Melasma in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding different melasma patterns according to TCM theory

Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice

Condition Categories

Skin Pigmentation & Discoloration Issues
5
TCM Patterns
24
Formulas
Overview
What causes it 5 TCM patterns documented
How to recognize Symptoms specific to each melasma pattern
Classical remedies 24 herbal formulas documented

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), melasma is not seen as merely a skin condition but rather a manifestation of underlying internal imbalances. Unlike Western medicine, which focuses on external factors like UV exposure or hormonal changes, TCM attributes melasma to various patterns of disharmony within the body, such as Qi And Blood Stagnation or Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency.

Identifying and treating the correct underlying pattern is crucial in TCM, as each pattern requires a different therapeutic approach. This holistic perspective emphasizes the importance of addressing the root cause to achieve long-lasting results.

TCM Patterns for Melasma

Qi Stagnation

Blocked or disrupted flow of vital energy causing distending pain, emotional distress, and symptoms that worsen with stress

Causes: Melasma

3 variations documented
Onset Gradual (can be sudden)
Location Can be local or systemic
Features Distending/moving pain • Emotional stress worsens • Sighing • Pain relieved by movement/burping

Qi Stagnation is a fundamental pathological pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the smooth flow of vital energy becomes obstructed, creating areas of pressure, pain, and dysfunction throughout the body.

Liver Qi Stagnation
How it presents with melasma

Melasma

Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia,

Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it presents with melasma

Melasma

Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails,

Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
How it presents with melasma

Melasma

Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yin Deficiency

Depletion of cooling, moistening fluids causing dryness, false heat rising, and restless agitation throughout the body

Causes: Melasma

1 variation documented
Onset Gradual
Location Systemic
Features Night sweats • Dry mouth/throat • Heat in afternoon/evening • Malar flush

Yin Deficiency represents a fundamental pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the body's yin fluids - blood, essence, and body fluids - become depleted, losing their ability to cool, moisten, and anchor the yang energy, resulting in relative hyperactivity of yang and internal heat manifestations.

Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it presents with melasma

Melasma

Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache,

Blood Stasis

Blood that is no longer flowing smoothly through the vessels

Causes: Melasma

1 variation documented
Onset Gradual (trauma=sudden)
Location Often local, can be systemic
Features Fixed/stabbing pain • Purple/dark coloration • Masses/tumors • Pain worse at night

Blood Stasis represents blood that is no longer flowing smoothly through the vessels, either moving too slowly, pooling in certain areas, or congealing into clots. It's one of the most important pathological conditions in Traditional Chinese Medicine and can be both a result of disease and a cause of further illness.

Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it presents with melasma

Melasma

Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails,

Qi Deficiency

Insufficient vital energy causing fatigue, weakness, poor digestion, and reduced function of organs and protective systems

Causes: Melasma

1 variation documented
Onset Gradual
Location Systemic
Features Fatigue • Weak voice • Shortness of breath • Spontaneous sweating • Poor appetite

Qi Deficiency is a fundamental pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the body's vital energy is insufficient to maintain normal physiological functions, leading to weakness, fatigue, and various organ dysfunctions.

Spleen Qi Deficiency
How it presents with melasma

Melasma

Along with: Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down, Slight abdominal pain, Excessive gas and flatulence, Bloated abdomen,

Heat

Intense, ascending pathogenic force that consumes body fluids, disturbs the mind, and accelerates all physiological processes

Causes: Melasma

1 variation documented
Onset Can be sudden
Location Can be local or systemic
Features Red face/eyes • Thirst for cold drinks • Restlessness • Yellow/dark secretions

Heat is a major pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine that can arise from external invasion or internal generation. Heat has the characteristics of burning intensity, rising upward, consuming qi and fluids, and generating wind and disturbing blood. In TCM philosophy, normal physiological warmth is called "minor fire" (少火) which maintains life functions, while pathological heat is "major fire" (壮火) which damages the body.

Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
How it presents with melasma

Melasma

Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Herbal Formulas for Melasma

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address melasma

Chai Hu Shu Gan San

Addresses these melasma patterns:

Qi Stagnation Blood Stasis

Yi Guan Jian

Addresses these melasma patterns:

Yin Deficiency Qi Stagnation

Dan Shen Yin

Addresses these melasma patterns:

Qi Stagnation Blood Stasis

Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San

Addresses these melasma patterns:

Qi Stagnation Heat

Fei Er Wan

Addresses these melasma patterns:

Qi Deficiency

Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang

Addresses these melasma patterns:

Qi Stagnation Blood Stasis

Guo Qi Yin

Addresses these melasma patterns:

Qi Stagnation Blood Stasis

Jia Wei Xiao Yao San

Addresses these melasma patterns:

Qi Stagnation

Liu Jun Zi Tang

Addresses these melasma patterns:

Qi Deficiency