What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a complex and often misunderstood condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and memory and mood issues. It is a syndrome that affects millions worldwide, presenting a challenge in both diagnosis and management. Despite its prevalence, the exact cause of fibromyalgia remains unclear, with research suggesting a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.

How Does TCM View Fibromyalgia?

In contrast to the Western medical perspective, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches fibromyalgia through the lens of energy flow and balance within the body. TCM posits that fibromyalgia symptoms arise from imbalances or blockages in the body's vital energy, known as Qi.

These imbalances are thought to be caused by various patterns of disharmony, emphasizing the importance of identifying the specific pattern affecting each individual before pursuing treatment. This holistic approach looks beyond the symptoms to address the root cause of the condition.

Causes of Fibromyalgia According to TCM

TCM interprets fibromyalgia through the prism of Qi (vital energy) disruption, with particular attention to patterns like Painful Obstruction, which encompasses conditions where pain and stiffness arise from obstructed flow in the channels. Two prevalent causes in this framework are invasions by Wind-Cold and Damp-Wind. The former is akin to a cold draft seeping into the body, chilling and stiffening the muscles and joints, impeding the smooth flow of Qi.

The latter, Damp-Wind, describes a muggy, heavy air penetrating the body, leading to aching, heavy limbs, and a sensation of being weighed down. These patterns highlight TCM's unique perspective on environmental influences on bodily harmony and health.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Tuberculosis

To combat fibromyalgia, particularly when symptoms align with the Painful Obstruction pattern due to Wind-Cold and Damp-Wind, TCM turns to specific herbal formulas. For issues stemming from Wind invading the channels, causing joint and muscle pain, a formula like Da Fang Feng Tang is often prescribed. This formula uses Saposhnikovia Roots to expel wind and alleviate pain, warming and freeing the obstructed channels.

In cases where Wind-Cold is at play, causing deep, piercing joint pains and stiffness, Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang, featuring Notopterygium Roots, is chosen to dispel cold, damp accumulations, restoring the free flow of Qi and blood. These targeted treatments reflect TCM's approach of addressing the specific disharmonies contributing to fibromyalgia's complex symptomatology.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address tuberculosis, organized by formula type.

  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
  • Formulas that tonify qi
  • Formulas that stop bleeding
  • Formulas that disperse dryness and moisten
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
  • Formulas that clear wind-Heat
  • Formulas that dispel phlegm
  • Formulas that vent membrane source
  • Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
  • Formulas that stabilize exterior and stop sweating
  • Formulas that clear qi-level heat
  • Formulas that transform phlegm and extinguish wind
  • Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores

All "formulas that stop bleeding" recommended for tuberculosis

Formula Key herbs
Ke Xie Fang Natural Indigo (Qing Dai), Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi)
Shi Hui San Japanese Thistle (Da Ji), Field Thistles (Xiao Ji)

All "formulas that disperse dryness and moisten" recommended for tuberculosis

Formula Key herbs
Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye)
Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang Glehnia Roots (Bei Sha Shen), Dwarf Lilyturf Roots (Mai Dong), Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye)

All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for tuberculosis

Formula Key herbs
Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan Rhubarb (Da Huang), Ground Beetles (Tu Bie Chong)
Di Dang Tang Leeches (Shui Zhi), Tabanus Horseflies (Meng Chong)

Acupoints for Tuberculosis

Explore below some acupoints used to address tuberculosis, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Large Intestine Channel
  • Stomach Channel
  • Bladder Channel
  • Triple Burner Channel
  • Pericardium Channel
  • Small Intestine Channel
  • Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN)
  • Gall Bladder Channel
  • Extra Points: Upper Extremities (EX-UE)
  • Heart Channel
Shouwuli LI-13

Shouwuli LI-13

Superior to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, 3 cun above Quchi LI-11, on the line connecting Quchi LI-11 and Jianyu LI-15.

Binao LI-14

Binao LI-14

On the radial side of the humerus, superior to the lower end of deltoid muscle, on the line connecting Quchi LI-11 and Jianyu LI-15, 7 cun proximal to Quchi LI-11.

Jianyu LI-15

Jianyu LI-15

Jianyu LI-15 is located antero-inferior to the acromion, between the clavicular and acromial portions of the deltoid muscle.

Jugu LI-16

Jugu LI-16

In the upper aspect of the shoulder, in the depression between the acromio-clavicular joint and the scapular spine.

Tianding LI-17

Tianding LI-17

Tianding LI-17 is located on the lateral side of the neck, on the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, superior to Quepen ST-12 at the midpoint of the supraclavicular fossa. It is 1 cun below Futu LI-18 which is between the two head of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Futu LI-18

Futu LI-18

On the lateral side of the neck, level with the tip of Adam's apple, between the sternal head and clavicular head of sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Daying ST-5

Daying ST-5

On the lateral mandible, on the anterior border of masseter muscle, in the groove-like depression appearing when the cheek is bulged.

