Frequent Bleedingaccording to TCM
Symptom family: General Hemorrhage and Bleeding Issues
Parent symptom: Bleeding
What is Frequent Bleeding?
Frequent bleeding encompasses a range of conditions characterized by repeated episodes of blood loss, which may manifest through stools, urine, or vomit. This symptom indicates an underlying issue that disrupts the normal clotting or integrity of the blood vessels, leading to persistent or recurrent loss of blood. Such conditions not only signal immediate health concerns but also point towards potential chronic disorders. Understanding and addressing the root cause of frequent bleeding is crucial for effective management and treatment, to prevent complications and ensure overall health stability.
How does TCM view Frequent Bleeding?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on frequent bleeding, viewing it as a symptom of disharmony within the body’s energy systems. According to TCM principles, bleeding disorders arise from imbalances in Qi (vital energy), Blood, and the organ systems, particularly the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney.
The occurrence of frequent bleeding signals a deeper imbalance that requires a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment. TCM emphasizes restoring harmony and balance, aiming not only to stop the bleeding but also to address the root cause behind the disharmony, thereby preventing recurrence.
Root Causes of Frequent Bleeding in TCM
In the realm of TCM, frequent bleeding is often attributed to Blood Stasis and Heat in the Blood, among other patterns. Blood Stasis refers to the stagnation or improper flow of blood within the body, leading to symptoms such as frequent bleeding episodes, dark clots, and fixed pain.
Heat in the Blood, on the other hand, signifies an excess heat within the bloodstream, causing blood to escape its vessels and leading to symptoms like fever, thirst, and frequent instances of bleeding. These patterns highlight the importance of identifying the underlying disharmony to effectively tailor the treatment strategy.
Explore below more details about what might cause Frequent bleeding according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- Blood Stasis
- Heat
Blood Stasis
Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more
Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Frequent Bleeding
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Stagnation | Frequent bleeding episodes, Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Lumps... see more | Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Di Dang Tang | Dan Shen Yin | Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Hai Tong Pi Tang | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang |
Heat
In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more
Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Frequent Bleeding
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Heat in the Blood | Frequent bleeding episodes, Frequent bleeding episodes in stools urine or vomit, Feeling hot, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria, Vomiting blood, Hemoptysis, Nosebleeds, Excessive menstruation... see more | Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang | Gu Jing Wan | Shi Hui San | Bai He Di Huang Tang | Hua Ban Tang | Qing Ying Tang | Qing Re Gu Jing Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Frequent Bleeding
To address Blood Stasis and Heat in the Blood, TCM employs specific herbal formulas that invigorate the blood and clear heat, respectively. For Blood Stasis, formulas like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang and Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang are recommended to invigorate blood circulation and dispel stagnation.
For Heat in the Blood, Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang and Gu Jing Wan are used to cool the blood and stabilize its flow, preventing further bleeding episodes. These formulas exemplify TCM’s approach to treating frequent bleeding by targeting the specific patterns of disharmony and restoring balance within the body.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address frequent bleeding, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Blood Stasis
- Heat
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that clear nutritive-level heat
- Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
- Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
- Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
- External formulas for external disorders
- Formulas that warm the meridians and disperse cold
- Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
- Formulas that stop bleeding
- Formulas that clear heat from qi and blood
Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause frequent bleeding, such as Blood Stagnation
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Frequent Bleeding Caused by Blood Stasis
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| Di Dang Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Dan Shen Yin | Blood Stagnation |
| Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Hai Tong Pi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang | Blood Stagnation |
Top Formula for Heat:
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause frequent bleeding, such as Heat in the Blood
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Frequent Bleeding Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang | Heat in the Blood |
| Gu Jing Wan | Heat in the Blood |
| Shi Hui San | Heat in the Blood |
| Bai He Di Huang Tang | Heat in the Blood |
| Hua Ban Tang | Heat in the Blood |
| Qing Ying Tang | Heat in the Blood |
| Qing Re Gu Jing Tang | Heat in the Blood |
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
These formulas are suitable for some frequent bleeding-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, with peach kernel as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for frequent bleeding
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| Di Dang Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Dan Shen Yin | Blood Stagnation |
| Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | Blood Stagnation |
Formulas that clear nutritive-level Heat
These formulas are suitable for some frequent bleeding-causing patterns like Heat in the Blood.
