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Suppressed Emotionsaccording to TCM

Causes Icon 1 cause Herbal Formulas Icon 1 herbal formula Herbs Icon 1 herb

Symptom family: Emotional Disturbances

Root Causes of Suppressed Emotions in TCM

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Liver
Detailed description of the cause

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 Suppressed Emotions

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation Suppressed emotions, 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... see more Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Detailed description of the cause

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 Suppressed Emotions

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation Suppressed emotions, 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... see more Chai Hu Shu Gan San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Suppressed Emotions

See more details below about Chai Hu Shu Gan San, a herbal formula used to address suppressed emotions.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Formulas that promote qi movement

Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Chai Hu Shu Gan San

Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause suppressed emotions, such as Liver Qi Stagnation

Learn more

Formulas that promote Qi movement

These formulas are suitable for some suppressed emotions-causing patterns like Liver Qi Stagnation.

One such formula is Chai Hu Shu Gan San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.

TCM Herbs for Suppressed Emotions

See more details below about Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a herb used to address suppressed emotions.

  • By Herb Category
  • Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior

Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior

Suppressed emotions can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.

One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for suppressed emotions, like Chai Hu Shu Gan San.