Renying ST-9

Renying ST-9

Level with the tip of Adam's apple, 1.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline, on the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Shuitu ST-10

Shuitu ST-10

On the anterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle, in the middle between Renying ST-9 and Qishe ST-11.

Qishe ST-11

Qishe ST-11

On the upper border of the clavicle, between the tendons of the sternal and clavicular heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Feishu BL-13

Feishu BL-13

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3).

Pohu BL-42

Pohu BL-42

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3).

Gaohuangshu BL-43

Gaohuangshu BL-43

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th thoracic vertebra (T4).

Tianjing TB-10

Tianjing TB-10

When the elbow is flexed, Tianjing TB-10 is in the depression about 1 cun superior to the olecranon.

Naohui TB-13

Naohui TB-13

On the line joining Jianliao TB-14 and the olecranon, 3 cun below Jianliao TB-14 which is at the lateral extremity of the acromion. Naohui TB-13 is on the posterior border of deltoid muscle.

Tianyou TB-16

Tianyou TB-16

Posterior and inferior to the mastoid process, on the posterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle, level with Tianrong SI-17 and Tianzhu BL-10.

Tianchi P-1

Tianchi P-1

1 cun lateral to the nipple, in the 4th intercostal space.

Tianrong SI-17

Tianrong SI-17

Posterior to the angle of mandible, in the depression on the anterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Bailao EX-HN-15

Bailao EX-HN-15

2 cun above the lower border of the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (C7) and 1 cun lateral to the midline.

Zhejin GB-23

Zhejin GB-23

1 cun anterior to Yuanye GB-22, approximately level with the nipple.

Zhoujian EX-UE-1

Zhoujian EX-UE-1

On the tip of the olecranon.

Qingling HE-2

Qingling HE-2

3 cun above the medial end of the transverse cubital crease, in the depression medial to the biceps brachii muscle.

TCM Herbs for Tuberculosis

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address tuberculosis, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
  • Herbs that invigorate the blood
  • Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
  • Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
  • Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
  • Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
  • Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
  • Herbs that cool the blood
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Herbs that stop bleeding
  • Herbs that pacify internal liver wind and stop tremors
  • Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
  • Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
  • Herbs that clear yin deficiency heat
  • Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
  • Laxative herbs that drain downward
  • Herbs that regulate qi
  • Purgative herbs that drain downward
  • Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough

"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for tuberculosis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao) Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang
Natural Indigo (Qing Dai) Ke Xie Fang
Catclaw Buttercup Roots (Mao Zhao Cao) Not applicable
Thunder God Vines (Lei Gong Teng) Not applicable
Bistort Rhizomes (Quan Shen) Not applicable
Castor Beans (Bi Ma Zi) Not applicable
Chinese Tulip Bulbs (Shan Ci Gu) Not applicable
Semiaquilegia Root Tubers (Tian Kui Zi) Not applicable

"Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for tuberculosis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Fritillary Bulbs (Chuan Bei Mu) Bei Mu Gua Lou San
Clam Shells (Ha Ke) Not applicable
Costazia Skeletons (Fu Hai Shi) Not applicable
Sargassum (Hai Zao) Not applicable

"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for tuberculosis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi) Ke Xie Fang | Zhi Zi Chi Tang
Sweet Wormwood Herbs (Qing Hao) Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang
Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu) San Zhong Kui Jian Tang
Heal-All Spikes (Xia Ku Cao) Not applicable

"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for tuberculosis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) Da Bu Yin Wan | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Bai He Gu Jin Tang | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Dong Quai (Dang Gui) Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang
Fleeceflower Roots (He Shou Wu) Not applicable

"Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness" recommended for tuberculosis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Gentian Roots (Qin Jiao) Qin Jiao Bie Jia San
Honeycomb (Feng Fang) Not applicable
Viper Snakes (Fu she) Not applicable

"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for tuberculosis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang) Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Bai He Gu Jin Tang
Stellaria Roots (Yin Chai Hu) Qing Gu San
Field Thistles (Xiao Ji) Shi Hui San

"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for tuberculosis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Ginseng (Ren Shen) Bu Fei Tang | Ren Shen Ge Jie San | Sheng Mai San
Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) Bu Fei Tang | Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang
Maltose (Yi Tang) Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang

"Herbs that stop bleeding" recommended for tuberculosis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Japanese Thistle (Da Ji) Shi Hui San
Bletilla Rhizomes (Bai Ji) Not applicable

"Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors" recommended for tuberculosis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Gastrodia Rhizomes (Tian Ma) Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang
Centipedes (Wu Gong) Not applicable

"Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency" recommended for tuberculosis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Tokay Geckos (Ge Jie) Ren Shen Ge Jie San
Deer Bones (Lu Gu) Not applicable

"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for tuberculosis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie) Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang
Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang

"Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for tuberculosis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye) Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang | Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang
Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang