Chilblainsaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Skin Reactions to Cold
Did you mean? Frostbite
What is Chilblains?
Chilblains, also known as pernio, are skin sores or bumps that occur after exposure to cold temperatures. This condition is not just discomforting; it is a painful inflammation of small blood vessels in your skin that occurs in response to repeated exposure to cold but not freezing air. Commonly affecting the extremities, chilblains can cause itching, red patches, swelling, and blistering on hands and feet.
How does TCM view Chilblains?
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), chilblains are viewed through the lens of imbalance and the flow of Qi and blood within the body. Unlike Western medicine that focuses on the physical exposure to Cold causing symptoms, TCM suggests that chilblains arise when the body's defensive energy (Wei Qi) is weak, and cold invades, leading to stagnation of Qi and blood in specific areas.
This interpretation emphasizes the importance of identifying and correcting the underlying disharmony, highlighting a tailored approach to treatment.
Causes of Chilblains according to TCM
TCM identifies various patterns that may lead to the development of chilblains, each associated with different underlying imbalances. Two common patterns include Spleen and Liver Blood Deficiency, where the body lacks the necessary nutrients to nourish and warm the skin, and Wind-Cold invasion, where external cold enters the body, disrupting the flow of Qi and Blood.
Blood Deficiency often results from a lack of adequate nutrition or underlying conditions that impair the Spleen and Liver's ability to produce and regulate blood. In contrast, Wind-Cold invasion is typically due to exposure to cold weather without adequate protection, leading to the constriction of blood vessels and subsequent symptoms of chilblains.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Chilblains
In TCM, the treatment of chilblains depends on the underlying pattern identified. For conditions stemming from Blood Deficiency, formulas like Dang Gui Shao Yao San, containing ingredients such as White Peony Roots (Bai Shao), aim to nourish the blood and improve circulation. This formula is particularly suited for those with Spleen and Liver imbalances, addressing both the deficiency and the stagnation.
For chilblains caused by Wind-Cold invasion, Ma Huang Tang, with key components like Ephedra (Ma Huang), works by expelling cold and promoting the flow of Qi, addressing symptoms associated with cold's external invasion. Additionally, external treatments like Zi Dang Gao, utilizing Lithospermum Roots (Zi Cao), are applied to directly alleviate skin symptoms by clearing heat and detoxifying. These treatments underscore TCM's holistic approach, focusing on restoring balance and enhancing the body's natural defenses.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address chilblains, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
- External formulas for external disorders
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Chilblains 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 Dang Gui Shao Yao San, with white peony root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Chilblains can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Ma Huang Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
External formulas for External disorders
Chilblains can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by external factors like wind, cold, or heat leading to symptoms on the body's surface.
One such formula is Zi Dang Gao, with lithospermum root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Chilblains
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address chilblains, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Chilblains can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is White Peony Roots (Bai Shao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chilblains, like Dang Gui Shao Yao San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for chilblains
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) | Dang Gui Shao Yao San |
| Dong Quai (Dang Gui) | Zi Dang Gao |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Chilblains can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Ephedra (Ma Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chilblains, like Ma Huang Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Chilblains 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 Lithospermum Roots (Zi Cao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chilblains, like Zi Dang Gao.