Bleeding in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different bleeding patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Bleeding, a medical condition characterized by the loss of blood from the circulatory system, can manifest through a variety of symptoms ranging from external bleeding from wounds to internal hemorrhage. This condition encompasses a wide array of clinical scenarios, such as acute hemorrhages, frequent bleeding episodes, and an individual’s tendency to bleed, indicating the disruption or failure of the body's hemostatic mechanisms. Understanding the underlying cause of bleeding is crucial for effective management and treatment, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic perspective on bleeding, viewing it as an imbalance or disharmony within the body's Qi (vital energy), Blood, and organ systems. TCM interprets bleeding as a symptom of underlying patterns of disharmony, emphasizing the need to identify and correct these imbalances to restore health. By focusing on the root causes rather than just the symptoms, TCM aims to harmonize the body's energies, strengthen the organs, and secure the Blood, providing a comprehensive approach to treating bleeding.
TCM Patterns for Bleeding
Qi Sinking
Causes: Hemorrhage
Spleen Qi Sinking
Hemorrhage
Along with: Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating
Blood Stasis
Causes: Frequent bleeding episodes, Tendency to bleed
Blood Stagnation
Frequent bleeding episodes, Tendency to bleed
Along with: Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Lumps
Heat
Causes: Frequent bleeding episodes, Frequent bleeding episodes in stools urine or vomit
Heat in the Blood
Frequent bleeding episodes, Frequent bleeding episodes in stools urine or vomit
Along with: Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood, Nosebleeds, Excessive menstruation
Herbal Formulas for Bleeding
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address bleeding
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Addresses these bleeding patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi of the Spleen and Stomach (Middle Burner)
- Raises the Yang
- Detoxifies
- Lifts what has sunken
Addresses These Bleeding Pattern Variations
Spleen Qi Sinking
How it manifests:
Hemorrhage
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Addresses these bleeding patterns:
Main Actions
- Treats severe fevers and Heat in the Blood system
- Removes Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Bleeding Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Frequent bleeding episodes, Frequent bleeding episodes in stools urine or vomit
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Addresses these bleeding patterns:
Main Actions
- Dispels Heat and
- Eliminates Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Bleeding Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Frequent bleeding episodes, Tendency to bleed
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Gu Jing Wan
Addresses these bleeding patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin
- Clears Heat
- Stops bleeding
- Stabilizes the menses
Addresses These Bleeding Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Frequent bleeding episodes, Frequent bleeding episodes in stools urine or vomit
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang
Addresses these bleeding patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Stagnant Heat in the intestines
- Reduces swelling and disperses lumps
Addresses These Bleeding Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Frequent bleeding episodes, Tendency to bleed
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Shi Hui San
Addresses these bleeding patterns:
Main Actions
- Cools the Blood and
- Stops bleeding
- Clears Heat and drains Fire
Addresses These Bleeding Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Frequent bleeding episodes, Frequent bleeding episodes in stools urine or vomit
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan
Addresses these bleeding patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates the Blood
- Transforms Blood Stasis
- Softens lumps
- Reduces fixed abdominal pain
Addresses These Bleeding Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Frequent bleeding episodes, Tendency to bleed
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Bai He Di Huang Tang
Addresses these bleeding patterns:
Main Actions
- Moistens the Lungs
- Enriches the Body Fluids
- Clears Heat and cools the Blood
Addresses These Bleeding Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Frequent bleeding episodes, Frequent bleeding episodes in stools urine or vomit
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
Di Dang Tang
Addresses these bleeding patterns:
Main Actions
- Breaks up and dispels Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Bleeding Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Frequent bleeding episodes, Tendency to bleed
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Hua Ban Tang
Addresses these bleeding patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Qi-level Heat
- Cools the Blood
Addresses These Bleeding Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Frequent bleeding episodes, Frequent bleeding episodes in stools urine or vomit
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
Dan Shen Yin
Addresses these bleeding patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates the Blood and removes Blood Stagnation
- Promote Qi movement
- Relieves pain
Addresses These Bleeding Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Frequent bleeding episodes, Tendency to bleed
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Qing Ying Tang
Addresses these bleeding patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears the Nutritive level Heat
- Relieves Fire Toxin
- Removes Heat
- Nourishes Yin
Addresses These Bleeding Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Frequent bleeding episodes, Frequent bleeding episodes in stools urine or vomit
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan
Addresses these bleeding patterns:
Main Actions
- Breaks up and dispels Blood Stagnation
- Generates new Blood
Addresses These Bleeding Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Frequent bleeding episodes, Tendency to bleed
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Qing Re Gu Jing Tang
Addresses these bleeding patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Empty Heat
- Tonifies the Kidney Yin
- Stops bleeding
- Supplies Body Fluids
Addresses These Bleeding Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Frequent bleeding episodes, Frequent bleeding episodes in stools urine or vomit
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang
Addresses these bleeding patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
- Reduces swelling
- Induces ulceration
- Moves the Blood and dispels stasis
Addresses These Bleeding Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Frequent bleeding episodes, Tendency to bleed
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Hai Tong Pi Tang
Addresses these bleeding patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates the Blood
- Disperses swelling
- Dispels Wind, Dampness and Cold
- Removes Stagnation and relieves pain
Addresses These Bleeding Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Frequent bleeding episodes, Tendency to bleed
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang
Addresses these bleeding patterns:
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Warms and harmonizes the channels
- Unblocks painful obstruction
Addresses These Bleeding Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Frequent bleeding episodes, Tendency to bleed
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Yu Lin Zhu
Addresses these bleeding patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang
- Consolidates the Penetrating and Directing Vessel (Chong Mai, Ren Mai)
- Facilitating pregnancy
- Promotes Blood circulation and regulates menstruation
Addresses These Bleeding Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Frequent bleeding episodes, Tendency to bleed
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...