Anemia in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different anemia patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Anemia is a common medical condition characterized by a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells, which are crucial for carrying oxygen throughout the body. This deficiency leads to a reduced ability of the blood to supply adequate oxygen to tissues and organs, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath. Specific types like aplastic anemia and postpartum anemia reflect more severe or situation-specific forms of this blood condition. Understanding anemia involves identifying its various forms and the respective impacts on health.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), anemia is viewed not just as a deficiency of red blood cells but as a symptom of underlying imbalances within the body's energy system, or Qi. TCM interprets these imbalances through distinct patterns of disharmony, each associated with specific symptoms and causes. Recognizing the correct pattern is essential in TCM, as it guides the practitioner in selecting the most effective treatment tailored to the individual's unique energetic profile.
TCM Patterns for Anemia
Blood Deficiency
Causes: Anemia
Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen
Anemia
Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Dizziness, Headaches, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Loss of appetite, Irregular periods, Leukorrhea, Breast engorgement
Cold
Causes: Anemia
Empty-Cold
Anemia
Along with: Chills, Cold extremities, Pale face, Absence of thirst, Apathy, Excessive sweating, Diarrhea, Clear urination, Frequent urination
Qi Deficiency
Causes: Palpitations, Forgetfulness, Restlnessness at night, Feverishness, Poor appetite, Fatigue, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Dyspnea on exertion, Weight loss, Dry skin, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Slight abdominal distension after eating, Lassitude, Desire to lie down, Slight abdominal pain, Gas, Bloating, Poor digestion, Swollen complexion, Obesity, Overweight, Insomnia, Anxiety, Pale face, Poor memory, Loose stools, Scanty periods, Pale lips, Dizziness, Dream disturbed sleep, Pale complexion, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Menorrhagia, Spontaneous daytime sweating, Aversion to speak, General weakness, Weak voice, Numbness in the limbs, Numbness in the skin
Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency
Palpitations, Forgetfulness, Restlnessness at night, Feverishness, Poor appetite, Fatigue, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Dyspnea on exertion, Weight loss, Dry skin, Dry mouth, Dry throat
Spleen Qi Deficiency
Slight abdominal distension after eating, Lassitude, Desire to lie down, Slight abdominal pain, Gas, Bloating, Poor digestion, Swollen complexion, Obesity, Overweight
Heart and Spleen Deficiency
Palpitations, Insomnia, Poor appetite, Fatigue, Anxiety, Pale face, Poor memory, Loose stools, Scanty periods, Pale lips, Dizziness, Dream disturbed sleep, Forgetfulness, Pale complexion, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Menorrhagia
Lung Qi Deficiency
Spontaneous daytime sweating, Aversion to speak
Qi and Blood Deficiency
General weakness, Fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Aversion to speak, Poor appetite, Numbness in the limbs, Numbness in the skin
Yang Deficiency
Causes: Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Cold and weak knees, Sensation of cold in the lower back, Feeling of cold, Weak legs, Bright-white complexion, Fatigue, Lassitude, Oedema of legs, Infertility in women, Loose stools, Depression, Impotence, Premature ejaculation, Low sperm count, Decreased libido, Pale and abudant urination, Sore lower back, Constipation
Kidney Yang Deficiency
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Cold and weak knees, Sensation of cold in the lower back, Feeling of cold, Weak legs, Bright-white complexion, Fatigue, Lassitude, Oedema of legs, Infertility in women, Loose stools, Depression, Impotence, Premature ejaculation, Low sperm count, Decreased libido, Pale and abudant urination, Sore lower back, Constipation
Herbal Formulas for Anemia
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address anemia
Ban Liu Wan
Addresses these anemia patterns:
Main Actions
- Fortifies the Fire at the Gate of Vitality
- Expels Cold
- Unblocks the Yang
- Drains Turbidity
Addresses These Anemia Pattern Variations
Empty-Cold
How it manifests:
Anemia
Accompanying symptoms:
Chills, Cold extremities, Pale face, Absence of thirst, Apathy, Excessive sweating...
Da Jian Zhong Tang
Addresses these anemia patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies Middle Burner Deficiency
- Directs rebellious Qi downward
- Relieves pain
Addresses These Anemia Pattern Variations
Empty-Cold
How it manifests:
Anemia
Accompanying symptoms:
Chills, Cold extremities, Pale face, Absence of thirst, Apathy, Excessive sweating...
Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang
Addresses these anemia patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Middle Burner (Spleen and Stomach)
- Tonifies Qi
- Relieves spasmodic pain
Addresses These Anemia Pattern Variations
Empty-Cold
How it manifests:
Anemia
Accompanying symptoms:
Chills, Cold extremities, Pale face, Absence of thirst, Apathy, Excessive sweating...
Xiao Yao San
Addresses these anemia patterns:
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen
- Relieves Liver Qi stagnation
- Nourishes the Blood
Addresses These Anemia Pattern Variations
Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen
How it manifests:
Anemia
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Dizziness, Headaches, Dry mouth, Dry throat...
Bu Gan Tang
Traditional formula for anemia
Main Actions
- Tonifies and regulates the Blood
- Nourishes the Liver Yin
Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang
Traditional formula for anemia
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Qi
- Generates Blood
Gui Pi Tang
Traditional formula for anemia
Main Actions
- Tonifies and nourish Qi and Blood
- Tonifies Heart and Spleen
Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang
Traditional formula for anemia
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi and Blood
- Nourishes the Heart
- Calms the Mind
- Warms Yang
- Strengthens the Spleen and Lungs
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Traditional formula for anemia
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Drains Dampness
- Stops diarrhea
Shi Quan Da Bu Tang
Traditional formula for anemia
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies Qi
- Warms and tonifies Blood
Si Jun Zi Tang
Traditional formula for anemia
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach
Xiao Jian Zhong Tang
Traditional formula for anemia
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Middle Burner (Spleen and Stomach)
- Tonifies Qi
- Relieves spasmodic pain
You Gui Wan
Traditional formula for anemia
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang
- Replenishes the Essence
- Tonifies the Blood
Zhi Gan Cao Tang
Traditional formula for anemia
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Nourishes Yin
- Nourishes the Blood
- Restores the pulse