Skin Capillaries in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different skin capillaries patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Skin capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the body that can become visible through the skin. They are often seen as tiny, thread-like red lines, commonly referred to as spider veins or telangiectasias.
These capillaries can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the face and legs. Skin capillaries become more prominent due to various factors, such as prolonged sun exposure, aging, genetics, or certain medical conditions. While usually not a serious health concern, they can sometimes indicate underlying vascular issues.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets skin capillaries differently than Western medicine. In TCM, the appearance of visible capillaries on the skin is seen as a manifestation of underlying imbalances in the body’s vital energies, specifically Blood and Qi.
TCM regards these visible capillaries as indicators of disharmony within the body, often involving Blood Stasis or Heat. Treatment in TCM focuses on restoring balance and addressing the root cause of the disharmony, rather than just treating the visible symptoms.
TCM Patterns for Skin Capillaries
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause skin capillaries
Blood Stagnation
Diagnostic signs
Choppy (Se), Firm (Lao), Wiry (Xian)
Purple tongue
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Herbal Formulas for Skin Capillaries
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address skin capillaries