Costochondritis in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different costochondritis patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Costochondritis, a common condition, manifests as inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum, a junction known as the costosternal junction. This inflammation can cause sharp, achy, or pressure-like pain in the chest, often mistaken for a heart attack.
The pain may worsen with physical activity or deep breathing, making diagnosis and understanding of the condition crucial for those affected. Unlike heart-related chest pain, costochondritis is a musculoskeletal condition, offering reassurance to sufferers that, though painful, it is not life-threatening.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a distinct interpretation of costochondritis, viewing it not merely as inflammation but as a symptom of deeper imbalances within the body's Qi, or vital energy.
TCM suggests that the pain and discomfort of costochondritis arise from disruptions in the flow of Qi and blood, reflecting broader principles that health is a state of balance and harmony within the body’s energy system. Diagnosing and treating the specific pattern of disharmony, therefore, is crucial in TCM, emphasizing a personalized approach to care.
TCM Patterns for Costochondritis
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause costochondritis
Stomach Blood Stagnation
Diagnostic signs
Wiry (Xian)
Purple
Recommended herbal formulas
Pericardium Blood Stagnation
Diagnostic signs
Knotted (Jie), Wiry (Xian)
Purple on the side of the entire tongue
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Costochondritis
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address costochondritis