Tendency To Bleedaccording to TCM
Symptom family: General Hemorrhage and Bleeding Issues
Parent symptom: Bleeding
What is Tendency to Bleed?
The tendency to bleed is a condition characterized by an increased propensity for bleeding, not just externally from visible wounds but also internally, which can manifest as easy bruising or excessive bleeding from minor cuts. This condition highlights an abnormality in the body's ability to regulate blood clotting, leading to symptoms that range from superficial bruising to significant internal bleeding, underscoring the need for careful diagnosis and management to prevent serious complications.
How does TCM view Tendency to Bleed?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives the tendency to bleed through a lens vastly different from Western medicine, focusing on the balance and flow of Qi (energy) and Blood within the body. According to TCM, a propensity to bleed signals an underlying disharmony or weakness in the body's energetic system, particularly involving the Spleen and Liver, which are crucial in the production and management of Blood and Qi. Identifying and treating the root cause of this imbalance is essential in TCM, offering a path to restore the body's natural harmony and mitigate the tendency to bleed.
Root Causes of Tendency To Bleed in TCM
In the realm of TCM, the tendency to bleed is often attributed to patterns of imbalance such as Blood Stagnation and Heat in the Blood. Blood Stagnation, characterized by the stagnation or improper flow of Blood, can manifest symptoms such as dark clots, fixed stabbing pain, and a tendency to bleed easily.
Heat in the Blood, on the other hand, refers to an excess heat within the Blood that disrupts its stability, leading to spontaneous bleeding. TCM treatments aim to address these underlying patterns, focusing on restoring the smooth flow of Blood and balancing internal energies.
Explore below more details about what might cause Tendency to bleed according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- Blood Stasis
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 Tendency To Bleed
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Stagnation | Tendency to bleed, Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Lumps... see more | Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Di Dang Tang | Dan Shen Yin | Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Hai Tong Pi Tang | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Tendency To Bleed
To combat the tendency to bleed, TCM employs a variety of herbal formulas tailored to the specific patterns of disharmony identified in the patient. For Blood Stasis, formulas like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, which invigorates Blood and dispels Blood Stagnation, and Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, known for its purgative properties that clear internal abscesses, are commonly recommended. These formulas, alongside targeted lifestyle and dietary adjustments, form the cornerstone of TCM's approach to reducing the tendency to bleed by harmonizing the body's internal systems and promoting the healthy circulation of Qi and Blood.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address tendency to bleed, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Blood Stasis
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
- Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
- External formulas for external disorders
- Formulas that warm the meridians and disperse cold
Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause tendency to bleed, such as Blood Stagnation
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Tendency To Bleed Caused by Blood Stasis
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| Di Dang Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Dan Shen Yin | Blood Stagnation |
| Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Hai Tong Pi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang | Blood Stagnation |
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
These formulas are suitable for some tendency to bleed-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, with peach kernel 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 tendency to bleed
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| Di Dang Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Dan Shen Yin | Blood Stagnation |
| Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | Blood Stagnation |
Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
These formulas are suitable for some tendency to bleed-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
These formulas are suitable for some tendency to bleed-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is San Zhong Kui Jian Tang, with phellodendron bark as a key herb.
External formulas for External disorders
These formulas are suitable for some tendency to bleed-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Hai Tong Pi Tang, with erythrinae bark as a key herb.
Formulas that warm the Meridians and disperse Cold
These formulas are suitable for some tendency to bleed-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Tendency To Bleed
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address tendency to bleed, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Tendency to bleed 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 Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tendency to bleed, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for tendency to bleed
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) | Tao He Cheng Qi Tang |
| Leeches (Shui Zhi) | Di Dang Tang |
| Tabanus Horseflies (Meng Chong) | Di Dang Tang |
| Red Sage Roots (Dan Shen) | Dan Shen Yin |
| Ground Beetles (Tu Bie Chong) | Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Tendency to bleed 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 Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tendency to bleed, like San Zhong Kui Jian Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for tendency to bleed
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Tendency to bleed 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 tendency to bleed, like Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for tendency to bleed
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang |
| Angelica Roots (Bai Zhi) | Hai Tong Pi Tang |
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Tendency to bleed 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 tendency to bleed, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Tendency to bleed 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 Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tendency to bleed, like Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Tendency to bleed 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 Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tendency to bleed, like San Zhong Kui Jian Tang.
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Tendency to bleed can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Erythrinae Barks (Hai Tong Pi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tendency to bleed, like Hai Tong Pi Tang.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Tendency to bleed 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 Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tendency to bleed, like Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang.