Sense Of Frustrationaccording to TCM

What is Sense of Frustration?

A sense of frustration is a common emotional response that arises when an individual feels blocked or hindered in their efforts to achieve a goal or satisfy a need. This emotion can manifest as irritability, impatience, or even anger when faced with obstacles, whether they are external challenges or internal conflicts. Over time, chronic frustration can lead to emotional stress, impacting both mental and physical well-being. In many cases, frustration is a temporary feeling that resolves when the obstacle is removed, but if persistent, it can contribute to more significant emotional disturbances.

How Does TCM View Sense of Frustration?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a sense of frustration is often viewed as a result of disharmony within the body's energy systems, particularly involving the flow of Qi, the vital life force. Unlike Western medicine, which may see frustration primarily as a psychological issue, TCM recognizes it as a symptom of underlying imbalances in the body's internal environment.

Different patterns of disharmony can cause feelings of frustration, making it essential to identify the correct pattern before treatment. The goal of TCM is to restore balance, thereby alleviating the emotional strain.

Root Causes of Sense Of Frustration in TCM

One of the primary causes of frustration in TCM is Qi Stagnation, particularly within the Liver. Liver Qi Stagnation occurs when the smooth flow of Qi is disrupted, leading to a build-up of energy that manifests as emotional tension and frustration. This pattern is often accompanied by symptoms such as hypochondriac or abdominal distention, sighing, and mood swings.

The Liver, responsible for maintaining the free flow of Qi throughout the body, becomes constrained, creating a sense of being emotionally blocked. While Liver Qi Stagnation is a common cause, other patterns may also contribute to feelings of frustration, highlighting the importance of a personalized diagnosis in TCM.

Explore below more details about what might cause Sense of frustration according to TCM.

Qi Stagnation

Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more

Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Sense Of Frustration

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation	Feelings of frustration, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger, Melasma... see more	Chai Hu Shu Gan San

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Sense Of Frustration

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation	Feelings of frustration, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger, Melasma... see more	Chai Hu Shu Gan San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Sense Of Frustration

The treatment of frustration in TCM often involves the use of formulas designed to move and regulate Qi. For instance, Chai Hu Shu Gan San is a well-known formula used to address Liver Qi Stagnation, a common underlying cause of frustration. This formula includes Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) as a key herb, which helps to release the stagnation and restore the smooth flow of Qi. The choice of formula depends on the individual’s specific pattern of disharmony, ensuring that the treatment is tailored to their unique needs and condition.

See more details below about Chai Hu Shu Gan San, a herbal formula used to address sense of frustration.

Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Chai Hu Shu Gan San

Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause sense of frustration, such as Liver Qi Stagnation

Learn more

Acupoints for Sense Of Frustration

Acupuncture plays a significant role in treating frustration by targeting specific acupoints that help to alleviate Qi stagnation and balance the body’s energies. One such point is Hunmen BL-47, located on the Bladder Channel, 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the 9th thoracic vertebra. This point is particularly effective in resolving Liver Qi Stagnation, helping to release the built-up tension and root the Ethereal Soul. By stimulating this acupoint, acupuncture can provide relief from the emotional distress associated with frustration, promoting a sense of calm and emotional stability.

See more details below about Hunmen BL-47, an acupoint used to address sense of frustration.

Hunmen BL-47

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9).