Chronic Ulcersaccording to TCM
Symptom family: General Ulcers and Associated Symptoms
Parent symptom: Ulcer
What is Chronic Ulcers?
Chronic ulcers are persistent wounds that fail to go through the normal healing stages within a reasonable amount of time. These ulcers can be recurrent, resisting conventional treatment and frequently leading to complications. Chronic ulcers often stem from underlying conditions such as vascular disorders, diabetes, or pressure-induced injuries, making them a challenging issue for patients and healthcare providers alike. The term encapsulates non-healing and recurrent ulcers, underlining the prolonged nature of these wounds.
How does TCM view Chronic Ulcers?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on chronic ulcers, viewing them not merely as isolated symptoms but as indicators of deeper imbalances within the body's energy systems. TCM emphasizes the importance of identifying the underlying patterns of disharmony that lead to the manifestation of chronic ulcers.
According to TCM, effective treatment involves more than just addressing the wound itself; it requires a holistic approach that restores balance and harmony to the entire body, thus promoting healing from the inside out.
Causes of Chronic Ulcers According to TCM
In TCM, chronic ulcers are often attributed to a Deficiency in Qi and Blood, which are vital for nourishment and maintenance of the skin and tissues. A Blood Deficiency can lead to insufficient nourishment of the skin, rendering it vulnerable to injury and slowing the healing process.
Additionally, imbalances such as Damp-Heat or Yin Deficiency can compromise the skin's integrity and function, contributing to the development and persistence of ulcers. TCM practitioners carefully assess these patterns of imbalance to tailor a treatment strategy that addresses the root causes of chronic ulcers.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Chronic Ulcers
To counteract the underlying causes of chronic ulcers, TCM relies on a variety of herbal formulas designed to nourish and restore the body's vital energies. Formulas like Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang, which features Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), are employed to enrich the Blood and enhance Qi, facilitating the healing of ulcers.
Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang and Shi Quan Da Bu Tang are other potent formulas that fortify Qi and Blood as well as Yin and Yang, providing a comprehensive approach to treating chronic ulcers by addressing the deep-seated imbalances that hinder the body's natural healing processes. Through these targeted herbal remedies, TCM aims to revive the body's resilience and promote the resolution of chronic ulcers.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address chronic ulcers, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that tonify blood
- Formulas that tonify
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
Formulas that tonify Blood
Chronic ulcers can be treated by these formulas when it is due to blood deficiency, requiring blood-nourishing and enriching actions.
One such formula is Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify
Chronic ulcers 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
Chronic ulcers 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.
TCM Herbs for Chronic Ulcers
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address chronic ulcers, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Chronic ulcers 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 chronic ulcers, like Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for chronic ulcers
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang | Shi Quan Da Bu Tang |
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Chronic ulcers 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 chronic ulcers, like Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang.