Neck Gland Swelling in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different neck gland swelling patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Neck gland swelling typically refers to the enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck, often seen as a response to infection, inflammation, or other underlying conditions. These swollen glands can vary in size and are usually palpable and tender upon touch. The swelling is a sign that the body's immune system is fighting off an intruder, such as bacteria or viruses, but can sometimes indicate more serious health issues.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets neck gland swelling as a manifestation of an imbalance within the body's Qi (vital energy) flow, influenced by external pathogens or internal Disharmony. TCM emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body's systems, viewing the swelling as a symptom of a broader imbalance.
The condition might be associated with Dampness, Heat, or Wind invading the body, disrupting the natural flow of Qi and leading to the accumulation of toxins which manifest physically as swollen glands. Identifying the precise pattern of Disharmony is essential for TCM practitioners to effectively address the root cause and restore balance.
TCM Patterns for Neck Gland Swelling
Dampness
Causes: Swollen neck glands
Damp-Heat
Swollen neck glands
Along with: Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling of heat, Feeling of heaviness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Acne
Damp-Wind
Swollen neck glands
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Nausea, Excessive sweating, Occipital stiffness, Body pain, Muscle pain, Feeling of heaviness, Swollen joints
Heat
Causes: Swollen neck glands
Damp-Heat
Swollen neck glands
Along with: Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling of heat, Feeling of heaviness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Acne
Wind
Causes: Swollen neck glands
Damp-Wind
Swollen neck glands
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Nausea, Excessive sweating, Occipital stiffness, Body pain, Muscle pain, Feeling of heaviness, Swollen joints
Herbal Formulas for Neck Gland Swelling
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address neck gland swelling
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Addresses these neck gland swelling patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior
- Transforms Dampness
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Middle Burner
Addresses These Neck Gland Swelling Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat
How it manifests:
Swollen neck glands
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst...
Lian Po Yin
Addresses these neck gland swelling patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Transforms Dampness
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Middle Burner
Addresses These Neck Gland Swelling Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat
How it manifests:
Swollen neck glands
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst...
Yin Chen Hao Tang
Addresses these neck gland swelling patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears heat
- Resolves dampness
- Reduces jaundice
Addresses These Neck Gland Swelling Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat
How it manifests:
Swollen neck glands
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst...
Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan
Addresses these neck gland swelling patterns:
Main Actions
- Resolves Dampness and transforms turbidity
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
Addresses These Neck Gland Swelling Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat
How it manifests:
Swollen neck glands
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst...
Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang
Addresses these neck gland swelling patterns:
Main Actions
- Expels wind and dampness
Addresses These Neck Gland Swelling Pattern Variations
Damp-Wind
How it manifests:
Swollen neck glands
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Nausea, Excessive sweating, Occipital stiffness...
Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang
Addresses these neck gland swelling patterns:
Main Actions
- Induces sweating
- Dispels Dampness
- Expels Wind-Cold
- Clears Interior Heat
Addresses These Neck Gland Swelling Pattern Variations
Damp-Wind
How it manifests:
Swollen neck glands
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Nausea, Excessive sweating, Occipital stiffness...
Cang Er Zi San
Addresses these neck gland swelling patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Relieves pain
- Unblocks the nose
Addresses These Neck Gland Swelling Pattern Variations
Damp-Wind
How it manifests:
Swollen neck glands
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Nausea, Excessive sweating, Occipital stiffness...
Xiao Feng San
Addresses these neck gland swelling patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Eliminates Dampness
- Clears Heat
- Cools the Blood
- Nourishes the Blood
- Relieves skin itchness
Addresses These Neck Gland Swelling Pattern Variations
Damp-Wind
How it manifests:
Swollen neck glands
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Nausea, Excessive sweating, Occipital stiffness...
Ku Shen Tang
Addresses these neck gland swelling patterns:
Main Actions
- Dispels Wind
- Dries Dampness
- Kills parasites
- Relieves itching
Addresses These Neck Gland Swelling Pattern Variations
Damp-Wind
How it manifests:
Swollen neck glands
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Nausea, Excessive sweating, Occipital stiffness...
Hai Tong Pi Tang
Addresses these neck gland swelling patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates the Blood
- Disperses swelling
- Dispels Wind, Dampness and Cold
- Removes Stagnation and relieves pain
Addresses These Neck Gland Swelling Pattern Variations
Damp-Wind
How it manifests:
Swollen neck glands
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Nausea, Excessive sweating, Occipital stiffness...