Nosebleeds in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different nosebleeds patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Nosebleeds, medically known as epistaxis, are a common condition where bleeding occurs from the nostrils, nasal cavity, or nasopharynx. This symptom can be spontaneous or caused by trauma, and while often benign, can sometimes indicate more serious health issues. Frequent nosebleeds may be particularly concerning and require medical evaluation. Managing nosebleeds involves understanding both the immediate triggers—such as dry air or nasal congestion—and any underlying disorders that may predispose someone to bleed more easily.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives nosebleeds as a manifestation of disharmony within the body. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on local factors like dry mucosa or external injuries, TCM explores underlying imbalances that lead to a predisposition for such symptoms.
It emphasizes the importance of identifying distinct patterns of disharmony—be it from Heat, Wind, or Blood Stagnation—to tailor treatment effectively. This holistic approach seeks not only to stop the bleeding but also to address the root causes preventing future occurrences.
TCM Patterns for Nosebleeds
Heat
Causes: Bloody nose, Epistaxis, Nosebleeds
Heat in the Blood
Bloody nose
Along with: Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood, Nosebleeds, Excessive menstruation
Heat victorious agitating Blood
Epistaxis
Along with: Restlessness, High fever, Mania, Macules, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Hematochezia, Hematuria
Liver Fire Blazing
Epistaxis
Along with: Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Cough of blood, Vomiting blood
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
Epistaxis
Along with: Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood
Wind Cold with Internal Heat
Nosebleeds
Along with: High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Dry nose, Thirst, Irritability, Insomnia, Cough of blood, Mottled skin
Wind
Causes: Epistaxis, Nosebleeds
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
Epistaxis
Along with: Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood
Wind Cold with Internal Heat
Nosebleeds
Along with: High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Dry nose, Thirst, Irritability, Insomnia, Cough of blood, Mottled skin
Mind Disturbance
Causes: Epistaxis
Heat victorious agitating Blood
Epistaxis
Along with: Restlessness, High fever, Mania, Macules, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Hematochezia, Hematuria
Blood Stasis
Causes: Epistaxis
Liver Blood Stagnation
Epistaxis
Along with: Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Dark menstrual clots, Infertility, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Purple lips, Purple face, Skin dryness, Petechiae
Blood Deficiency
Causes: Epistaxis
Loss of Blood
Epistaxis
Along with: Nosebleeds, Uterine hemorrhage, Hematuria, Hematochezia, Cough of blood, Vomiting blood, Dark menstrual clots, Excessive menstruation, Bloody sputum
Cold
Causes: Nosebleeds
Wind Cold with Internal Heat
Nosebleeds
Along with: High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Dry nose, Thirst, Irritability, Insomnia, Cough of blood, Mottled skin
Herbal Formulas for Nosebleeds
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address nosebleeds
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Addresses these nosebleeds patterns:
Main Actions
- Treats severe fevers and Heat in the Blood system
- Removes Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Nosebleeds Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Bloody nose
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
Heat victorious agitating Blood
How it manifests:
Epistaxis
Accompanying symptoms:
Restlessness, High fever, Mania, Macules, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds...
Loss of Blood
How it manifests:
Epistaxis
Accompanying symptoms:
Nosebleeds, Uterine hemorrhage, Hematuria, Hematochezia, Cough of blood, Vomiting blood...
Shi Gao Tang
Addresses these nosebleeds patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
- Releases the Exterior
Addresses These Nosebleeds Pattern Variations
Wind Cold with Internal Heat
How it manifests:
Nosebleeds
Accompanying symptoms:
High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness...
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang
Addresses these nosebleeds patterns:
Main Actions
- Cools the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
- Increases Fluids
- Relaxes the sinews
Addresses These Nosebleeds Pattern Variations
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
How it manifests:
Epistaxis
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache...
Zi Xue Dan
Addresses these nosebleeds patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Opens the sensory orifices
- Controls spasms and convulsions
- Extinguishes Wind
Addresses These Nosebleeds Pattern Variations
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
How it manifests:
Epistaxis
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache...
Feng Yin Tang
Addresses these nosebleeds patterns:
Main Actions
- Extinguishes and pacifies Wind with heavy medicinals
- Calms the Mind
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Nosebleeds Pattern Variations
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
How it manifests:
Epistaxis
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache...
Gu Jing Wan
Addresses these nosebleeds patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin
- Clears Heat
- Stops bleeding
- Stabilizes the menses
Addresses These Nosebleeds Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Bloody nose
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
Xiao Yao San
Addresses these nosebleeds patterns:
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen
- Relieves Liver Qi stagnation
- Nourishes the Blood
Addresses These Nosebleeds Pattern Variations
Liver Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Epistaxis
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods...
Shi Hui San
Addresses these nosebleeds patterns:
Main Actions
- Cools the Blood and
- Stops bleeding
- Clears Heat and drains Fire
Addresses These Nosebleeds Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Bloody nose
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Addresses these nosebleeds patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood
- Alleviates pain
- Harmonizes Blood
Addresses These Nosebleeds Pattern Variations
Liver Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Epistaxis
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods...
Bai He Di Huang Tang
Addresses these nosebleeds patterns:
Main Actions
- Moistens the Lungs
- Enriches the Body Fluids
- Clears Heat and cools the Blood
Addresses These Nosebleeds Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Bloody nose
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these nosebleeds patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Eliminates Blood Stagnation below the diaphragm
- Stops pain
- Promotes Qi movement
Addresses These Nosebleeds Pattern Variations
Liver Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Epistaxis
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods...
Hua Ban Tang
Addresses these nosebleeds patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Qi-level Heat
- Cools the Blood
Addresses These Nosebleeds Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Bloody nose
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
Shi Xiao San
Addresses these nosebleeds patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Dispels Blood Stagnation
- Eases pain
Addresses These Nosebleeds Pattern Variations
Liver Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Epistaxis
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods...
Qing Ying Tang
Addresses these nosebleeds patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears the Nutritive level Heat
- Relieves Fire Toxin
- Removes Heat
- Nourishes Yin
Addresses These Nosebleeds Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Bloody nose
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
Qing Re Gu Jing Tang
Addresses these nosebleeds patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Empty Heat
- Tonifies the Kidney Yin
- Stops bleeding
- Supplies Body Fluids
Addresses These Nosebleeds Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Bloody nose
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Addresses these nosebleeds patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Fire from the Liver and Gallbladder
- Clears and drains Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner
Addresses These Nosebleeds Pattern Variations
Liver Fire Blazing
How it manifests:
Epistaxis
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness...
Dang Gui Long Hui Wan
Addresses these nosebleeds patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Liver and Gallbladder Fire Excess
Addresses These Nosebleeds Pattern Variations
Liver Fire Blazing
How it manifests:
Epistaxis
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness...
Xie Qing Wan
Addresses these nosebleeds patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears the Liver and drains Fire
Addresses These Nosebleeds Pattern Variations
Liver Fire Blazing
How it manifests:
Epistaxis
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness...