Mania, Long Gu and Mu Li

Mania is largely characterized by psychological symptoms like increased energy, insomnia, feelings of euphoria and potentially risky behaviors. When patients present with these symptoms, western physicians work to rule out a few common physiological causes, such as thyroid issues, liver disease or a central nervous system infection.

However, Chinese medicine has a different perspective on manic episodes and how they can be successfully treated. One example is a pair of medicinal herbs – Long Gu and Mu Li – that are proven to be effective in people with the disorder.

How Chinese Medicine Explains Mania

Western physicians tend to separate psychological conditions from other health problems. If an underlying physical cause can’t be easily determined in a manic patient, for example, the diagnosis is likely psychological and the patient is treated differently as a result.

Chinese medicine practitioners consider the mind and the rest of the body to be inextricably linked, so dysfunction in one organ system can give rise to mental disturbances that may be read as mania.

Specifically, manic episodes are thought to be a flare-up of Yang energy rising from the heart or liver. During a flare-up the Yang rises and affects the patient’s behaviors.

How Long Gu and Mu Li Can Help with Manic Episodes

The goal for practitioners is to “calm the spirit” by administering herbs that can restore proper Yang and Yin energy levels in the organs, particularly the liver or kidneys. Restoring these normal energy levels can resolve restlessness and the irritability that often comes with mania.

There are many potential causes of mania in Chinese medicine, though, depending on which organ systems are affected. As such, it’s recommended that mania patients work with a Chinese medicine practitioner to identify the best mix of herbs – including Long Gu and Mu Li – for optimal safety and effectiveness.