Anxiety Disorders - Yin Deficiency with Fire Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for anxiety disorders
Anxiety Disorders · Yin Deficiency with Fire Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Whole Body
Pattern Overview
Yin Deficiency with Fire is a common pattern in anxiety disorders,
characterized by **sympathetic-adrenal medullary system hyperactivity,
anxiety, palpitations, insomnia, and night sweats**. The core
pathogenesis is insufficient Yin failing to control Yang, leading to
ascendant deficiency fire, Shen (spirit) restlessness, and autonomic
hyperactivity.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms | Anxiety, palpitations, insomnia, night sweats |
|---|
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
irritability, restlessness |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
calm the spirit |
| Etiology |
|---|
activity, aging |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Taixi (KI3) |
|---|
tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; nourishes Kidney Yin |
| Shenmen (HT7) | On the wrist crease, ulnar side |
|---|
Heart meridian; calms the spirit |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |
| Zhaohai (KI6) | 1 cun below the medial malleolus |
|---|
and clears deficiency heat |
| Daling (PC7) | Center of the wrist crease |
|---|
Pericardium meridian; calms the spirit |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method; Taixi
and Zhaohai may be needled with reinforcing method to enhance Yin
nourishment.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (天王补心丹)
Composition:
Rehmannia (Sheng Di), Scrophularia (Xuan Shen), Asparagus (Tian Dong),
Ophiopogon (Mai Dong), Angelica (Dang Gui), Sour Jujube Seed (Suan Zao
Ren), White Peony (Bai Shao), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Nourishes Yin, clears deficiency fire, and calms the spirit.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe insomnia | Add Suan Zao Ren, Bai Zi Ren to calm the spirit |
|---|
| Night sweats | Add Mu Li, Fu Xiao Mai to stabilize the exterior |
|---|
| Irritability | Add Zhi Zi, Dan Pi to clear deficiency heat |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Sympathetic-adrenal medullary system hyperactivity with HPA axis
negative feedback dysregulation and elevated cortisol. Yin Deficiency
with Fire corresponds to anxiety with prominent autonomic symptoms,
where HPA axis dysregulation and elevated cortisol contribute to
hyperarousal and anxiety.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Depression with Yin Deficiency and Fire.
2. DB-XJB: Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan.
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
- Heart-Spleen Deficiency
- 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.