Symptom family: Lip Symptoms

What is Purple Lips?

Purple lips, also known as bluish lips, refer to a discoloration of the lips that appears blue or purple. This condition is often a sign of inadequate oxygen supply in the blood, a situation medically termed as cyanosis. It can indicate serious underlying health issues such as respiratory or cardiovascular problems, and in some cases, severe cold exposure or high altitudes. Recognizing and addressing the root cause of purple lips is crucial for effective treatment.

How Does TCM View Purple Lips?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), purple lips are seen as a manifestation of deeper internal imbalances. Unlike Western medicine, which focuses on immediate causes such as lack of oxygen, TCM views symptoms like purple lips through the lens of various patterns of disharmony within the body's systems. Identifying the precise pattern is essential in TCM, as it guides the specific treatment approach needed to restore balance and health.

Root Causes of Purple Lips in TCM

In TCM, one of the primary causes of purple lips is Blood Stasis, where the Blood flow is obstructed, leading to Stagnation. This can manifest in patterns such as general Blood Stagnation, which is characterized by symptoms like dark, purple lips, stabbing fixed pain, and dark menstrual clots. Another cause is Heart Blood Stagnation, presenting with symptoms like purple lips, stabbing chest pain, and chest constriction.

Qi Stagnation is another significant cause, particularly Heart Qi Stagnation, marked by purple lips, palpitations, and chest distension. Pericardium Qi Stagnation, with symptoms such as mild chest pain, sighing, and depression, can also lead to purple lips. Understanding these patterns is key to effective treatment in TCM.

Explore below more details about what might cause Purple lips according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Blood Stasis
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Heart
  • Pericardium
  • Liver
Detailed description of the cause

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 Purple Lips

Common Symptoms: Purple Nails Menstrual Cramps Dark Menstrual Clots Abdominal Masses Dark Menstrual Blood Abdominal Pain Irregular Periods Restlessness

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Blood Stagnation Purple lips, Dark face, 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
Heart Blood Stagnation Purple lips, Stabbing chest pain, Chest constriction, Stifling sensation in the chest Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Heart Vessel obstructed Purple lips, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Heart pain, Chest pain, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness, Reluctance to speak, Cold extremities, Sighing, Purple nails, Purple face... see more Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Di Tan Tang | Dang Gui Si Ni Tang
Liver Blood Stagnation Purple lips, Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Dark menstrual clots, Infertility, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Purple face, Skin dryness, Petechiae... see more Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Xiao Yao San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shi Xiao San
Pericardium Blood Stagnation Purple lips, Palpitations, Chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots... see more Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Qi And Blood Stagnation Purple lips, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more Dan Shen Yin | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shi Xiao San | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi Li San | Guo Qi Yin
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Stagnation

Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more

Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Purple Lips

Common Symptoms: Chest Distension Depression Palpitations Stifling Sensation In The Chest Throat Lumps Shortness Of Breath Sighing Lack Of Appetite

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart Qi Stagnation Purple lips, Palpitations, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Depression Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Pericardium Qi Stagnation Purple lips, Mild chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sighing, Throat lumps, Palpitations, Depression, Irritability, Lack of appetite, Weak limbs, Cold extremities... see more Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Qi And Blood Stagnation Purple lips, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more Dan Shen Yin | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shi Xiao San | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi Li San | Guo Qi Yin
Detailed description of the cause

Heart

In TCM the Heart is considered the "emperor" of all organs, primarily responsible for governing Blood and housing the mind, known as "Shen." It plays a crucial role in maintaining mental-emotional equilibrium and controlling the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Heart is imbalanced or malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues like heart palpitations, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, and a flushed complexion. Emotional disturbances such as excessive joy or lack of joy are also seen as signs of Heart disharmony. These symptoms reflect not just physical heart conditions but also the state of one's Shen, indicating the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being in TCM.... see more

Heart Patterns That Can Lead to Purple Lips

Common Symptoms: Stifling Sensation In The Chest Palpitations Purple Nails Purple Face Depression Shortness Of Breath Sighing Cold Extremities

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart Blood Stagnation Purple lips, Stabbing chest pain, Chest constriction, Stifling sensation in the chest Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Heart Qi Stagnation Purple lips, Palpitations, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Depression Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Heart Vessel obstructed Purple lips, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Heart pain, Chest pain, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness, Reluctance to speak, Cold extremities, Sighing, Purple nails, Purple face... see more Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Di Tan Tang | Dang Gui Si Ni Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Pericardium

