Symptom families: Fear and Anxiety, Behavioral Disorders

Parent symptom: Abnormal Behavior

Did you mean? Irritability

What is Restlessness?

Restlessness, in a medical context, refers to an individual's inability to remain still, often accompanied by a sense of inner unease. This condition manifests through constant fidgeting, involuntary movements, and an overwhelming need to move about. Restlessness can affect a person's ability to concentrate, sleep, or even engage in routine activities. It is commonly associated with anxiety, stress, or certain neurological conditions, leading to a persistent state of agitation and discomfort.

How Does TCM View Restlessness?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), restlessness is not seen as a singular symptom with a one-size-fits-all cause. Instead, TCM views restlessness as a manifestation of various underlying patterns of disharmony within the body. These patterns could stem from imbalances in the body's Yin and Yang, the Stagnation of Qi, or the presence of excess Heat. Identifying the specific pattern causing restlessness is essential for effective treatment, as different patterns require different therapeutic approaches.

Root Causes of Restlessness in TCM

Restlessness in TCM can be attributed to multiple causes, each reflecting a different pattern of disharmony. One common cause is the presence of Heat in the Blood, which can lead to symptoms like a feeling of heat, red skin eruptions, and frequent bleeding.

Another possible cause is Yin Deficiency, which manifests with symptoms like heat sensation in the palms, anxiety, and jumpiness. These examples highlight that restlessness can arise from various sources within the body's internal balance, and identifying the correct pattern is crucial for effective treatment.

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Heat
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Mind Disturbance
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Restlessness

Common Symptoms: Insomnia Thirst Anxiety Flushed Face Hematuria Dry Mouth Bitter Taste In The Mouth Feeling Of Heat

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heat in the Blood Restlessness, Restlnessness, Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood, Nosebleeds, Excessive menstruation... see more Qing Jing San | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Liang Di Tang | Di Gu Pi Yin | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Qing Ying Tang | Bai He Di Huang Tang | Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang | Gu Jing Wan | Shi Hui San | Hua Ban Tang | Qing Re Gu Jing Tang
Greater Yang Accumulation of Blood Restlessness, Lower abdominal distension, Lower abdominal fullness, Hematuria Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Heat in Uterus Blood Restlessness, Excessive menstruation, Sudden period before schedule, Dark menstrual blood, Sticky menstrual blood, Thirst, Flushed face, Anger, Anxiety, Dark urine, Constipation... see more Huai Jiao Wan
Damp-Heat Restlessness, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling of heat, Feeling of heaviness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Acne... see more Xiao Yao San | Er Miao San | Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency Restlnessness, Fidgeting, Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation, Hot palms and soles, Dry stools, Scanty and dark urine, Flushed cheekbones... see more Suan Zao Ren Tang | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang
Full-Heat in the Small Intestine Restlnessness, Restlessness, Insomnia, Tongue ulcers, Mouth ulcers, Throat pain, Deafness, Cardiac burning sensation, Abdominal pain, Craving for cold beverages, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Urinary burning... see more Dao Chi San
Half Exterior Half Interior Restlnessness, Chest distension, Bitter taste in the mouth, Dry cough, Anxiety, Restlessness, Vomit, Loss of appetite, Dizziness, Blurry vision... see more Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Heart Fire blazing Restlnessness, Palpitations, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Insomnia, Flushed face, Hematuria, Dark urine, Bitter taste in the mouth... see more Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin | Xie Xin Tang | Zi Xue Dan | Liang Ge San
Heat in Nutritive Qi level Restlnessness, Nighttime fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Restlessness, Insomnia, Delirium, Incoherent or confused speech, Aphasia, Macules... see more Qing Ying Tang | Bai He Di Huang Tang
Heat victorious agitating Blood Restlnessness, Restlessness, High fever, Mania, Macules, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Hematochezia, Hematuria... see more Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing Restlnessness, Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms, Afternoon heat sensation, Evening heat sensation, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Dry throat, Preference for sipping, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emission, Hypersexuality, Dry stools... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan
Pericardium Fire Restlnessness, Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Cardiac burning sensation, Rapid breath, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Vivid dreaming, Excessive menstruation... see more Xie Xin Tang | Zi Xue Dan
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium Restlnessness, 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 Wen Dan Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Zhi Bao Dan | Hui Chun Dan
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart Restlnessness, 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
Phlegm-Heat Restlnessness, Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces, Depression Wen Dan Tang | Ding Chuan Tang | Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Gun Tan Wan
Stomach Heat or Fire Restlnessness, Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Nausea, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Bad breath, Feeling of heat, Acne... see more Hua Ban Tang | Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Qing Wei San | Xie Huang San | Fei Er Wan
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat Restlessness, Toothache, Headaches, Loose teeth, Bleeding gums, Irritability, Thirst, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia... see more Gua Lou San
Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys Restlessness, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Insomnia, Palpitations, Poor memory, Lower back pain, Knee pain, Night sweats, Constipation, Menopausal hot flashes... see more Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel Restlessness, Vulvar itching, Yellow vaginal discharge, Painful intercourse, Irritability, Insomnia, Dark urine, Excessive vaginal discharge, Foul-Smelling vaginal discharge, Sticky vaginal discharge, Vaginal itching... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Heat invading the Pericardium Restlnessness, Fever, Irritability, Restlessness, Feeling of uneasiness, Incoherent or confused speech, Loss of consciousness, Viral encephalitis, Meningitis, Pertussis, Measles induced pneumonia... see more Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan
Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner Restlnessness, Lower abdominal pain, Nighttime fever, Incoherent or confused speech, Irritability, Restlessness, Thirst, Amenorrhea, Menstrual cramps, Uterine fibroids, Retained placenta... see more Tao He Cheng Qi Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Restlessness

