Root Causes of Bleeding Gums in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Bleeding gums according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Heat
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Stomach
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Bleeding Gums

Common Symptoms: Dry Mouth Restlessness Constipation Swollen Gums Toothache Headaches Stomatitis Periodontitis

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach Heat or Fire Bleeding gums, Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Nausea, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Bad breath, Feeling of heat, Acne... see more Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Qing Wei San | Xie Huang San | Fei Er Wan | Hua Ban Tang
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat Bleeding gums, Toothache, Headaches, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia, Diabetes, Viral myocarditis, Breast engorgement, Breast lumps... see more Yu Nu Jian | Wen Dan Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Bleeding Gums

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach Yin Deficiency Bleeding gums, Lack of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating... see more Mai Men Dong Tang | Yi Wei Tang | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Detailed description of the cause

Stomach

In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more

Stomach Patterns That Can Lead to Bleeding Gums

Common Symptoms: Dry Mouth Constipation Diabetes Thirst Restlessness Swollen Gums Dry Throat Dry Stools

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach Heat or Fire Bleeding gums, Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Nausea, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Bad breath, Feeling of heat, Acne... see more Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Qing Wei San | Xie Huang San | Fei Er Wan | Hua Ban Tang
Stomach Yin Deficiency Bleeding gums, Lack of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating... see more Mai Men Dong Tang | Yi Wei Tang | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat Bleeding gums, Toothache, Headaches, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia, Diabetes, Viral myocarditis, Breast engorgement, Breast lumps... see more Yu Nu Jian | Wen Dan Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Bleeding Gums

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address bleeding gums, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Heat
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs
  • Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
  • Formulas that purge heat accumulation
  • Formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform stagnation
  • Formulas that clear heat from qi and blood
  • Formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that tonify qi

All Formulas Recommended for Bleeding Gums Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Yu Nu Jian Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
Wen Dan Tang Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang Stomach Heat or Fire
Qing Wei San Stomach Heat or Fire
Xie Huang San Stomach Heat or Fire
Fei Er Wan Stomach Heat or Fire
Hua Ban Tang Stomach Heat or Fire

All Formulas Recommended for Bleeding Gums Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Mai Men Dong Tang Stomach Yin Deficiency
Yi Wei Tang Stomach Yin Deficiency
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San Stomach Yin Deficiency

All "formulas that clear heat from the organs" recommended for bleeding gums

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Yu Nu Jian Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
Qing Wei San Stomach Heat or Fire
Xie Huang San Stomach Heat or Fire

Acupoints for Bleeding Gums

Explore below some acupoints used to address bleeding gums, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Stomach Channel
  • Triple Burner Channel
  • Governing Vessel
Neiting ST-44

Neiting ST-44

Between the 2nd and the 3rd toes, proximal to the interdigital fold.

Yemen TB-2

Yemen TB-2

Proximal to the margin of the web between the ring and small fingers.