Pneumonia in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different pneumonia patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Pneumonia is a respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the lung tissue, often due to an infection. It can be caused by a variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Pneumonia symptoms range from mild to severe and can include coughing, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
The condition encompasses various forms, such as viral pneumonia, severe pneumonia, and lobar pneumonia. It's critical for effective treatment that the type and severity of pneumonia are accurately diagnosed.
TCM Perspective on Pneumonia
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches pneumonia not just as a lung infection but as an imbalance of Qi (vital energy) and other fundamental substances in the body. TCM practitioners often view pneumonia as a result of external pathogenic factors like Wind or Cold invading the body and disrupting the normal functioning of the Lungs.
The diagnosis and treatment in TCM depend on identifying the specific pattern of disharmony, such as Lung Heat or Phlegm Dampness, and treating it with a combination of herbs, acupuncture, and other holistic methods.
In TCM, pneumonia's root causes are often linked to the invasion of external pathogens and internal imbalances. For example, the invasion of Wind-Cold can lead to Lung Qi Stagnation, manifesting as cough and Phlegm.
Another common TCM pattern seen in pneumonia cases is Phlegm Heat, where Heat in the Lungs produces thick Phlegm and leads to inflammation. TCM looks at the individual's overall constitution and symptoms to determine the underlying cause and tailor the treatment accordingly.
Herbal Formulas for Pneumonia
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address pneumonia
Bei Mu Gua Lou San
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Moistens the Lungs
- Clears Heat
- Regulates Qi
- Resolve Phlegm
- Stop coughing
Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Harmonizes and releases the Lesser Yang
- Removes Stagnation
- Warms the Interior
- Dispels Cold
Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and relieves acute conditions of the Gallbladder
- Relieves acute Damp-Heat syndromes
- Resolves Phlegm
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Warms and harmonizes the channels
- Unblocks painful obstruction
Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Drains Fire
- Resolves Toxicity
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Drains Fire
- Resolves Toxin
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Cools the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
- Increases Fluids
- Relaxes the sinews
Ma Huang Tang
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Releases exterior cold
- Treats wheezing
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Tonifes the Yang
- Releases the Exterior
Mai Men Dong Tang
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Stomach
- Generates Body Fluids
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Transforms Phlegm
- Directs Rebellious Qi downwards
- Stops coughing
Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Clears summerheat
- Augments the Qi
- Nourishes the Yin
- Generates Body Fluids
Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Clears dryness
- Moistens the Lungs
Sang Ju Yin
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Stops coughing by invigorating Lung Qi
- Clears Heat
Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Clears and nourishes the Lungs and Stomach
- Generates Body Fluids and moistens Dryness
Shi Gao Tang
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
- Releases the Exterior
Shi Zao Tang
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Purges and drives out Phlegm-Fluids
Wei Jing Tang
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Clears heat from the Lungs
- Transforms Phlegm
- Drives out Blood-Stagnation
- Discharges pus
Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Treats the Lesser Yang Channels (Gallbladder and Triple Warmer)
- Regulates the Liver and Spleen functions
- Addresses combined Yin-Yang symptoms of External and Internal, Excess and Deficiency, and Hot and Cold
Xiao Cheng Qi Tang
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Moderately purges Heat accumulation
- Circulates Qi in the Middle
Xiao Xian Xiong Tang
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Transforms Phlegm
- Expands the chest
- Dissipates clumps
Xie Bai San
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Drains Heat from the Lungs
- Calms wheezing
Yin Qiao San
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind Heat
- Clears Heat
- Resolves Toxicity
Zhi Zi Chi Tang
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Alleviates restlessness and irritability
Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Generates Body Fluids
- Strengthens and regulates Qi
Da Qing Long Tang
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Promotes sweating
- Releases the Exterior
- Clears Interior Heat
Zi Xue Dan
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Opens the sensory orifices
- Controls spasms and convulsions
- Extinguishes Wind
Zhi Sou San
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Transforms Phlegm and stops coughing
- Disperses the Exterior
- Spreads the Lung Qi
Da Cheng Qi Tang
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Purges Heat from the Stomach and Intestines
- Relieves constipation
Liang Ge San
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Drains Fire
- Unblocks the bowels by clearing the Upper Burner
- Draining the Middle Burner
Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan
Traditional formula for pneumonia
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
- Calms the Mind
- Opens up the Orifices