Fibromyalgiaaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Fibromyalgia
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a complex and often misunderstood condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and memory and mood issues. It is a syndrome that affects millions worldwide, presenting a challenge in both diagnosis and management. Despite its prevalence, the exact cause of fibromyalgia remains unclear, with research suggesting a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
How Does TCM View Fibromyalgia?
In contrast to the Western medical perspective, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches fibromyalgia through the lens of energy flow and balance within the body. TCM posits that fibromyalgia symptoms arise from imbalances or blockages in the body's vital energy, known as Qi.
These imbalances are thought to be caused by various patterns of disharmony, emphasizing the importance of identifying the specific pattern affecting each individual before pursuing treatment. This holistic approach looks beyond the symptoms to address the root cause of the condition.
Causes of Fibromyalgia According to TCM
TCM interprets fibromyalgia through the prism of Qi (vital energy) disruption, with particular attention to patterns like Painful Obstruction, which encompasses conditions where pain and stiffness arise from obstructed flow in the channels. Two prevalent causes in this framework are invasions by Wind-Cold and Damp-Wind. The former is akin to a cold draft seeping into the body, chilling and stiffening the muscles and joints, impeding the smooth flow of Qi.
The latter, Damp-Wind, describes a muggy, heavy air penetrating the body, leading to aching, heavy limbs, and a sensation of being weighed down. These patterns highlight TCM's unique perspective on environmental influences on bodily harmony and health.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Fibromyalgia
To combat fibromyalgia, particularly when symptoms align with the Painful Obstruction pattern due to Wind-Cold and Damp-Wind, TCM turns to specific herbal formulas. For issues stemming from Wind invading the channels, causing joint and muscle pain, a formula like Da Fang Feng Tang is often prescribed. This formula uses Saposhnikovia Roots to expel wind and alleviate pain, warming and freeing the obstructed channels.
In cases where Wind-Cold is at play, causing deep, piercing joint pains and stiffness, Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang, featuring Notopterygium Roots, is chosen to dispel cold, damp accumulations, restoring the free flow of Qi and blood. These targeted treatments reflect TCM's approach of addressing the specific disharmonies contributing to fibromyalgia's complex symptomatology.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address fibromyalgia, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that dispel wind-Damp
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
Formulas that dispel Wind-Damp
Fibromyalgia can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a pathogenic influence of wind combined with dampness, which often obstructs the flow of Qi and Blood.
One such formula is Da Fang Feng Tang, with saposhnikovia root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Fibromyalgia can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang, with notopterygium root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Fibromyalgia
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address fibromyalgia, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Fibromyalgia 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 Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng), a key herb in some formulas recommended for fibromyalgia, like Da Fang Feng Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for fibromyalgia
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng) | Da Fang Feng Tang |
| Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo) | Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang |