Anxiety Disorders - Heart-Gallbladder Qi Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for anxiety disorders
Anxiety Disorders · Heart-Gallbladder Qi Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Whole Body
Pattern Overview
Heart-Gallbladder Qi Deficiency is a common pattern in anxiety
disorders, characterized by **amygdala-prefrontal cortex circuit
dysfunction, anxiety, palpitations, fearfulness, and easy startling**.
The core pathogenesis is **insufficient Heart Blood and Gallbladder Qi
failing to calm the spirit**, leading to excessive fear response,
emotional instability, and autonomic dysfunction.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
startling |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
timidity |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
thready and weak or wiry pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
to calm the spirit |
| Etiology |
|---|
overwork |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Shenmen (HT7) | On the wrist crease, ulnar side |
|---|
Heart meridian; calms the spirit |
| Danshu (BL19) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T10 |
|---|
point of Gallbladder meridian; supplements Gallbladder Qi |
| Xinshu (BL15) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T5 |
|---|
of Heart meridian; nourishes Heart Blood |
| Qiuxu (GB40) |
|---|
malleolus | Source point of Gallbladder meridian; regulates Gallbladder
Qi |
| Baihui (GV20) |
|---|
anterior hairline | Lifts Qi and calms the spirit |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be added to supplement Qi.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: An Shen Ding Zhi Wan (安神定志丸)
Composition:
Ginseng (Ren Shen), Poria (Fu Ling), Fushen (Fu Shen), Polygala (Yuan
Zhi), Acorus (Shi Chang Pu), Dragon Teeth (Long Chi)
Action: Calms the spirit, supplements Heart Blood, and strengthens
Gallbladder Qi.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe palpitations | Add Bai Zi Ren, Mu Li to calm the spirit |
|---|
| Insomnia |
|---|
promote sleep |
| Poor memory |
|---|
improve cognition |
Western Mechanism Reference
Amygdala-prefrontal cortex circuit dysfunction, reduced GABA receptor
sensitivity, and excessive fear conditioning. Heart-Gallbladder Qi
Deficiency corresponds to anxiety disorders with prominent fear and
autonomic symptoms, where amygdala hyperreactivity and reduced GABAergic
inhibition contribute to excessive fear response.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Palpitations with Heart-Gallbladder
Deficiency.
2. WHO. (2023). Mental health and anxiety disorders. World Health
Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for anxiety relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM mental health.
Related TCM Patterns for Anxiety Disorders
- Heart-Spleen Deficiency
- Yin Deficiency with Fire
- Phlegm-Heat Internal Disturbance
- Liver Depression Transforming into Fire
Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.