Petechiaeaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Dermatological Conditions & Symptoms, Skin Pigmentation & Discoloration Issues
Did you mean? Purpura
What is Petechiae?
Petechiae are small, round spots that appear on the skin due to bleeding under the surface. These spots, which can range from red to purple in color, are often a result of physical trauma or certain medical conditions affecting blood clotting or capillary inflammation. Typically, they are not raised and do not lose color when you press on them. While they may appear alarming, petechiae are often a symptom rather than a disease itself, signaling an underlying condition that may require medical attention.
How does TCM view Petechiae?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), petechiae are seen through a different lens compared to Western medicine. TCM interprets them as manifestations of internal disharmonies or imbalances. Unlike the more focused physiological explanations of Western medicine, TCM considers a variety of patterns of disharmony that could lead to petechiae. It emphasizes the importance of identifying the correct underlying pattern before treatment, as each pattern requires a unique approach to restore balance and health.
Root Causes of Petechiae in TCM
In TCM, several patterns can lead to the development of petechiae, but two common causes are Blood Stasis and Spleen not controlling Blood. Blood Stasis, particularly Liver Blood Stagnation, is characterized by symptoms like purple petechiae, hypochondriac pain, and irregular uterine bleeding. This pattern suggests a stagnation or obstruction in the blood flow, often linked to emotional stress or liver function. On the other hand, the pattern of Spleen not controlling Blood is associated with symptoms like blood spots under the skin, fatigue, and weakness. This pattern indicates a deficiency in the spleen's ability to manage blood functions, often due to poor diet or chronic stress. These examples illustrate TCM's holistic approach, linking physical symptoms to broader systemic imbalances.
Explore below more details about what might cause Petechiae according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Blood Stasis
- Liver
Blood Stasis
Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more
Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Petechiae
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Blood Stagnation | Purple petechiae, Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Dark menstrual clots, Infertility, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Purple lips, Purple face, Skin dryness, Petechiae... see more | Xiao Yao San | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shi Xiao San |
Liver
In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more
Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Petechiae
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Blood Stagnation | Purple petechiae, Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Dark menstrual clots, Infertility, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Purple lips, Purple face, Skin dryness, Petechiae... see more | Xiao Yao San | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shi Xiao San |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Petechiae
In addressing petechiae, TCM tailors its treatment to the identified pattern of disharmony. For Liver Blood Stagnation, formulas like Xiao Yao San and Chai Hu Shu Gan San are recommended. Both contain Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a herb known for its property to release exterior and harmonize liver-spleen functions. For the pattern of Spleen not controlling Blood, Gui Pi Tang is often prescribed. This formula includes Ginseng (Ren Shen), which is effective in tonifying Qi and Blood, addressing the spleen's deficiency. It's important to note that these recommendations are contingent on the patient's specific pattern, highlighting TCM's personalized approach to healthcare.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address petechiae, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Blood Stasis
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that tonify qi and blood
- Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
- Formulas that promote qi movement
Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Xiao Yao San
Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause petechiae, such as Liver Blood Stagnation
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Petechiae Caused by Blood Stasis
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Xiao Yao San | Liver Blood Stagnation |
| Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Liver Blood Stagnation |
| Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Liver Blood Stagnation |
| Shi Xiao San | Liver Blood Stagnation |
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
These formulas are suitable for some petechiae-causing patterns like Liver Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, with szechuan lovage root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for petechiae
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Liver Blood Stagnation |
| Shi Xiao San | Liver Blood Stagnation |
Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood
These formulas are suitable for some petechiae-causing patterns like Spleen not controlling Blood.
One such formula is Gui Pi Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen
These formulas are suitable for some petechiae-causing patterns like Liver Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Xiao Yao San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that promote Qi movement
These formulas are suitable for some petechiae-causing patterns like Liver Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Chai Hu Shu Gan San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Petechiae
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address petechiae, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that stop bleeding
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Petechiae 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 Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for petechiae, like Gui Pi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for petechiae
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Liquorice (Gan Cao) | Gui Pi Tang |
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Petechiae can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for petechiae, like Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for petechiae
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang |
| Safflowers (Hong Hua) | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang |
| Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang |
| Flying Squirrel Faeces (Wu Ling Zhi) | Shi Xiao San |
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Petechiae 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 petechiae, like Xiao Yao San.
Herbs that stop bleeding
Petechiae 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 Cattail Pollen (Pu Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for petechiae, like Shi Xiao San.