When it comes to schizophrenia, we often simplify it as a brain issue, but years of clinical experience have taught me that the story behind it is far more complex than it appears.
Although the symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as mental abnormalities and emotional instability, they are actually closely linked to the patient’s digestive health.
The spleen and stomach, as the “foundation of acquired essence” in the human body, are undeniably important.
They are not only key to nutrient absorption and conversion, but also crucial for maintaining the balance of vital substances and eliminating dampness and toxins from the body. When the function of the spleen and stomach is disrupted, it is like a machine with insufficient power supply; the entire body’s operation will be affected. A lack of vital energy and the internal production of phlegm and dampness, which may seem unrelated to emotions, actually slowly erode our mental world.
Imagine if the “cleaning staff” role of the spleen and stomach fails—phlegm, dampness, and toxins cannot be expelled in time; they will accumulate and generate heat, forming a “fiery evil.” If this evil heat is not controlled, it will disturb the heart and mind, disrupting our consciousness and leading to the occurrence of mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. Patients may show signs of irritability, fluctuating emotions, or even engage in seemingly irrational behaviors, such as going outside without clothes in the dead of winter. This is actually a manifestation of the heart’s yin being depleted by excessive heat, leading to a lack of nourishment for the spirit, which then transforms into schizophrenia.
I remember treating a patient who, due to the double blow of work pressure and family conflicts, gradually fell into a mental crisis. He was inverting his day and night, with emotions that fluctuated like a roller coaster—sometimes manic, sometimes depressed, with disorganized speech, and found it particularly difficult to sleep at night.
The Western medical diagnosis was schizophrenia, but to me, this was a typical case of “manic syndrome,” rooted in a surge of stomach fire and disturbing heat.
When the patient first came in, his complexion was flushed, his eyes were glaring, and he appeared tense. He had constipation, dark and scanty urine, and a noticeable bad breath—these were all direct manifestations of excessive stomach fire.
I devised a treatment plan focused on clearing stomach fire, nourishing stomach yin, and calming heart fire, using medications like Huanglian, Huangkui, and Dahuang to clear heat and drain fire, supplemented with Shengdi and Maidong for yin nourishment, and Danggui and Danpi for invigorating and nourishing the blood, as well as Fuzheng and Yuanzhi for calming the spirit, collectively forming a remedy for harmonizing body and mind.
After half a month of adjustment, the patient’s emotions gradually stabilized, the manic symptoms significantly lessened, bad breath, dryness, and bitterness in the mouth improved, sleep quality increased, and bowel movements returned to normal.
Subsequently, we adjusted the prescription based on changes in his condition, continuing to consolidate treatment for two more months. During the follow-up visit, the patient seemed rejuvenated—symptoms of self-talk and restlessness had completely disappeared, and his eating and sleeping patterns returned to normal, making him look revitalized. To ensure lasting efficacy, we conducted another month of consolidation treatment and followed up for three years, with no recurrence of the condition.
