Throat Swellingaccording to TCM

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Symptom family: Throat Obstructions and Sensations

Did you mean? Throat Lumps

What is Throat Swelling?

Throat swelling is a symptom characterized by an uncomfortable, often painful enlargement within the throat, which can interfere with breathing and swallowing. This condition may be caused by inflammation, infection, an allergic reaction, or an underlying medical issue.

The sensation of a swollen throat can vary from mild to severe and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hoarseness, and the feeling of a lump in the throat. Due to its potential to affect the airway, throat swelling is a symptom that may require prompt medical attention.

How Does TCM View Throat Swelling?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, a 'pattern' denotes a complex of symptoms and signs that reflect a particular imbalance in the body. Throat swelling, in TCM, is often a symptom of a deeper pattern of disharmony such as Heat accumulation or Qi Stagnation.

Identifying the pattern is crucial because it informs the treatment strategy. For instance, swelling caused by Heat would be treated differently from swelling caused by Cold. Recognizing the pattern of disharmony enables TCM practitioners to tailor their approach, targeting the root cause and not just the symptom, thus promoting holistic healing and balance within the body.

Causes of Throat Swelling According to TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), throat swelling is often attributed to pathological changes within the body, with Toxic-Heat and Damp-Heat being prominent patterns responsible for this condition. Toxic-Heat is related to an intense accumulation of Heat that has a toxic effect on the body, leading to severe inflammation and swelling.

On the other hand, Damp-Heat refers to a combination of dampness and heat in the body, causing symptoms such as a sticky sensation in the throat, difficulty swallowing, and a feeling of fullness. TCM practitioners focus on identifying these patterns through a comprehensive evaluation of symptoms and signs to direct the treatment strategy effectively.

Acupoints for Throat Swelling

Acupuncture is another cornerstone of TCM used to treat throat swelling. Specific acupoints are selected to correspond with the diagnosed pattern. For Toxic-Heat, points like Tiantu REN-22 in the Directing Vessel may be chosen for their ability to descend Lung Qi, benefit the throat, and resolve Phlegm.

For Damp-Heat, Fenglong ST-40 on the Stomach Channel can be utilized to resolve Dampness and Phlegm and calm the mind. These acupoints are stimulated to support the body's natural healing processes, aiming to clear the specific type of Heat, whether toxic or damp, causing the swelling.

Explore below some acupoints used to address throat swelling, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Stomach Channel
  • Directing Vessel
  • Triple Burner Channel
  • Extra Points: Upper Extremities (EX-UE)
  • Large Intestine Channel
  • Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN)
  • Lung Channel
Shuitu ST-10

Shuitu ST-10

On the anterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle, in the middle between Renying ST-9 and Qishe ST-11.

Qishe ST-11

Qishe ST-11

On the upper border of the clavicle, between the tendons of the sternal and clavicular heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Fenglong ST-40

Fenglong ST-40

Midway between Dubi ST-35 and Jiexi ST-41, two middle finger-width from the anterior crest of the tibia, or one middle finger-width from Tiaokou ST-38.

Yutang REN-18

Yutang REN-18

On the midline of the chest, on the level of the 3rd intercostal space.

Tiantu REN-22

Tiantu REN-22

In the centre of the suprasternal fossa. 0.5 cun superior to the sternum.

Yemen TB-2

Yemen TB-2

Proximal to the margin of the web between the ring and small fingers.

Zhigou TB-6

Zhigou TB-6

3 cun above Yangchi ST-4 at the dorsal wrist joint space, between the radius and ulna.

Baxie EX-UE-9

Baxie EX-UE-9

This is a group of 8 points in both hand, 4 points per each hand. Slightly proximal to the margins of the webs between the fingers, on the border of the red and white skin.

Futu LI-18

Futu LI-18

On the lateral side of the neck, level with the tip of Adam's apple, between the sternal head and clavicular head of sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Erjian EX-HN-6

Erjian EX-HN-6

On the apex of the ear.

Kongzui LU-6

Kongzui LU-6

On the palmar aspect of the forearm, on the line joining Taiyuan LU-9 and Chize LU-5, 7 cun above Taiyuan LU-9.

TCM Herbs for Throat Swelling

For the treatment of throat swelling characterized by Toxic-Heat, TCM suggests herbs with cooling and detoxifying properties. Andrographis Herbs (Chuan Xin Lian), Bushy Sophora Roots (Shan Dou Gen), and Oldenlandia (Bai Hua She She Cao) are commonly used to clear Heat and relieve toxicity, targeting the root of the inflammation.

For Damp-Heat, herbs that can resolve dampness and clear heat, such as Climbing Groundsel Herbs (Qian Li Guang), are chosen to alleviate the associated symptoms. These herbs are integral to TCM's customized treatment plans, aiming to restore balance and reduce throat swelling by addressing the specific underlying pattern.

  • By Herb Category
  • Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
  • Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat

"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for throat swelling

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Andrographis Herbs (Chuan Xin Lian) Not applicable
Bushy Sophora Roots (Shan Dou Gen) Not applicable
Oldenlandia (Bai Hua She She Cao) Not applicable
Paris Rhizomes (Chong Lou) Not applicable
Puffball (Ma Bo) Not applicable
Selanginella Herbs (Shi shang Bai) Not applicable