The treatment of restlessness in TCM involves the use of specific herbal formulas tailored to the underlying pattern. For instance, in cases of Heat in the Blood, the formula Qing Jing San is often used, with Goji Tree Root Bark playing a crucial role in cooling the Blood and reducing agitation.

If the restlessness stems from Yin Deficiency, Zuo Gui Wan, which nourishes Yin and supports overall balance, may be more appropriate. The choice of formula and herbs is highly individualized, depending on the patient’s specific pattern of disharmony.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Heat
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Mind Disturbance

All Formulas Recommended for Restlessness Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Wen Dan Tang Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart, Phlegm-Heat... see more
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys, Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency... see more
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys, Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing... see more
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Heat in the Blood, Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel
Qing Ying Tang Heat in the Blood, Heat in Nutritive Qi level
Bai He Di Huang Tang Heat in the Blood, Heat in Nutritive Qi level
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang Heat in the Blood, Heat victorious agitating Blood
Hua Ban Tang Heat in the Blood, Stomach Heat or Fire
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang Greater Yang Accumulation of Blood, Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner... see more
Xie Xin Tang Heart Fire blazing, Pericardium Fire
Zi Xue Dan Heart Fire blazing, Pericardium Fire
Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
Liang Di Tang Heat in the Blood
Xiao Yao San Damp-Heat
Suan Zao Ren Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin Heart Fire blazing
Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
Qing Jing San Heat in the Blood
Di Gu Pi Yin Heat in the Blood
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Heat in the Blood
Gu Jing Wan Heat in the Blood
Shi Hui San Heat in the Blood
Qing Re Gu Jing Tang Heat in the Blood
Huai Jiao Wan Heat in Uterus Blood
Gua Lou San Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
Er Miao San Damp-Heat
Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang Damp-Heat
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Dao Chi San Full-Heat in the Small Intestine
Xiao Chai Hu Tang Half Exterior Half Interior
Liang Ge San Heart Fire blazing
Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan Heat invading the Pericardium
Zhi Bao Dan Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Hui Chun Dan Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Sheng Tie Luo Yin Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
Ding Chuan Tang Phlegm-Heat
Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan Phlegm-Heat
Gun Tan Wan Phlegm-Heat
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang Stomach Heat or Fire
Qing Wei San Stomach Heat or Fire
Xie Huang San Stomach Heat or Fire
Fei Er Wan Stomach Heat or Fire

Acupoints for Restlessness

Acupuncture is another integral component of TCM's approach to treating restlessness. Specific acupoints are chosen based on the underlying pattern contributing to the symptom. For example, Shenmen HE-7, located on the transverse crease of the wrist, is commonly used to calm the mind and nourish Heart Blood, which can help reduce restlessness.

Similarly, Daling P-7, found on the wrist, is employed to clear Heat and harmonize the Stomach, providing relief from symptoms rooted in internal heat. These points, among others, are selected to restore balance and tranquility to the body, addressing the root causes of restlessness.

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

  • By Meridian
  • Heart Channel
  • Pericardium Channel
  • Bladder Channel
Jiquan HE-1

Jiquan HE-1

In the center of the axilla, on the medial side of the axillary artery.

Shaohai HE-3

Shaohai HE-3

When the elbow is flexed slightly, Shaohai HE-3 is at the medial end of the transverse cubital crease, in the depression radius to the medial epicondyle of the humerus.

Lingdao HE-4

Lingdao HE-4

On the radial side of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris, 1.5 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist when the palm faces upward.

Tongli HE-5

Tongli HE-5

On the radial side of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris muscle, 1 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist when the palm faces upward.

Shenmen HE-7

Shenmen HE-7

On the transverse crease of the wrist, in the articular region between the pisiform bone and the ulna, in the depression on the radial side of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris muscle.

Shaofu HE-8

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.

Shaochong HE-9

Shaochong HE-9

On the radial side of the little finger, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail.

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