Hyperlipidemiaaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Endocrine Disorders
What is Hyperlipidemia?
Hyperlipidemia, commonly known as high cholesterol, is a condition characterized by elevated levels of lipids in the blood. This includes cholesterol and triglycerides, substances essential for the body's cellular functions but harmful in excess. Often silent, hyperlipidemia can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. Identifying and managing this condition is crucial for maintaining heart health and preventing complications.
How does TCM view Hyperlipidemia?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hyperlipidemia is viewed through a holistic lens, focusing on the body's balance and the flow of Qi, or vital energy. TCM does not isolate hyperlipidemia as merely an issue of high blood lipids. Instead, it is seen as a manifestation of underlying disharmonies within the body, particularly involving the Liver and Spleen systems.
These imbalances can disrupt the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, contributing to the accumulation of pathogenic factors like Dampness and Phlegm, which are analogous to lipids in TCM theory.
Causes of Hyperlipidemia according to TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, hyperlipidemia is often linked to the concept of Liver Yang Rising, a condition where the Liver's Yang energy becomes excessive, disrupting the body's balance. This imbalance can lead to a cascade of physiological disturbances including impaired fat metabolism and circulation, manifesting as elevated lipid levels in the blood.
The Liver, responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and Blood throughout the body, when imbalanced, can lead to the Stagnation of Qi. This Stagnation can then contribute to the accumulation of fats and dampness, leading to hyperlipidemia. TCM delves deep into the root cause, focusing on restoring harmony and balance to the Liver's functions.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Hyperlipidemia
To address the pattern of Liver Yang Rising, which is a common underlying factor in hyperlipidemia, TCM practitioners may recommend specific formulas and herbs designed to calm the Liver, subdue Yang, and ensure the smooth flow of Qi. These treatments aim not just to lower cholesterol but to restore the body's natural balance. Herbs like Bupleurum (Chai Hu) and formulas such as Da Chai Hu Tang are commonly used for their properties to soothe Liver Yang and regulate Qi flow.
These natural remedies work together to mitigate the underlying imbalances that contribute to hyperlipidemia, showcasing TCM's holistic approach to health and wellness.
See more details below about Da Chai Hu Tang, a herbal formula used to address hyperlipidemia.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that release the exterior and purge the interior
Formulas that release the Exterior and purge the Interior
Hyperlipidemia can be treated by these formulas if it is due to external pathogens combined with internal accumulation, needing actions that address both aspects.
One such formula is Da Chai Hu Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Hyperlipidemia
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address hyperlipidemia, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
- Herbs that relieve food stagnation
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Hyperlipidemia can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Fleeceflower Roots (He Shou Wu), which is directly recommended for hyperlipidemia.
Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
Hyperlipidemia can be treated by these herbs when it originates from obstructions in the lung pathways, helping to ease respiratory discomfort and restore normal breathing.
One such herb is Ginkgo Leaves (Yin Xing Ye), which is directly recommended for hyperlipidemia.
Herbs that relieve Food Stagnation
Hyperlipidemia can be treated by these herbs in cases of digestive disturbances due to overeating or consuming hard-to-digest foods, assisting in breaking down and moving food through the digestive system.
One such herb is Hawthorn Berries (Shan Zha), which is directly recommended for hyperlipidemia.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Hyperlipidemia can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Water Plantain (Ze Xie), which is directly recommended for hyperlipidemia.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Hyperlipidemia can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hyperlipidemia, like Da Chai Hu Tang.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Hyperlipidemia can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hyperlipidemia, like Da Chai Hu Tang.