Connective Tissue Disorders in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different connective tissue disorders patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Connective tissue disorders encompass a variety of chronic diseases that affect the body's connective tissues, the structural parts that support and anchor organs and other structures within the body. These disorders often involve the proteins that provide strength and elasticity to the underlying structures, most notably collagen. Among these conditions, rheumatoid arthritis stands out as a common autoimmune variant where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues, leading to inflammation and joint damage.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets connective tissue disorders through the concept of 'patterns of disharmony' which represent underlying imbalances in the body's Qi, Yin, and Yang. These patterns are not mere collections of symptoms, but reflections of deeper health issues.
Understanding a patient's specific pattern is vital in TCM, as it determines the course of treatment. This approach underscores the belief that effective healing must address the root of the imbalance, not just the presenting symptoms, thereby promising a more holistic and lasting relief.
Herbal Formulas for Connective Tissue Disorders
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address connective tissue disorders
Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang
Traditional formula for connective tissue disorders
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and inflammations
- Unblocks the flow of Yang Qi and promotes movement (in areas with painful obstruction)
- Clears Wind and Damp
- Relieves pain
Xuan Bi Tang
Traditional formula for connective tissue disorders
Main Actions
- Clears and resolves Damp-Heat
- Unblocks the meridians
- Disbands painful obstruction
Da Fang Feng Tang
Traditional formula for connective tissue disorders
Main Actions
- Expel Wind Damp
- Relieve pain
- Tonify the Liver and the Kidneys
- Tonify the Blood and Qi
Dang Gui Shao Yao San
Traditional formula for connective tissue disorders
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Liver Blood
- Spreads the Liver Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Resolves Dampness
Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang
Traditional formula for connective tissue disorders
Main Actions
- Anti-rheumatic, clears Wind, Cold and Damp Stagnation
- Strengthens the function of the Liver and Kidney
- Tonifies Qi and Blood
Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang
Traditional formula for connective tissue disorders
Main Actions
- Diuretic, clears Excess fluid and removes edema
- Tonifies the Spleen Qi
- Calms External Wind
Fu Zi Tang
Traditional formula for connective tissue disorders
Main Actions
- Warms the Meridians
- Assists the Yang
- Dispels Cold
- Transforms Dampness
Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang
Traditional formula for connective tissue disorders
Main Actions
- Induces sweating
- Dispels Dampness
- Expels Wind-Cold
- Clears Interior Heat
Juan Bi Tang
Traditional formula for connective tissue disorders
Main Actions
- Tonifies and harmonizes the Protective and Nutritive Qi
- Dispels Wind
- Eliminates Dampness
Ma Huang Tang
Traditional formula for connective tissue disorders
Main Actions
- Releases exterior cold
- Treats wheezing
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang
Traditional formula for connective tissue disorders
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Unblocks painful obstruction
- Relieves pain
- Invigorate Qi
- Dispels Blood Stagnation
- Unblock Channels
Wu Tou Tang
Traditional formula for connective tissue disorders
Main Actions
- Warms the channels and remove obstruaction
- Disperse Cold and Dampness
- Warms the joints
- Relieve joints pain
Xiao Huo Luo Dan
Traditional formula for connective tissue disorders
Main Actions
- Dispels Wind
- Eliminates Dampness and transforms Phlegm
- Invigorates the Blood
- Removes Stagnation and relieves pain
Zhen Wu Tang
Traditional formula for connective tissue disorders
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Yang and Qi of the Spleen and Kidneys
- Eliminates Dampness
Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang
Traditional formula for connective tissue disorders
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Warms and harmonizes the channels
- Unblocks painful obstruction