Anxiety Disorders - Heart-Spleen Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for anxiety disorders
Anxiety Disorders · Heart-Spleen Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Whole Body
Pattern Overview
Heart-Spleen Deficiency is a common pattern in anxiety disorders,
characterized by **chronic stress exhaustion, anxiety, fatigue, poor
sleep, and poor memory. The core pathogenesis is prolonged stress
and overthinking consuming Heart Blood and Spleen Qi**, leading to Shen
(spirit) restlessness, anxiety, and systemic fatigue.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms | Anxiety, fatigue, poor sleep, palpitations |
|---|
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
stools, dizziness |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
stress |
| Etiology |
|---|
overwork |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Shenmen (HT7) | On the wrist crease, ulnar side |
|---|
Heart meridian; calms the spirit |
| Xinshu (BL15) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T5 |
|---|
of Heart meridian; nourishes Heart Blood |
| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 |
|---|
of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi and
Blood |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied to Pishu and Zusanli to warm and tonify Qi
and Blood.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Gui Pi Tang (归脾汤)
Composition:
Astragalus (Huang Qi), Ginseng (Ren Shen), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria
(Fu Ling), Sour Jujube Seed (Suan Zao Ren), Longan (Long Yan Rou),
Angelica (Dang Gui), Polygala (Yuan Zhi), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Nourishes Heart Blood, strengthens Spleen Qi, and calms the
spirit.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
| Poor sleep | Add Suan Zao Ren, Ye Jiao Teng to calm the spirit |
|---|
| Poor appetite | Add Sha Ren, Mu Xiang to harmonize the Stomach |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Chronic stress exhaustion state, reduced 5-HT synthesis (tryptophan
depletion), and autonomic dysfunction. Heart-Spleen Deficiency
corresponds to anxiety with significant fatigue and cognitive symptoms,
where chronic stress and tryptophan depletion contribute to reduced
serotonin synthesis and autonomic dysfunction.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Depression with Heart-Spleen Deficiency.
2. DB-XJB: Gui Pi Tang.
3. 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-Gallbladder Qi 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.