Malariaaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Malarial Infections
What is Malaria?
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It's characterized by fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms that can progress to severe complications and death if not treated promptly. Malaria is a major health challenge in many tropical and subtropical regions, highlighting the importance of prevention, timely diagnosis, and effective treatment strategies to combat this global health concern.
How does TCM view Malaria?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives malaria as a manifestation of external pathogenic factors invading the body, leading to disharmony and imbalance of Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang. TCM categorizes malaria based on different patterns of imbalance, such as Dampness, Heat, and Deficiency, and aims to address these underlying causes through a holistic treatment approach. This ancient system of medicine emphasizes restoring harmony and balance to the body's energy systems to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence.
Causes of Malaria According to TCM
In TCM, malaria is often attributed to the invasion of external pathogenic factors that disrupt the body's balance. Two primary patterns identified in TCM are the invasion of Damp-Heat and the presence of Interior Cold due to Qi Deficiency.
Damp-Heat can manifest as fever, sweating, and a feeling of heaviness, while Interior Cold reflects a weakened body's Qi, making it susceptible to external invasions. TCM treatments focus on expelling the pathogenic factors, harmonizing the body's Qi, and strengthening the immune system to resist future invasions.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Malaria
To treat malaria, TCM relies on formulas that target the specific patterns of disharmony. Formulas such as Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang and Jie Nue Qi Bao Yin are used to address Interior Cold and regulate Qi. For clearing malarial disorders, Da Yuan Yin and Qing Pi Tang are employed to expel the Damp-Heat.
Additionally, Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang and Xiao Chai Hu Tang harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders, addressing symptoms like Gallbladder Heat and Phlegm-Heat. These formulas, tailored to the individual's condition, demonstrate TCM's nuanced approach to treating malaria by restoring balance and strengthening the body's defenses.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address malaria, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that vent membrane source
- Formulas that clear malarial disorders
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
Formulas that vent membrane source
Malaria can be treated by these formulas if it results from blockages in the body, often manifested as masses or lumps, needing actions that open and resolve these obstructions.
One such formula is Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that vent membrane source" recommended for malaria
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang | Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) |
| Jie Nue Qi Bao Yin | Dichroa Roots (Chang Shan) |
Formulas that clear malarial disorders
Malaria can be treated by these formulas when it is associated with malarial influences characterized by alternating fever and chills.
One such formula is Da Yuan Yin, with tsaoko fruit as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear malarial disorders" recommended for malaria
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Da Yuan Yin | Tsaoko Fruits (Cao Guo), Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu), Areca Nuts (Bing Lang) |
| Qing Pi Tang | Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) |
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
Malaria can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.
One such formula is Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang, with sweet wormwood herb as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders" recommended for malaria
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang | Sweet Wormwood Herbs (Qing Hao), Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) |
| Xiao Chai Hu Tang | Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) |
Acupoints for Malaria
TCM also incorporates acupuncture as a treatment for malaria, targeting specific acupoints to restore balance and enhance the body's natural healing abilities. Points such as Yangchi TB-4 and Yemen TB-2 on the Triple Burner Channel are stimulated to remove obstructions and regulate body fluids. Futonggu KID-20 and Yindu KID-19 on the Kidney Channel, and Shangliao BL-31 and Yixi BL-45 on the Bladder Channel, are selected based on their functions to regulate the Middle Burner, facilitate urination, and dispel Wind-Heat. These acupoints are part of a comprehensive TCM strategy to treat malaria by addressing both the symptoms and the root causes of the disease.
Explore below some acupoints used to address malaria, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Triple Burner Channel
- Kidney Channel
- Bladder Channel
- Extra Points: Lower Extremities (EX-LE)
- Small Intestine Channel
- Spleen Channel
- Large Intestine Channel
- Governing Vessel
Zhongzhu TB-3
When the hand is placed with the palm facing downward, Zhongzhu TB-3 is on the hand dorsum between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones, in the depression proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joints, at the junction between the heads and shaft of the two metacarpal bones.
Yangchi TB-4
At the junction of the ulna carpal bones of the wrist dorsum, in the depression lateral to the tendon of extensor digitorum and extensor digiti minimi muscle.
Shangliao BL-31
In the 1st posterior sacral foramen, about midway between the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and the midline.
Yixi BL-45
3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 6th thoracic vertebra (T6).
Bafeng EX-LE-10
This is a group of 8 points, all located on the foot dorsum, slightly proximal to the margins of the interdigital webs. Xingjian LIV-2, Neiting ST-44 and Xiabai GB-43 are part of the Bafeng EX-LE-10 points. Xingjian LIV-2 is between the 1st and 2nd toes, on the dorsum of the foot, 0.5 cun proximal to the margin of the web. Neiting ST-44 is between the 2nd and 3rd toes, while Xiaxi GB-43 is between the 4th and 5th toes.
Houxi SI-3
Proximal to the head of the 5th metacarpal bone on the ulnar side, in the depression at the junction of the red and white skin.
Shidou SP-17
6 cun lateral to the anterior midline, 2 cun lateral to the mamillary line, in the 5th intercostal space.
Shouwuli LI-13
Superior to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, 3 cun above Quchi LI-11, on the line connecting Quchi LI-11 and Jianyu LI-15.
Taodao DU-13
On the back midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra (T1).
TCM Herbs for Malaria
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address malaria, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Herbs that stop bleeding
- Herbs that expel parasites
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Malaria can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Sweet Wormwood Herbs (Qing Hao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for malaria, like Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for malaria
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Sweet Wormwood Herbs (Qing Hao) | Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang |
| Climbing Groundsel Herbs (Qian Li Guang) | Not applicable |
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Malaria can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Tsaoko Fruits (Cao Guo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for malaria, like Da Yuan Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness" recommended for malaria
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Tsaoko Fruits (Cao Guo) | Da Yuan Yin |
| Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu) | Da Yuan Yin |
Herbs that stop bleeding
Malaria can be treated by these herbs in cases where it is due to internal or external bleeding, working to stabilize and constrict blood flow.
One such herb is Agrimony (Xian He Cao), which is directly recommended for malaria.
Herbs that expel parasites
Malaria can be treated by these herbs if it arises from parasitic infections, utilizing their properties to eliminate parasites from the body.
One such herb is Areca Nuts (Bing Lang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for malaria, like Da Yuan Yin.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Malaria 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 malaria, like Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Malaria can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Catclaw Buttercup Roots (Mao Zhao Cao), which is directly recommended for malaria.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Malaria 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 Dichroa Roots (Chang Shan), a key herb in some formulas recommended for malaria, like Jie Nue Qi Bao Yin.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Malaria 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 malaria.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Malaria can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Rock Sugar (Bing Tang), which is directly recommended for malaria.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Malaria can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for malaria, like Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Malaria can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), a key herb in some formulas recommended for malaria, like Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang.