Purpura in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different purpura patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Purpura refers to the appearance of purple-colored spots on the skin or mucous membranes, resulting from small blood vessels leaking under the skin. These spots can vary in size and are not raised, distinguishing them from other skin conditions like petechiae and ecchymoses. Purpura can signal various underlying conditions, ranging from minor injuries to more serious medical issues, including infections and blood disorders.
Recognizing purpura is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause, underscoring the importance of medical attention for sudden or unexplained occurrences of these distinctive spots.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets purpura through a lens of internal disharmony. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on the immediate physical manifestations and potential external causes, TCM delves into the body's Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang to identify underlying imbalances.
Purpura, in TCM, is seen as a manifestation of such imbalances, particularly involving Blood Stagnation or Dampness. Identifying and addressing the specific pattern of disharmony is essential in TCM, highlighting a holistic approach that aims to treat both the symptoms and their root causes.
Herbal Formulas for Purpura
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address purpura