Suicidal Thoughtsaccording to TCM

What are Suicidal Thoughts?

Suicidal thoughts encompass a spectrum of considerations, ranging from fleeting considerations of death to formulated plans for ending one’s life. These thoughts signify profound emotional distress and can be symptomatic of serious mental health conditions.

They are not to be taken lightly and require immediate attention from mental health professionals. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, they are seen as manifestations of deep internal disharmony, signaling a need for urgent care.

How does TCM View Suicidal Thoughts?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, suicidal thoughts are seen as an extreme expression of imbalance within the body's vital energies. TCM practitioners approach such severe emotional distress as a symptom of underlying imbalances in Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, or Yang.

Correctly identifying the pattern of disharmony—be it Stagnation, Deficiency, or Excess—is crucial, as it guides a tailored treatment plan. TCM emphasizes restoring equilibrium and addressing both the psychological and physiological aspects of health.

Root Causes of Suicidal Thoughts in TCM

TCM posits that suicidal thoughts can arise from severe emotional turmoil, often linked to Blood Stagnation, where the smooth flow of Blood and Qi is disrupted, leading to emotional and physical pain.

Heart Blood Stagnation, for instance, is characterized by symptoms such as chest pain and a feeling of oppression, reflecting the profound internal blockages that can give rise to despairing thoughts. Addressing these patterns with care, compassion, and precision is essential in TCM to alleviate such intense psychological suffering.

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

By Syndrome
By Organ

Blood Stasis

Heart

Blood Stasis

Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more

Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Suicidal Thoughts

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Heart Blood Stagnation	Suicidal thoughts, Stabbing chest pain, Chest constriction, Stifling sensation in the chest	Xiao Tiao Jing Tang

Heart

In TCM the Heart is considered the "emperor" of all organs, primarily responsible for governing Blood and housing the mind, known as "Shen." It plays a crucial role in maintaining mental-emotional equilibrium and controlling the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Heart is imbalanced or malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues like heart palpitations, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, and a flushed complexion. Emotional disturbances such as excessive joy or lack of joy are also seen as signs of Heart disharmony. These symptoms reflect not just physical heart conditions but also the state of one's Shen, indicating the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being in TCM.... see more

Heart Patterns That Can Lead to Suicidal Thoughts

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Heart Blood Stagnation	Suicidal thoughts, Stabbing chest pain, Chest constriction, Stifling sensation in the chest	Xiao Tiao Jing Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Suicidal Thoughts

In treating conditions as critical as suicidal thoughts, TCM practitioners may turn to specific formulas that target the underlying patterns. For Heart Blood Stagnation, a formula like Xiao Tiao Jing Tang, containing White Peony Roots (Bai Shao), can be prescribed.

This herb is known for its properties to soothe the Liver, nourish the Blood, and help ease the Mind. Each treatment regimen is customized, with the goal of unblocking stagnation and restoring a sense of peace and balance to the mind and body.

See more details below about Xiao Tiao Jing Tang, a herbal formula used to address suicidal thoughts.

By Cause
By Formula Type

Blood Stasis

Formulas that regulate blood

Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Xiao Tiao Jing Tang

Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause suicidal thoughts, such as Heart Blood Stagnation

Learn more

Formulas that regulate Blood

These formulas are suitable for some suicidal thoughts-causing patterns like Heart Blood Stagnation.

One such formula is Xiao Tiao Jing Tang, with white peony root as a key herb.

Acupoints for Suicidal Thoughts

Acupuncture, a key component of TCM, can be used to address the profound distress associated with suicidal thoughts. Points such as Feishu BL-13 and Pohu BL-42 on the Bladder Channel are selected for their ability to strengthen Lung Qi and clear the Mind.

In the Governing Vessel, Fengfu DU-16 is utilized for its profound impact on calming the Mind and stabilizing the spirit. These points, among others, are carefully chosen to create a harmonious flow of Qi, aiming to alleviate mental anguish and restore emotional equilibrium.

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