Toxic-Heat Stagnation
Toxic-Heat Stagnation
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Diagnostic Signs
Red tongue with yellow coating
Rapid (Shu)
Key Characteristic Symptoms
Other Associated Symptoms
Diagnostic Considerations
Key characteristic symptoms of this pattern are pustule, red skin eruptions, sore and painful throat, red tongue and Rapid pulse.
Causes & Pathology
Common Causes
Any of the Six Pernicious Influence: Wind, Heat, Damp, Dryness, Fire, Cold can cause Toxin Heat if they manage to penetrate Defensive Qi and settle down in the body.
Overconsumption of hot and spicy foods can accumulate Heat and Fire in the body and develop to Toxin Heat.
Pathological Mechanism
This pattern can be chronic and causes by accumulated Heat or Fire in the body, which become Toxin eventually. It can also be caused by external Pernicious Influences which combat with the Defensive Qi and it gives rise to symptoms like fever and redness. This Toxic-Heat also consumes Body Fluids and injures Yin, hence the symptoms of thirst and constipation.
If it settles on the skin, the harmony between the Nutritious Qi and Defensive Qi is greatly disturbed, which then impairs Qi and Blood circulation in the Channels. Qi Stagnation causes swelling, while Blood Stagnation causes pain, hence the red skin eruptions and pustules. For instance, acne during teenage time is mainly due to the Toxic-Heat Stagnation on the skin.
If it is on throat, symptoms like sore, swollen and painful throat occurs. It can be tonsillitis with swollen tonsils and exudate. It can also causes swelling and pain in perineum, prostate or testicle.
Treatment Approach
Treatment Principle
Clear Heat, resolve Toxin
Recommended Herbal Formulas
Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations
Avoid hot and spicy foods and drinks. Avoid smoking and alcohols.
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