Hypovolemic Shock in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different hypovolemic shock patterns according to TCM theory
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Hypovolemic shock is a severe medical condition that occurs when a person loses more than 20% of their body's blood or fluid supply, leading to circulatory collapse. This substantial loss of fluid drastically reduces the volume of blood available to circulate oxygen and nutrients in the body, impairing the function of vital organs. Symptoms can include rapid heartbeat, weak pulse, rapid shallow breathing, cold and clammy skin, and a drop in blood pressure. If not treated promptly, hypovolemic shock can result in organ failure and death, highlighting the critical need for immediate medical intervention.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets hypovolemic shock through the lens of vital energy, or Qi, and blood depletion. Unlike Western medicine that focuses on the volume of blood lost, TCM considers how the shock impacts the balance of Yin and Yang within the body. It sees the condition as a drastic Yang depletion—a Collapse of the body's driving force. Identifying the specific disharmony affecting the patient is crucial for treatment in TCM, as each requires a uniquely tailored approach to restore equilibrium and revitalize the body's essential energies.
Herbal Formulas for Hypovolemic Shock
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address hypovolemic shock