Understanding TCM Patterns
Your Body Speaks in Patterns
Traditional Chinese Medicine doesn't diagnose "diseases" the way Western medicine does. Instead, it identifies patterns of imbalance—unique combinations of symptoms that point to specific disruptions in your body's natural harmony.
These patterns have been recognized and refined over thousands of years. They explain why you feel the way you do and, more importantly, show you how to restore balance naturally.
The Four Core Categories
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Energy & Vitality
When your energy feels off, TCM looks at the quality and flow of Qi (vital energy) and Yang (warming, activating force).
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Emotional Balance
Your emotions aren't separate from your physical health—in TCM, they're intimately connected to organ systems, especially the Liver and Heart.
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Sleep & Rest
Sleep issues in TCM point to imbalances in Yin (cooling, nourishing force), Blood, or excess Heat disturbing the mind.
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Digestion
Digestive health reflects the strength of your Spleen Qi (transformation and absorption) and the presence of Dampness or Heat.
Energy & Vitality
Common Energy Patterns:
Qi Deficiency
Chronic fatigue, weak voice, shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, pale complexionYang Deficiency
Cold limbs, aversion to cold, water retention, frequent urination, low libidoQi Stagnation
Feeling stuck or frustrated, chest tightness, sighing frequently, tension that moves around
What Helps: Warming foods, gentle movement like Qi Gong, routine sleep, reducing overexertion
Emotional Balance
Common Emotional Patterns:
Liver Qi Stagnation
Irritability, mood swings, PMS, feeling stuck, chest or abdomen fullnessHeart Shen Disturbance
Anxiety, restlessness, racing thoughts, palpitations, easily startled
What Helps: Daily movement, emotional expression through journaling or talking, reducing alcohol, meditation, acupuncture
Sleep & Rest
Common Sleep Patterns:
Yin Deficiency
Night sweats, waking hot, dry mouth at night, restless sleep, hot flashesBlood Deficiency
Difficulty falling asleep, anxiety at bedtime, vivid dreams, waking easilyHeart Fire
Racing mind, insomnia, bitter taste, red tongue tip, feeling overheated
What Helps: Calming evening rituals, avoiding screens before bed, yin-nourishing foods, cooling herbs, meditation
Digestion
Common Digestive Patterns:
Spleen Qi Deficiency
Poor appetite, bloating after eating, fatigue after meals, loose stools, weak limbsPhlegm-Damp Accumulation
Brain fog, heaviness, mucus, sluggishness, poor concentrationDamp-Heat
Burning digestion, urgent bowel movements, yellow coating on tongue, skin eruptions
What Helps: Warm cooked foods, avoiding cold/raw foods and dairy, reducing sugar, light exercise, digestive herbs
How Patterns Overlap
Most people don't have just one pattern—they have a primary pattern with secondary influences. For example:
Qi Deficiency with Dampness
Liver Qi Stagnation with Blood Deficiency
Yin Deficiency with Heat
Root & Remedy's assessment identifies your unique combination and provides personalized recommendations that address your whole pattern, not just isolated symptoms.
Beyond Symptoms: Understanding Root Causes
TCM teaches that symptoms are messages from your body about deeper imbalances. Treating the pattern, not just the symptom, leads to lasting wellness.
Headaches might stem from Liver Yang Rising, Blood Deficiency, or Qi Stagnation—each requiring different approaches.
Fatigue could indicate Qi Deficiency, Yang Deficiency, Blood Deficiency, or Damp accumulation—the treatment depends on your complete pattern.
This is why personalized diagnosis matters.
Start Your Pattern Discovery
Download Root & Remedy to identify your unique TCM pattern and receive customized herbal and lifestyle recommendations.
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