1
Liver qi stagnation
- Key distinguishing signs
- Low mood with chest tightness, sighing and mood swings, worse with stress, wiry pulse
- Treatment principle
- Soothe liver qi and relieve constraint
Sleep & Moodqíng xù dī luò
Low mood
Also called:depressed moodmelancholy
From the TCM perspective: Depression pattern: stagnation clouding the spirit
Overview
Low mood is persistent sadness with loss of interest and pleasure, often affecting sleep, appetite and energy. In TCM this is a stagnation pattern: liver qi stagnation from prolonged constraint may transform to fire or be accompanied by heart-spleen deficiency or damp-phlegm clouding the spirit. Depression is a medical condition warranting support.
☯Common patterns (syndrome differentiation)
2
Stagnation transforming to fire
- Key distinguishing signs
- Irritability and anger with headache, bitter mouth, insomnia and red face, red tongue edge
- Treatment principle
- Clear liver fire and relieve constraint
3
Heart-spleen deficiency
- Key distinguishing signs
- Low mood with fatigue, poor memory, palpitations, weak appetite and poor sleep, pale tongue
- Treatment principle
- Nourish blood and the heart-spleen to settle the spirit
4
Damp-phlegm with qi constraint
- Key distinguishing signs
- Heaviness and fog, a lump in the throat, lethargy, greasy tongue coat and wiry-slippery pulse
- Treatment principle
- Resolve phlegm, move qi and wake the spirit
Daily self-care
- Keep routine, daylight, regular activity and social contact even when motivation is low.
- Break tasks into small steps, fix sleep times and reduce alcohol/stimulants.
- Seek support early; psychotherapy and/or medication are effective—stay under professional care.
When to seek medical help
The following warning signs require prompt medical evaluation — do not rely on self-treatment:
- Thoughts of suicide/self-harm or feeling life is not worth living.
- Inability to eat, sleep or care for self/children.
- Hallucinations, delusions, or sudden deterioration after an event or medication.
Medical disclaimer: Educational content about traditional Chinese medicine for information only; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace a qualified clinician. If symptoms worsen or warning signs appear, seek medical care.