One such formula is Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang, with water buffalo horn as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear nutritive-level heat" recommended for frequent bleeding
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang | Heat in the Blood |
| Qing Ying Tang | Heat in the Blood |
Formulas that clear Heat from Deficiency
These formulas are suitable for some frequent bleeding-causing patterns like Heat in the Blood.
One such formula is Bai He Di Huang Tang, with lily bulb as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat from deficiency" recommended for frequent bleeding
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Bai He Di Huang Tang | Heat in the Blood |
| Qing Re Gu Jing Tang | Heat in the Blood |
Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
These formulas are suitable for some frequent bleeding-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
These formulas are suitable for some frequent bleeding-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is San Zhong Kui Jian Tang, with phellodendron bark as a key herb.
External formulas for External disorders
These formulas are suitable for some frequent bleeding-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Hai Tong Pi Tang, with erythrinae bark as a key herb.
Formulas that warm the Meridians and disperse Cold
These formulas are suitable for some frequent bleeding-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
These formulas are suitable for some frequent bleeding-causing patterns like Heat in the Blood.
One such formula is Gu Jing Wan, with tortoise plastron as a key herb.
Formulas that stop bleeding
These formulas are suitable for some frequent bleeding-causing patterns like Heat in the Blood.
One such formula is Shi Hui San, with japanese thistle as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from Qi and Blood
These formulas are suitable for some frequent bleeding-causing patterns like Heat in the Blood.
One such formula is Hua Ban Tang, with gypsum as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Frequent Bleeding
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address frequent bleeding, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that stop bleeding
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Frequent bleeding 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 Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for frequent bleeding, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for frequent bleeding
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) | Tao He Cheng Qi Tang |
| Leeches (Shui Zhi) | Di Dang Tang |
| Tabanus Horseflies (Meng Chong) | Di Dang Tang |
| Red Sage Roots (Dan Shen) | Dan Shen Yin |
| Ground Beetles (Tu Bie Chong) | Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Frequent bleeding can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), a key herb in some formulas recommended for frequent bleeding, like San Zhong Kui Jian Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for frequent bleeding
Herbs that cool the Blood
Frequent bleeding can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for frequent bleeding, like Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for frequent bleeding
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao) | Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang | Qing Ying Tang |
| Field Thistles (Xiao Ji) | Shi Hui San |
| Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang) | Qing Re Gu Jing Tang |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Frequent bleeding 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 Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for frequent bleeding, like Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for frequent bleeding
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang |
| Angelica Roots (Bai Zhi) | Hai Tong Pi Tang |
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Frequent bleeding 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 Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for frequent bleeding, like San Zhong Kui Jian Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for frequent bleeding
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu) | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang |
| Gypsum (Shi Gao) | Hua Ban Tang |
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Frequent bleeding can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Tortoise Plastrons (Gui Ban), a key herb in some formulas recommended for frequent bleeding, like Gu Jing Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency" recommended for frequent bleeding
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Tortoise Plastrons (Gui Ban) | Gu Jing Wan |
| Lily Bulbs (Bai He) | Bai He Di Huang Tang |
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Frequent bleeding can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for frequent bleeding, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Frequent bleeding can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), a key herb in some formulas recommended for frequent bleeding, like Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan.
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Frequent bleeding 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 Erythrinae Barks (Hai Tong Pi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for frequent bleeding, like Hai Tong Pi Tang.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Frequent bleeding can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for frequent bleeding, like Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Frequent bleeding 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 frequent bleeding, like Gu Jing Wan.
Herbs that stop bleeding
Frequent bleeding can be treated by these herbs in cases where it is due to internal or external bleeding, working to stabilize and constrict blood flow.
One such herb is Japanese Thistle (Da Ji), a key herb in some formulas recommended for frequent bleeding, like Shi Hui San.