential to clear the mind and subdue excess Yang, which in TCM terms, can contribute to the manic manifestations of hysteria. Each point is chosen not only for its local influence but also for its capacity to harmonize the flow of Qi throughout the body, reflecting the interconnected nature of human physiology as understood by TCM.
In crafting a treatment plan, TCM practitioners weave together a tapestry of interventions—dietary, herbal, and acupuncture-based—to not just treat hysteria but to nurture a state of wellness that preempts its recurrence.
See more details below about Zhengying GB-17, an acupoint used to address hysteria.
- By Meridian
- Gall Bladder Channel
TCM Herbs for Hysteria
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address hysteria, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that open the orifices
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
Herbs that open the Orifices
Hysteria can be treated by these herbs if it's a result of blockages in the body's sensory orifices, aiding in restoring clarity and consciousness.
One such herb is Styrax (Su He Xiang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hysteria, like Su He Xiang Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that open the Orifices" recommended for hysteria
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Styrax (Su He Xiang) | Su He Xiang Wan |
| Musk (She Xiang) | Su He Xiang Wan |
| Borneol (Bing Pian) | Su He Xiang Wan |
| Benzoin (An Xi Xiang) | Su He Xiang Wan |
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Hysteria 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 hysteria, 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 hysteria
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) | Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang |
| Chinese Honeylocust Abnormal Fruits (Zhu Ya Zao) | Tong Guan San |
Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit
Hysteria 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 Dragon Bones (Long Gu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hysteria, like Feng Yin Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit" recommended for hysteria
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dragon Bones (Long Gu) | Feng Yin Tang |
| Oyster Shells (Mu Li ke) | Feng Yin Tang |
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Hysteria 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 hysteria, like Bai He Di Huang Tang.
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Hysteria 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 hysteria, like Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang.
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Hysteria 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 hysteria, like Gan Mai Da Zao Tang.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Hysteria 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 hysteria, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Hysteria 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 hysteria, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Hysteria 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 hysteria, like Feng Yin Tang.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Hysteria 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 hysteria, like Feng Yin Tang.