Cirrhosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different cirrhosis patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Cirrhosis is the late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis and chronic alcoholism. The liver, vital for detoxifying harmful substances, aiding in digestion, and storing energy, becomes increasingly damaged over time with cirrhosis. This damage is irreversible and can lead to liver failure and other complications, including liver cancer. Early stages may be asymptomatic, but as the condition progresses, symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, and bruising easily may develop, indicating significant liver function impairment.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a "pattern" is a theoretical framework that encapsulates the state of disharmony in the body, encompassing not just physical symptoms but also emotional and environmental factors. Recognizing the pattern is crucial, as it underpins the entire treatment process, directing the practitioner to the most appropriate therapeutic methods and herbal prescriptions.
Addressing the specific pattern in TCM is vital because it tailors the treatment to the individual, targeting not only the manifesting symptoms of cirrhosis but also the underlying imbalance that led to the condition.
TCM Patterns for Cirrhosis
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause cirrhosis
Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen
Diagnostic signs
Empty (Xu), Wiry (Xian)
Recommended herbal formulas
Yang Deficiency with Cold-Damp
Diagnostic signs
Choppy (Se), Deep (Chen), Minute (Wei), Slow (Chi)
Recommended herbal formulas
Diagnostic signs
Wiry (Xian)
Swollen tongue with thick sticky white coating
Recommended herbal formulas
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Empty (Xu), Floating (Fu)
Normal-coloured without coating or with rootless coating
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Cirrhosis
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address cirrhosis