Anemiaaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Vascular and Blood Disorders
Sub-symptom(s): Aplastic Anemia Postpartum Anemia
Root Causes of Anemia in TCM
Explore below more details about what might cause Anemia according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Blood Deficiency
- Cold
- Liver
- Spleen
Blood Deficiency
Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more
Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Anemia
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen | Anemia, Chest distension, Chest pain, Dizziness, Headaches, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Lack of appetite, Irregular periods, Leukorrhea, Breast engorgement... see more | Xiao Yao San |
Cold
In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more
Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Anemia
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Empty-Cold | Anemia, Chills, Cold extremities, Pale face, Absence of thirst, Low energy, Perspiration, Diarrhea, Clear urination, Frequent urination... see more | Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang | Da Jian Zhong Tang |
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 Anemia
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen | Anemia, Chest distension, Chest pain, Dizziness, Headaches, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Lack of appetite, Irregular periods, Leukorrhea, Breast engorgement... see more | Xiao Yao San |
Spleen
In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more
Spleen Patterns That Can Lead to Anemia
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen | Anemia, Chest distension, Chest pain, Dizziness, Headaches, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Lack of appetite, Irregular periods, Leukorrhea, Breast engorgement... see more | Xiao Yao San |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Anemia
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address anemia, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Blood Deficiency
- Cold
- Formulas that tonify qi and blood
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
- Formulas that tonify blood
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that tonify
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
- Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
- Formulas that warm yang and tonify
Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
Xiao Yao San
Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause anemia, such as Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen
Learn more
Top Formula for Cold:
Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang
Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause anemia, such as Empty-Cold
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Anemia Caused by Cold
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang | Empty-Cold |
| Da Jian Zhong Tang | Empty-Cold |
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
These formulas are suitable for some anemia-causing patterns like Empty-Cold.
One such formula is Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold" recommended for anemia
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang | Empty-Cold |
| Da Jian Zhong Tang | Empty-Cold |
| Xiao Jian Zhong Tang | Not applicable |
Formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen
These formulas are suitable for some anemia-causing patterns like Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen.
One such formula is Xiao Yao San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood
Anemia can be treated by these formulas when there is a combined deficiency of both Qi and Blood, requiring comprehensive tonification.
One such formula is Ba Zhen Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that tonify qi and blood" recommended for anemia
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ba Zhen Tang | Not applicable |
| Gui Pi Tang | Not applicable |
| Zhi Gan Cao Tang | Not applicable |
Formulas that tonify Blood
Anemia can be treated by these formulas when it is due to blood deficiency, requiring blood-nourishing and enriching actions.
One such formula is Bu Gan Tang, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that tonify blood" recommended for anemia
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Bu Gan Tang | Not applicable |
| Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang | Not applicable |
Formulas that tonify Qi
Anemia can be treated by these formulas if it results from Qi deficiency, necessitating treatments that boost the body's vital energy.
One such formula is Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, with ginseng as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that tonify qi" recommended for anemia
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Shen Ling Bai Zhu San | Not applicable |
| Si Jun Zi Tang | Not applicable |
Formulas that tonify
Anemia can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a general deficiency in the body, needing strengthening and nourishing actions.
One such formula is Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
Anemia can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a deficiency in both Yin and Yang energies, necessitating a balanced approach to tonification.
One such formula is Shi Quan Da Bu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that warm Yang and tonify
Anemia can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a depletion of Yang energy, requiring actions that warm and strengthen Yang.
One such formula is You Gui Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Acupoints for Anemia
See more details below about Dazhu BL-11, an acupoint used to address anemia.
- By Meridian
- Bladder Channel
Dazhu BL-11
On the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra (T1), 1.5 cun (about 2 finger-breadths) lateral to the posterior midline.