Neurasthenia covers a wide spectrum of symptoms, including painful sensations or numbness in parts of the body, chronic fatigue, anxiety, and fainting. Other accompanying symptoms are due to dysfunction of the autonomic nerves, such as palpitations, shortness of breath, flushing or pallor of the face, dizziness, tinnitus, etc. Some medical historians believe that neurasthenia may actually be the same as the modern day disorder of chronic fatigue syndrome. The cause of neurasthenia remain unknown however like most disorders, certain predisposing factors may play an important part. Traditional therapy for neurasthenia has included eating healthier, improved hygiene, psychotropic medication, and adjustment of work or lifestyle to decreasestress.
Five therapeutic methods for neurasthenia in TCM
Pattern of Liver Qi Stagnation
Therapeutic method:
Chinese medicine is used to soothe liver, regulate the flow of Qi, resolve depression.
Pattern of Qi Stagnation
Therapeutic method: Chinese medicine is used to clear liver heat, promote blood circulation.
Pattern of Disorder of Heart and Spirit
Therapeutic method: Chinese medicine is used to tonify the heart and calm the mind.
Pattern of Heart and Spleen Deficiency
Therapeutic method: Chinese medicine is used to benifit Qi, tonifying spleen and nourishing heart.
Pattern of Yin Deficiency due to Heat
Therapeutic method: Chinese medicine is used to nourish yin and clear heat, and calm the mind.