Frostbite in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different frostbite patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Frostbite is the medical condition that results from the freezing of skin and underlying tissues due to extreme cold exposure. The condition often leads to numbness and discoloration in affected areas, and severe cases can result in tissue death and gangrene. Frostbite typically affects extremities like the fingers, toes, nose, and ears, which are farthest from the heart and more vulnerable to heat loss.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets frostbite as an invasion of cold that blocks the flow of Qi (energy) and Blood within the body. The skin and limbs, according to TCM, are ruled by the Yang aspect of the body, which is responsible for warmth and activity.
When the external pathogenic Cold overwhelms the Yang, it leads to the constriction of vessels and Stagnation of Qi and Blood, manifesting as frostbite. Thus, TCM focuses on restoring Yang and promoting the normal flow of Qi and Blood to heal frostbite.
Herbal Formulas for Frostbite
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address frostbite