Three Stages of Burnout According to TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)

Editorial Team
Aug 8
3 min read

Burnout is often framed as a psychological or productivity issue. But from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, it is a progressive erosion of the body’s internal resources. Specifically, it disrupts the dynamic balance of Liver, Heart, Spleen, and Kidney systems — which regulate mood, resilience, and energy.

Below is a stage-by-stage breakdown of how burnout unfolds through TCM theory, with real signs, expert insights, and practical recommendations. We also explore how each stage tends to show up in driven individuals, especially entrepreneurs and leaders.

Stage 1: Liver Qi Stagnation

The pressure phase

Energetic pattern: Blocked Qi flow, usually from emotional suppression or overwork. The Liver’s role is to regulate smooth flow of energy. Stress causes stagnation, especially in emotionally intense or overly structured people.

How it feels:

Leaders in this stage are often still functioning well externally, but internally feel irritable, wired, and restless. Many mistake it for “normal stress.” Their systems haven’t yet broken down, but they’re no longer flowing.

Typical signs:

Irritability or reactivity
PMS or menstrual changes
Digestive discomfort (bloating, IBS tendencies)
Tension in shoulders, jaw or chest
Regular sighing
Difficulty relaxing

Liver Qi stagnation is incredibly common in high-achievers. They push through frustration and override emotion. But the body starts to signal disharmony through mood swings, muscular tension and digestive disruption.

— Mike Pascoe, TCM practitioner

Recommendations:

Incorporate light movement daily: walking, qigong or swimming
Reduce alcohol, coffee and greasy foods (which aggravate Liver Qi)
Support flow with acupuncture or classic formulas such as Xiao Yao San
Explore emotional outlets: writing, therapy, assertive communication

Stage 2: Yin Deficiency with Heart Fire

The wired-but-empty phase

Energetic pattern: Over time, pushing through stress depletes Yin — the body’s cooling, restorative essence. As Yin declines, internal heat rises, often affecting the Heart and Liver. The nervous system becomes overstimulated and undernourished.

How it feels:

Leaders in this phase often look “on” but feel empty. Their sleep deteriorates, their minds race, and recovery feels impossible. Many become emotionally volatile or experience anxiety without a clear trigger.

Typical signs:

Insomnia, especially early waking
Night sweats, hot flushes or dryness
Racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating
Palpitations or restlessness
Low resilience to stress
Sensitivity to noise or stimulation

Yin deficiency often presents as anxiety, agitation, dryness and poor sleep. These people appear active but are no longer internally nourished. Their nervous system is running on empty.

— Giovanni Maciocia, The Foundations of Chinese Medicine

A clinical paper from zhongyi.ch also notes: “Yin deficiency tends to affect the Kidneys, Liver, and Heart. If not treated, it leads to both mental and physical burnout.”

Recommendations:

Prioritise calm, screen-free evenings and proper wind-down rituals
Add cooling, Yin-nourishing foods like pears, black sesame and barley
Consider formulas like, Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan or Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, under supervision
Use breathwork and meditation to quiet the Heart Shen (mind-spirit)

Stage 3: Kidney Deficiency (Jing Depletion)

The collapse phase

Energetic pattern: After prolonged depletion, the Kidneys, which govern core vitality (Jing), become weakened. This is the most serious stage. Jing is difficult to replenish, and full recovery may take months or years without proper care.

How it feels:

At this point, leaders often feel deeply disconnected, physically weak and mentally flat. They’re no longer driven by purpose, but by pressure or obligation. Some may experience an identity crisis or emotional numbness.

Typical signs:

Chronic fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
Lower back pain or weak knees
Poor memory, brain fog
Decreased libido or fertility issues
Premature greying or hair thinning
Feeling emotionally flat or empty

“Kidney deficiency shows up as burnout in its most advanced form. These individuals often have a history of overworking for years. The system is not just tired — it’s fundamentally depleted.”

— Emma Han, TCM specialist

Recommendations:

Cancel or reduce non-essential commitments
Build in restorative practices like yin yoga, tai chi, and time in nature
Nourish the Kidneys with foods like bone broth, walnuts, black beans, and seaweed
Work with a TCM herbalist to explore Zuo Gui Wan (for Kidney Yin) or You Gui Wan (for Kidney Yang)

A TCM View of Burnout

Burnout is not a fixed diagnosis in Chinese medicine, but a pattern of energetic collapse. Recognising your stage can help you respond early — not just to “bounce back,” but to rebuild in a more sustainable and embodied way.