In TCM the Pericardium is more than a physical membrane protecting the heart; it's considered an organ system that acts as the "Heart's protector." It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the heart from external pathogenic factors and emotional disturbances. The Pericardium is also involved in regulating blood circulation and influencing emotional well-being, especially in terms of relationships and intimacy. When the Pericardium malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to symptoms that mirror heart issues, such as chest pain or palpitations, but often with an emotional component like difficulty in forming emotional connections or excessive vulnerability to external stressors. Additionally, a disturbed Pericardium can result in sleep disturbances, anxiety, and in severe cases, mental confusion, reflecting its integral role in both physical heart protection and emotional balance.... see more

Pericardium Patterns That Can Lead to Purple Lips

Common Symptoms: Palpitations Chest Distension Stifling Sensation In The Chest Shortness Of Breath Depression Chest Pain Purple Nails Menstrual Cramps

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Pericardium Blood Stagnation Purple lips, Palpitations, Chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots... see more Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Pericardium Qi Stagnation Purple lips, Mild chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sighing, Throat lumps, Palpitations, Depression, Irritability, Lack of appetite, Weak limbs, Cold extremities... see more Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Detailed description of the cause

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 Purple Lips

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Blood Stagnation Purple lips, Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Dark menstrual clots, Infertility, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Purple face, Skin dryness, Petechiae... see more Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Xiao Yao San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shi Xiao San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Purple Lips

To treat purple lips caused by Blood Stagnation, formulas like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang are used. This formula includes Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) to invigorate Blood and dispel stasis. For Heart Blood Stagnation, Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang is recommended, also featuring Peach Kernels to address blood stasis. In cases of Qi Stagnation, Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang is commonly used, with Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) to promote Qi movement and transform Phlegm.

When dealing with Heart Yang Collapsing, Shen Fu Tang, with Ginseng (Ren Shen) as a key herb, is employed to rescue devastated Yang. Each formula is tailored to the specific TCM pattern diagnosed, ensuring a holistic approach to treatment.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Blood Stasis
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
  • Formulas that promote qi movement
  • 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
  • Formulas that dispel phlegm
  • Formulas that warm interior cold
  • Formulas that rescue devastated yang
  • Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
  • Formulas that regulate blood
  • Formulas that tonify blood

All Formulas Recommended for Purple Lips Caused by Blood Stasis

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang Heart Blood Stagnation, Heart Vessel obstructed, Pericardium Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation... see more
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Heart Vessel obstructed, Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Dan Shen Yin Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shi Xiao San Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
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
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
Di Tan Tang Heart Vessel obstructed
Dang Gui Si Ni Tang Heart Vessel obstructed
Xiao Yao San Liver Blood Stagnation
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Qi Li San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Guo Qi Yin Qi And Blood Stagnation

All Formulas Recommended for Purple Lips Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang Heart Qi Stagnation, Pericardium Qi Stagnation
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Dan Shen Yin Qi And Blood Stagnation
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shi Xiao San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Qi Li San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Guo Qi Yin Qi And Blood Stagnation

All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for purple lips

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang Heart Blood Stagnation, Heart Vessel obstructed, Pericardium Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation... see more
Dan Shen Yin Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shi Xiao San Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang Blood Stagnation
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Blood Stagnation
Di Dang Tang Blood Stagnation
Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan Blood Stagnation
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Qi Li San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wen Jing Tang Dampness and Phlegm in the Uterus

All "formulas that promote qi movement" recommended for purple lips

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Heart Vessel obstructed, Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang Heart Qi Stagnation, Pericardium Qi Stagnation

Acupoints for Purple Lips

In TCM, acupuncture is often used to address the underlying imbalances causing purple lips. Key acupoints include Chengjiang REN-24, located on the midline in the center of the mentolabial groove. This point is known to expel internal wind and regulate the directing vessel, helping to alleviate symptoms associated with purple lips. Other acupoints are selected based on the specific TCM diagnosis, aiming to restore harmony and proper blood flow, ultimately resolving the discoloration of the lips.

See more details below about Chengjiang REN-24, an acupoint used to address purple lips.

  • By Meridian
  • Directing Vessel
Chengjiang REN-24

Chengjiang REN-24

On the midline, in the center of the mentolabial groove.