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
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause purple face
Heart Blood Stagnation
Diagnostic signs
Knotted (Jie)
Purple entirely or just on the side
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Heart Vessel obstructed
Diagnostic signs
Choppy (Se), Knotted (Jie), Slippery (Hua), Wiry (Xian)
Swollen tongue with a sticky coating.
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Liver Blood Stagnation
Diagnostic signs
Wiry (Xian)
Purple tongue or purple spots on sides.
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Purple Face
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address purple face