Summary of Insufficient Gastric Motility (Indigestion) from a TCM Perspective In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM),…
Fatigue and Stress
Summary of Fatigue and Stress from a TCM Perspective
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TTCM), fatigue is not just a symptom but a distinct condition resulting from the depletion of the body’s fundamental energy, known as “Qi” (元气), combined with emotional or psychological disharmony. It involves the dysfunction of all five major organ systems but is primarily related to the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney.
The core treatment principle is to tonify deficiency to support healthy Qi (扶正补虚) while also calming the Spirit to relieve mental strain (祛疲安神). Treatment is tailored to the specific organ system that is most affected:
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Spleen-Related Fatigue (从脾治): Arises from poor diet, overthinking, or overwork. It manifests as physical lethargy, poor appetite, and loose stools. The treatment principle is to tonify Qi, strengthen the Spleen, dispel fatigue, and nourish the Spirit.
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Liver-Related Fatigue (从肝治): Caused by excessive stress, emotional volatility, or overconsumption of alcohol. It presents as physical exhaustion, muscle weakness, and irritability. The principle is to nourish Yin to soften the Liver, dispel fatigue, and awaken the Spirit.
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Heart-Related Fatigue (从心治): Stems from excessive mental strain, anxiety, and a fast-paced lifestyle. Symptoms include palpitations, dream-disturbed sleep, and mental exhaustion. The principle is to nourish and calm the Heart, dispel fatigue, and benefit the Spirit.
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Kidney-Related Fatigue (从肾治): Related to congenital weakness, chronic illness, or long-term exhaustion (burnout). It manifests as deep physical and mental exhaustion, lower back pain, and poor memory. The principle is to strengthen the Kidney, consolidate Essence, dispel fatigue, and uplift the Spirit.
Stress, from a TCM perspective, is a major cause of fatigue because it disrupts the free flow of Qi, particularly Liver Qi. This stagnation leads to a cascade of imbalances, consuming the body’s vital substances (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang) and ultimately resulting in profound fatigue. Therefore, managing stress by ensuring the smooth flow of Qi is a key strategy in both preventing and treating fatigue.
