Orchitisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Scrotum & Testicular Symptoms and Conditions
Sub-symptom(s): Chronic Orchitis
What is orchitis?
Orchitis is an inflammation of one or both testicles, characterized by swelling, pain, and sometimes redness of the affected area. It can result from various causes, including bacterial or viral infections, with mumps being a common viral cause in non-sexually transmitted cases. Orchitis can occur independently or as a complication of epididymitis, leading to the combined condition known as epididymo-orchitis. Chronic orchitis refers to a persistent inflammation that may lead to more significant health concerns, including impacts on fertility.
How does TCM view orchitis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets orchitis not just as a localized condition but as a manifestation of underlying imbalances within the body's energy system. TCM emphasizes that symptoms like the swelling and pain associated with orchitis are caused by different patterns of disharmony, such as Damp-Heat, Qi Stagnation, or Cold invading the Interior.
Recognizing and addressing these patterns are fundamental to TCM treatment, which aims to restore harmony and balance to the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, thereby alleviating the condition.
Causes of orchitis according to TCM
TCM identifies several underlying causes for orchitis, focusing on the imbalance and disharmony within the body's energetic system. Two primary patterns observed in cases of orchitis are Damp-Heat accumulating in the Lower Burner and Exterior Cold invading the Interior.
Damp-Heat can cause symptoms like swelling, pain, and a sensation of warmth in the testicles, while Cold invasion might lead to severe pain and sensitivity to cold. TCM treatments target these underlying causes, aiming to expel the Damp-Heat or warm the Interior to relieve symptoms and restore balance.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Orchitis
To address the complex nature of orchitis, TCM recommends specific formulas based on the identified patterns of disharmony. For cases characterized by Exterior Cold invading the Interior, Da Huang Fu Zi Tang, which includes Prepared aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), is utilized to warm the Interior and expel Cold.
Alternatively, for orchitis arising from Damp-Heat in the Liver or Liver Fire Blazing, Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, with Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao) as a key ingredient, is prescribed to clear Heat from the organs and resolve Dampness. These tailored treatments reflect TCM's holistic approach, aiming to correct the specific imbalances leading to orchitis.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address orchitis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that warm and purge
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
Formulas that warm and purge
Orchitis can be treated by these formulas if it stems from cold accumulation coupled with excess conditions, necessitating warming and purging actions.
One such formula is Da Huang Fu Zi Tang, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
Orchitis can be treated by these formulas if it stems from an excess heat condition in specific organs, leading to internal disharmony.
One such formula is Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, with chinese gentian as a key herb.
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
Orchitis can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a deficiency in Yin energy, needing nourishment and strengthening of the body's vital essence.
One such formula is Yi Guan Jian
Acupoints for Orchitis
In conjunction with herbal treatments, TCM also advises the use of acupuncture to further support healing in cases of orchitis. A pivotal acupoint for this condition is Qimen EX-CA, located in the abdominal region.
This point is selected for its efficacy in benefiting the Lower Burner, directly influencing the affected area and facilitating the flow of Qi and Blood to alleviate symptoms of pain and swelling. Targeting this and other relevant acupoints helps reinforce the body's healing processes, offering a comprehensive approach to treating orchitis in alignment with TCM principles.
See more details below about Qimen EX-CA, an acupoint used to address orchitis.
- By Meridian
- Extra Points: Chest and Abdomen (EX-CA)
Qimen EX-CA
3 cun lateral to the anterior midline and 2 cun superior to the upper border of the pubic symphysis.
TCM Herbs for Orchitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address orchitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Orchitis can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for orchitis, like Da Huang Fu Zi Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Orchitis 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 Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for orchitis, like Long Dan Xie Gan Tang.