Neutropenia according to Chinese Medicine
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
In Chinese Medicine, neutropenia is sometimes associated with Spleen Qi 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 neutropenia might be caused by the pattern Spleen Qi Deficiency, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from neutropenia alone. Indeed if neutropenia is caused by Spleen Qi Deficiency, patients also experience symptoms such as pale complexion, weak voice, poor appetite and loose stools. Similarly, patients with Spleen Qi Deficiency typically exhibit soggy (Ru) or weak (Ruo) pulses as well as a pale tongue.
We've listed below a more detailed description of Spleen Qi Deficiency so that you can have a better understanding of where neutropenia 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 Si Jun Zi Tang, a formula that can help treat Spleen Qi Deficiency.
Spleen Qi Deficiency, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with neutropenia
The Spleen is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Spleen in Chinese Medicine
Spleen Qi Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Soggy (Ru), Weak (Ruo)
Tongue color: Pale
Recommended herbal formula: Si Jun Zi Tang
Symptoms: Weak voice Loose stools Poor appetite Pale complexion Weakness in the limbs
Neutropenia might be due to Spleen Qi Deficiency if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as pale complexion, weak voice, poor appetite and loose stools. Similarly, patients with Spleen Qi Deficiency typically exhibit soggy (Ru) or weak (Ruo) pulses as well as a pale tongue.
Si Jun Zi Tang, a herbal formula that might help with neutropenia
Si Jun Zi Tang
Source date: 1107 AD
Number of ingredients: 4 herbs
Key actions: Tonifies Qi. Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach.
Why might Si Jun Zi Tang help with neutropenia?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Spleen Qi Deficiency, a pattern sometimes associated with neutropenia. If it looks like you might suffer from Spleen Qi Deficiency, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Symptoms related to neutropenia
Pale complexion Weak voice Poor appetite Loose stools Weakness in the limbs
