Author: Chai Xiayang
Licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (License No.: 141410105001067). This article is written by Dr. Chai Xiayang, based on classical TCM theory and clinical experience, and is intended for popular science reference only. License credentials can be publicly verified on the official website of the National Health Commission.
Many people think it is a psychological issue... but in fact, it is not.
In daily life, we often hear of people troubled by low mood and a tendency to cry. Many assume this is a psychological problem, but in fact, this is not the case. From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), low mood and a tendency to cry may be related to one's constitutional type and require treatment based on syndrome differentiation.
Constitutional Type A: Low Mood and Tendency to Cry in Qi Deficiency Constitution
Clinically, low mood and a tendency to cry are commonly seen in individuals with a Qi deficiency constitution. People with this constitution often present with a pale complexion, lack of spirit, easy fatigability, and poor appetite. For this group, TCM holds that the treatment principle is to supplement Qi and nourish Blood. Herbs such as Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus), Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula), and Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) may be selected for regulation.
Constitutional Type B: Low Mood and Tendency to Cry in Blood Stasis Constitution
Unlike the Qi deficiency constitution, low mood and a tendency to cry in individuals with a Blood stasis constitution are often accompanied by symptoms such as chest oppression, hypochondriac pain, and menstrual irregularities. TCM believes that the Blood stasis constitution requires activating Blood and resolving stasis. Herbs such as Tao Ren (Persicae Semen), Hong Hua (Carthami Flos), and Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) may be selected for regulation.
Constitutional Type C: Low Mood and Tendency to Cry in Phlegm-Dampness Constitution
Low mood and a tendency to cry in individuals with a Phlegm-dampness constitution are often accompanied by symptoms such as a heavy sensation in the body, poor appetite, and copious phlegm. TCM holds that the Phlegm-dampness constitution requires strengthening the Spleen and draining Dampness. Herbs such as Fu Ling (Poria), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala), and Ze Xie (Alisma orientale) may be selected for regulation.
Why Different Regulation Methods for the Same Problem?
Although the presenting issue is the same—low mood and a tendency to cry—different constitutional types require different regulation methods. This is because TCM views the human body as an integrated whole, where various symptoms are manifestations of an internal imbalance. Only by adopting regulation methods tailored to the specific constitution can one achieve the goal of treating both the root cause and the symptoms.
Precautions
During the regulation process, it is recommended to consult a licensed TCM practitioner at a正规 medical institution to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your individual constitution. Additionally, maintaining good lifestyle habits, such as regular作息, a balanced diet, and moderate exercise, can also help improve symptoms of low mood and a tendency to cry.
Conclusion
Low mood and a tendency to cry are not a singular issue; they are closely related to one's constitutional type. Understanding your own constitution and adopting corresponding regulation methods is key to fundamentally improving these symptoms. It is hoped that this article will be of help to you.
References
Original text from *Huang Di Nei Jing • Su Wen* can be accessed in the TCM ancient literature database: https://tcmdata.cintcm.com/
World Health Organization strategy document on traditional medicine: https://www.who.int/health-topics/traditional-complementary-and-integrative-medicine
Official website of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine: https://www.satcm.gov.cn/
Low mood, tendency to cry, constitution, regulation, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Low mood and a tendency to cry may be related to one's constitution. Traditional Chinese Medicine, through treatment based on syndrome differentiation, adopts corresponding regulation methods according to different constitutional types to improve these symptoms. This article introduces how TCM regulates low mood and a tendency to cry based on constitutional differences.
Related Knowledge Q&A
Many people think it is... what is the actual cause? TCM believes that "many people think it is..." requires a holistic approach based on syndrome differentiation. A comprehensive judgment must be made through the four diagnostic methods (inspection, auscultation-olfaction, inquiry, and palpation) combined with individual constitutional characteristics. It cannot be generalized. The specific treatment direction should be determined after a face-to-face consultation with a licensed TCM practitioner.
What is the regulation cycle for Constitutional Type A? The regulation cycle varies from person to person and is related to factors such as the individual's baseline constitution and compliance with lifestyle adjustments. TCM emphasizes gradual progress. The specific cycle needs to be assessed by a licensed TCM practitioner after a face-to-face consultation based on the individual's condition. This material does not provide a specific cycle commitment.
What should Constitutional Type B pay attention to in daily life? Regarding daily care, it is recommended to maintain a regular作息, a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and emotional stability. Specific precautions should be flexibly adjusted according to individual constitution and seasonal changes. It is advisable to consult a licensed TCM practitioner for targeted advice.