Bruisingaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Injuries, Cuts & Traumatic Wounds
Sub-symptom(s): Contusions Blood Statis Post-Traumatic Stasis Sprains Blood Stasis
What is Bruising?
Bruising, medically known as a contusion, is a common skin injury that results in a discoloration of the skin. Symptoms typically involve a change in skin color to blue, green, yellow, or purple following an impact or pressure that ruptures the blood vessels beneath the skin.
This leakage of blood into surrounding tissues leads to the visible discoloration. Bruises are generally caused by blunt force trauma. Sub-symptoms associated with bruising, like contusions, post-traumatic stasis, and sprains blood stasis, indicate varying degrees of tissue damage and Blood Stagnation beneath the skin surface.
How does TCM view Bruising?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views bruising as a manifestation of disrupted Qi and blood flow due to trauma. According to TCM, bruises result from the Stagnation of Blood, caused when an external force injures the blood vessels.
This view sees the Stagnation as an impediment to the smooth circulation of Qi and Blood, which is essential for health. TCM emphasizes the need to address this stagnation and restore the harmonious flow to heal the bruise effectively.
Causes of Bruising According to TCM
TCM identifies several patterns that can cause or exacerbate bruising. A primary cause is Blood Stagnation, where the flow of Blood is impeded due to an injury, leading to pooling and clotting beneath the skin.
Another common TCM pattern related to bruising is Qi Stagnation, where the injury disrupts the flow of Qi, exacerbating the stagnation of blood. These patterns highlight the importance of maintaining the smooth flow of Qi and blood in the body to prevent and treat bruising. Treatment in TCM focuses on resolving stagnation and promoting circulation to alleviate the symptoms of bruising.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Bruising
TCM suggests a variety of herbs to treat bruising, primarily focusing on those that dispel Wind and Dampness and invigorate blood circulation. For instance, Garden Balsam Stems (Tou Gu Cao) are often recommended.
This herb, characterized by its Bitter, Pungent, and Cool properties, targets the Spleen, Kidney, and Liver, making it suitable for treating Blood Stagnation and Toxic Heat, as well as Damp-Wind and Damp-Heat conditions. The choice of herbs in TCM is tailored to the individual's specific pattern of disharmony, ensuring a personalized and effective treatment approach.
See more details below about Qi Li San, a herbal formula used to address bruising.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Bruising can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Qi Li San
TCM Herbs for Bruising
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address bruising, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Bruising can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Sappan Woods (Su Mu), which is directly recommended for bruising.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for bruising
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Sappan Woods (Su Mu) | Not applicable |
| Ground Beetles (Tu Bie Chong) | Not applicable |
| Lycopi Rhizomes (Ze Lan) | Not applicable |
| Tabanus Horseflies (Meng Chong) | Not applicable |
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Bruising can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Garden Balsam Stems (Tou Gu Cao), which is directly recommended for bruising.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness" recommended for bruising
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Garden Balsam Stems (Tou Gu Cao) | Not applicable |
| Ground Pine (Shen Jin Cao) | Not applicable |
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Bruising can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Barbat Skullcap Herb (Ban Zhi Lian), which is directly recommended for bruising.
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Bruising can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Paris Rhizomes (Chong Lou), which is directly recommended for bruising.