Sepsis in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different sepsis patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency caused by the body's overwhelming and extreme response to an infection. It occurs when chemicals released into the bloodstream to fight an infection trigger inflammatory responses throughout the body. This inflammation can lead to a cascade of changes that can damage multiple organ systems, causing them to fail. If not recognized early and managed promptly, sepsis can lead to septic shock, a drastic drop in blood pressure that can result in death. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent severe complications and improve survival rates.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), sepsis is viewed through the lens of patterns of disharmony, a core concept in diagnosing and treating illness. A pattern is a comprehensive snapshot of the disharmony affecting an individual at a particular time, encompassing both the symptoms and the underlying imbalance. Identifying the correct pattern is crucial because treatment in TCM is tailored to these specific patterns, ensuring that therapy addresses the root causes of the condition rather than just the superficial symptoms.
TCM Patterns for Sepsis
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause sepsis
Exterior Cold invading with Interior Heat from Stagnation
Diagnostic signs
Floating (Fu), Tight (Jin)
Recommended herbal formulas
Heat in the Blood
Diagnostic signs
Rapid (Shu)
Red tongue
Recommended herbal formulas
Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs
Diagnostic signs
Tight (Jin), Wiry (Xian)
Swollen tongue with sticky white coating
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Sepsis
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address sepsis