Dry Lips in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different dry lips patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Dry lips, commonly known as chapped or cracked lips, occur when the lips lose moisture, leading to an uncomfortable and sometimes painful condition. This ailment can be caused by various factors, including extreme weather conditions, dehydration, or certain medical conditions. The lips may appear flaky, red, and tender to the touch. While often a minor issue, persistent dry lips can indicate an underlying imbalance or a need for better self-care.
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dry lips are often a sign of an internal imbalance rather than just an external problem. TCM theory suggests that symptoms like dry lips can arise from Deficiencies or disharmonies within the body's fundamental substances, such as Qi, Blood, Yin, and Body Fluids.
Understanding the precise pattern of disharmony is essential in TCM because it determines the treatment strategy. Dry lips are not just treated with topical applications but are approached holistically, considering the overall health and balance of the individual.
TCM Patterns for Dry Lips
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause dry lips
Blood Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Choppy (Se), Fine (Xi)
Pale, thin and slightly tongue
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Qi and Blood Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Slowed-down (Huan), Weak (Ruo), Fine (Xi)
Pale tongue with thin white coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Body Fluids Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Choppy (Se), Fine (Xi)
Dry tongue with no saliva
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Qi and Blood Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Slowed-down (Huan), Weak (Ruo), Fine (Xi)
Pale tongue with thin white coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Stomach and Spleen Yin Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Empty (Xu), Floating (Fu)
Absence of coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Dry Lips
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address dry lips