Updated: July 15, 2025
Mental health has become increasingly important in today’s fast-paced world, where many people face daily stress from work, family responsibilities, and social pressures. It’s no surprise that more individuals are experiencing common symptoms such as difficulty sleeping and constant fatigue.
While stress is often an unavoidable part of life, excessive or prolonged stress can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. Recognizing the early warning signs is essential for protecting your health.
In Kampo medicine, this state is called Mibyo, meaning “not yet ill.” It refers to the state when you start to feel slightly off, even though no clear illness has appeared yet.
Kampo Self-Check for Stress
1. Liver Qi Stagnation
2. Heart and Spleen Deficiency
3. Yin Deficiency with Empty Heat
4. Blood Deficiency
5. Phlegm-Damp Accumulation
Kampo’s Perspectives on Stress
Kampo medicine views stress not simply as a psychological issue, but as an imbalance in the flow of Qi (energy), Blood, and Fluids throughout the body. Different individuals express stress in different ways, and Kampo identifies specific patterns to guide personalized treatment. Common Kampo patterns related to stress include:
1. Qi Stagnation (Liver)
When the flow of Qi becomes blocked, individuals may experience emotional tension, irritability, chest tightness, digestive discomfort, or Plum Pit Qi syndrome (feeling of something stuck in the throat).
- Western Medicine Link – These Kampo’s symptoms can be associated with stress-related conditions such as functional dyspepsia, globus sensation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Tea Care – Goji + Chrysanthemum Tea soothes Liver Qi and clears mild heat.*
2. Heart and Spleen Deficiency
When emotional overthinking or chronic anxiety affects digestion and blood production, symptoms such as palpitations, poor concentration, insomnia, and fatigue may arise.
- Western Medicine Link – These Kampo symptoms may correspond to stress-related fatigue, functional insomnia, and even mild neurasthenia, where chronic psychological stress impacts both cognitive and digestive function.
- Tea Care – Jujube + Lotus Seed Tea tonifies the Spleen and calms the Heart. Supports digestion, reduces overthinking, and promotes restful sleep.*
3. Yin Deficiency with Heat
This pattern may be seen in people who are easily agitated, experience night sweats, and have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to internal heat.
- Western Medicine Link – These Kampo symptoms may correspond to stress-induced insomnia, perimenopausal symptoms, and symptoms related to autonomic nervous system dysregulation, often observed in individuals with chronic overstimulation or burnout.
- Tea Care – Goji + Chrysanthemum Tea nourishes Yin and clears mild heat. Eases irritability, supports eye health, and promotes emotional balance.*
4. Blood Deficiency
Blood is believed to nourish the mind. A deficiency can lead to restlessness, light sleep, vivid dreams, dizziness, or a pale complexion.
- Western Medicine Link – These Kampo symptoms may correspond to chronic fatigue, non-anemic iron deficiency (low iron levels), and anxiety-related sleep disturbances often seen in individuals with poor nutritional status or long-term stress.
- Tea Care – Angelica Root + Red Date Tea tonifies Blood and supports vitality. Improves circulation, eases fatigue, and calms emotional sensitivity.*
5. Phlegm-Damp Accumulation
This pattern may manifest as a heavy body, mental fog, depression, and feeling of fullness or pressure in the chest, especially when stress leads to poor digestion.
- Western Medicine Link – These Kampo symptoms may correspond to functional gastrointestinal issues, low-grade depression, and somatic symptoms related to impaired digestion and mood regulation — often seen in individuals with stress-related eating patterns and poor metabolic function.
- Tea Care – Tangerine Peel + Barley Tea dries dampness and supports digestion. Reduces bloating, promotes urination, and helps clear heaviness from the body.*
Kampo Therapy Q&A
Q: Does Kampo Therapy for sleep work right away?
Unlike pharmaceutical sleep aids, Kampo formulas are not designed for immediate sedation. Instead, they support the body’s natural nervous system regulation and promote restorative sleep over time when used consistently.*
Q: Is it safe to take Kampo for insomnia over a long period?
Q. How can I stop overthinking and worrying too much?
The nervous system shifts between two modes: the sympathetic (activating) and parasympathetic (relaxing) systems. Chronic stress can push the body into prolonged sympathetic dominance, making it hard to relax and leading to issues like poor appetite, low energy, and fatigue.
To restore balance, prioritize nourishing meals, quality sleep, and activities that help you unwind—such as enjoying hobbies or spending time in calming environments.
Notice: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Instead of self-diagnosing, we encourage you to consult a qualified healthcare provider for proper guidance and care.
