Facial Swellingaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Face Conditions and Symptoms
Sub-symptom(s): Cheek Swelling Forehead Swelling
Did you mean? Facial Edema
Root Causes of Facial Swelling in TCM
Explore below more details about what might cause Facial swelling according to TCM.
- By Organ
- Kidney
Kidney
In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more
Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Facial Swelling
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidneys failing to receive Qi | Swelling of the face, Exertional dyspnea, Rapid respiration, Weak respiratory, Difficulty breathing in, Chronic coughing, Asthma, Spontaneous sweat, Cold extremities, Facial edema, Emaciation, Low energy, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Clear urination... see more | You Gui Wan | Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang | Ren Shen Ge Jie San |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Facial Swelling
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address facial swelling, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that warm yang and tonify
- Formulas for a rebellious qi
- Formulas that tonify qi
Formulas that warm Yang and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some facial swelling-causing patterns like Kidneys failing to receive Qi.
One such formula is You Gui Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas for a rebellious Qi
These formulas are suitable for some facial swelling-causing patterns like Kidneys failing to receive Qi.
One such formula is Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang, with perilla seeds as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi
These formulas are suitable for some facial swelling-causing patterns like Kidneys failing to receive Qi.
One such formula is Ren Shen Ge Jie San, with tokay geckos as a key herb.
Acupoints for Facial Swelling
Explore below some acupoints used to address facial swelling, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Stomach Channel
- Large Intestine Channel
- Gall Bladder Channel
- Governing Vessel
- Small Intestine Channel
- Triple Burner Channel
- Directing Vessel
Daying ST-5
On the lateral mandible, on the anterior border of masseter muscle, in the groove-like depression appearing when the cheek is bulged.
Jiache ST-6
One finger-breadth anterior and superior to the lower angle of the mandible where masseter muscle attaches at the prominence of the muscle when the teeth are clenched.
Xiaguan ST-7
In the depression at the lower border of the zygomatic arch, anterior to the condyloid process of the mandible. Xiaguan ST-7 is located when the mouth is closed.
Fenglong ST-40
Midway between Dubi ST-35 and Jiexi ST-41, two middle finger-width from the anterior crest of the tibia, or one middle finger-width from Tiaokou ST-38.
Jiexi ST-41
At the junction of the dorsum of the foot and leg, between the tendons of extensor digitorum and the extensor hallucis longus muscle. Approximately at the level of the tip of the external malleolus.
Chongyang ST-42
Distal to Jiexi ST-41, at the highest point of the dorsum of foot, between the tendons of the extensor hallucis longus and the extensor digitorum longus, directly lateral to the point where the dorsalis pedis artery may be palpated. The point is bordered proximally by the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones and distally by the 2nd and 3rd cuneiform bones.
Hegu LI-4
Between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.
Yingxiang LI-20
In the nasolabrial groove, at the level of the midpoint of the lateral border of ala nasi.
Qubin GB-7
Within the hairline anterior and superior to the auricle, about 1 finger-breadth (0.5 cun) anterior to Jiaosun TB-20 which is on the apex of the ear.
Muchuang GB-16
1 cun posterior to the Toulingqi GB-15 or 1.5 cun posterior to the anterior hairline, on the pupil line which is 2.25 cun lateral to the midline.
Qianding DU-21
On the midline, 1.5 cun anterior to Baihui DU-20 or 3.5 cun posterior to the anterior hairline.
Xinhui DU-22
On the head midline, 3 cun anterior to Baihui DU-20, 2 cun posterior to the front hairline.
Tianyou TB-16
Posterior and inferior to the mastoid process, on the posterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle, level with Tianrong SI-17 and Tianzhu BL-10.
Luxi TB-19
Posterior to the ear, at the junction of the upper and middle third of the curve formed by Yifeng ST-17 and Jiaosun ST-20 behind the helix.
