Purple Face in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different purple face patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Purple face is a condition characterized by a noticeable purplish discoloration of the facial skin. It can indicate a range of underlying health issues, from minor temperature fluctuations to more serious circulatory or cardiovascular conditions.
This symptom is distinct in its appearance, deviating from the natural skin tone to shades of purple, signaling potential disturbances in blood flow or oxygenation levels in the body.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets a purple face as a sign of Blood Stagnation, where the smooth flow of blood through the body is hindered. This condition is seen as an imbalance within the body's internal systems, particularly involving the Heart and Liver.
TCM emphasizes understanding and addressing the root causes of Blood Stagnation to restore harmony and health. The diagnosis and treatment are focused on promoting blood circulation and removing the stagnation that leads to the purplish hue.
TCM Patterns for Purple Face
Blood Stasis
Causes: Purple face
Heart Blood Stagnation
Purple face
Along with: Stabbing chest pain, Chest constriction, Stifling sensation in the chest
Heart Vessel obstructed
Purple face
Along with: Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Heart pain, Chest pain, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness, Dislike of speaking, Cold extremities, Sighing, Purple lips, Purple nails
Liver Blood Stagnation
Purple face
Along with: Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Dark menstrual clots, Infertility, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Purple lips, Skin dryness, Petechiae
Herbal Formulas for Purple Face
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address purple face
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these purple face patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates the Blood
- Dispels blood Stagnation
- Spreads the Liver Qi
- Unblocks the channels
Addresses These Purple Face Pattern Variations
Heart Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Purple face
Accompanying symptoms:
Stabbing chest pain, Chest constriction, Stifling sensation in the chest
Heart Vessel obstructed
How it manifests:
Purple face
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Heart pain...
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Addresses these purple face patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood
- Alleviates pain
- Harmonizes Blood
Addresses These Purple Face Pattern Variations
Heart Vessel obstructed
How it manifests:
Purple face
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Heart pain...
Liver Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Purple face
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods...
Di Tan Tang
Addresses these purple face patterns:
Main Actions
- Removes Phlegm
- Opens the sensory orifices
- Tonifies Qi
Addresses These Purple Face Pattern Variations
Heart Vessel obstructed
How it manifests:
Purple face
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Heart pain...
Dang Gui Si Ni Tang
Addresses these purple face patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Channels
- Disperses Cold
- Nourishes the Blood
- Unblocks the Blood vessels
Addresses These Purple Face Pattern Variations
Heart Vessel obstructed
How it manifests:
Purple face
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Heart pain...
Xiao Yao San
Addresses these purple face patterns:
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen
- Relieves Liver Qi stagnation
- Nourishes the Blood
Addresses These Purple Face Pattern Variations
Liver Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Purple face
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods...
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these purple face patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Eliminates Blood Stagnation below the diaphragm
- Stops pain
- Promotes Qi movement
Addresses These Purple Face Pattern Variations
Liver Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Purple face
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods...
Shi Xiao San
Addresses these purple face patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Dispels Blood Stagnation
- Eases pain
Addresses These Purple Face Pattern Variations
Liver Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Purple face
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods...