Myasthenia gravis according to Chinese Medicine

In Chinese Medicine, myasthenia gravis is sometimes associated with Heart and Spleen Deficiency, a so-called "patterns of disharmony". Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted. It is not equivalent to the Western concept of "disease" because both concepts arise from totally different ways of seeing the human body.

To understand whether someone's myasthenia gravis might be caused by the pattern Heart and Spleen Deficiency, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from myasthenia gravis alone. Indeed if myasthenia gravis is caused by Heart and Spleen Deficiency, patients also experience symptoms such as forgetfulness, palpitations, insomnia and fatigue. Similarly, patients with Heart and Spleen Deficiency typically exhibit fine (Xi) pulses as well as a pale tongue with thin white coating.

We've listed below a more detailed description of Heart and Spleen Deficiency so that you can have a better understanding of where myasthenia gravis might find its root according to Chinese Medicine.

Once identified, patterns are often treated using herbal formulas. Drinking herbal infusions is the most common remedy in Chinese Medicine, together with acupuncture. Here we detail below four formulas that can help treat Heart and Spleen Deficiency.

Heart and Spleen Deficiency, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with myasthenia gravis

The Spleen is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Spleen in Chinese Medicine

Heart and Spleen Deficiency

Pulse type(s): Fine (Xi)

Tongue coating: Thin white coating

Tongue color: Pale

Recommended herbal formula: Gui Pi Tang

Symptoms: Fatigue Anxiety Insomnia Menorrhagia Palpitations Forgetfulness Poor appetite Pale complexion Abnormal uterine bleeding

Myasthenia gravis might be due to Heart and Spleen Deficiency if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as forgetfulness, palpitations, insomnia and fatigue. Similarly, patients with Heart and Spleen Deficiency typically exhibit fine (Xi) pulses as well as a pale tongue with thin white coating.

Read more about Heart and Spleen Deficiency here

The four herbal formulas that might help with myasthenia gravis

Gui Pi Tang

Source date: 1529 AD

Number of ingredients: 12 herbs

Key actions: Tonifies and nourish Qi and Blood. Tonifies Heart and Spleen.

Why might Gui Pi Tang help with myasthenia gravis?

Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Heart and Spleen Deficiency, a pattern sometimes associated with myasthenia gravis. If it looks like you might suffer from Heart and Spleen Deficiency, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).

Read more about Gui Pi Tang here

Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan

Source date: 1682 AD

Number of ingredients: 6 herbs

Key actions: Stabilizes the Kidneys. Binds up the semen.

Why might Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan help with myasthenia gravis?

Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with myasthenia gravis. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).

Read more about Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan here

Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang

Source date: 220 AD

Number of ingredients: 3 herbs

Key actions: Tonifes the Yang. Releases the Exterior.

Why might Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang help with myasthenia gravis?

Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with myasthenia gravis. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).

Read more about Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang here

Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang

Source date: 220 AD

Number of ingredients: 2 herbs

Key actions: Nourishes the Blood and augments the Yin. Moderates painful spasms. Alleviates pain.

Why might Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang help with myasthenia gravis?

Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with myasthenia gravis. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).

Read more about Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang here