Inflammation in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different inflammation patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection, a protective mechanism aimed at removing harmful stimuli and initiating the healing process. This complex biological response can manifest through various symptoms such as redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function in the affected tissues. While inflammation is a crucial part of the body's defense system, chronic inflammation can lead to numerous health issues, including skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, allergic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis, signaling an imbalance that requires attention.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives inflammation differently from Western medicine, viewing it as a manifestation of imbalance within the body's Qi (vital energy), Blood, and organ systems. TCM identifies various patterns of disharmony, such as Damp-Heat, Toxic-Heat, and Blood Stagnation, as underlying causes of inflammation.
This approach emphasizes the significance of diagnosing the specific pattern contributing to the inflammation to effectively restore balance and harmony to the body. In TCM, understanding the root cause of inflammation is key to selecting the appropriate treatment strategy.
TCM Patterns for Inflammation
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause inflammation
Blood Deficiency with External Wind
Diagnostic signs
Fine (Xi), Wiry (Xian)
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Diagnostic signs
Fine (Xi), Wiry (Xian)
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Inflammation
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address inflammation