Osteomyelitisaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Infectious Diseases, Bacterial Infections, Bone and Skeletal Symptoms and Disorders
Sub-symptom(s): Mandibular Osteomyelitis Chronic Osteomyelitis
What is Osteomyelitis?
Osteomyelitis is a serious condition characterized by the infection and inflammation of bone tissue. It can occur when a bacterial or fungal infection invades a bone, often following an injury, surgery, or a bloodstream infection.
Symptoms include severe pain in the infected area, fever, and general discomfort. Sub-symptoms of this disease can vary based on the bone affected, with common forms being mandibular osteomyelitis (affecting the jawbone) and chronic osteomyelitis, which signifies a long-standing infection.
How does TCM view Osteomyelitis?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), osteomyelitis is seen through a lens that differs markedly from Western medicine. TCM interprets it not just as an infection, but as an imbalance of the body's fundamental elements.
It is believed that the condition arises due to a disharmony within the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang. TCM stresses the importance of identifying the specific pattern of disharmony causing the symptoms, as the treatment in TCM is highly individualized and depends on the underlying pattern.
Causes of Osteomyelitis according to TCM
In TCM, osteomyelitis is often associated with the Stagnation of Blood, Blood Stagnation can cause pain and swelling, as it blocks the normal flow of these vital substances, leading to inflammation and infection in the bones. Identifying the pattern crucial in TCM, as they guide the selection of treatment strategies.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Osteomyelitis
In TCM, treatment of osteomyelitis involves formulas that address the underlying patterns. A key formula used is Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, which includes Rhubarb (Da Huang) as its primary herb. This formula is particularly effective in patterns involving Blood Stagnation and Blood Stagnation with Heat, offering relief by purging Heat and invigorating Blood circulation. This approach not only aims to alleviate the symptoms but also to restore balance, addressing the root cause of the disease from a TCM perspective.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address osteomyelitis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
- External formulas for external disorders
Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
Osteomyelitis can be treated by these formulas if it is related to internal heat causing abscesses and sores.
One such formula is Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores" recommended for osteomyelitis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang | Rhubarb (Da Huang) |
| Yi Yi Fu Zi Bai Jiang San | Job's Tears (Yi Yi Ren) |
External formulas for External disorders
Osteomyelitis 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 Bing Peng San, with borneol as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Osteomyelitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address osteomyelitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that open the orifices
- Herbs for external application
- Herbs that drain dampness
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Osteomyelitis 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 osteomyelitis, like Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang.
Herbs that open the Orifices
Osteomyelitis can be treated by these herbs if it's a result of blockages in the body's sensory orifices, aiding in restoring clarity and consciousness.
One such herb is Borneol (Bing Pian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for osteomyelitis, like Bing Peng San.
Herbs for external application
Osteomyelitis can be treated by these herbs when the condition is external or superficial, requiring topical treatment to alleviate symptoms or heal the affected area.
One such herb is Borax (Peng Sha), a key herb in some formulas recommended for osteomyelitis, like Bing Peng San.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Osteomyelitis 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 Job's Tears (Yi Yi Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for osteomyelitis, like Yi Yi Fu Zi Bai Jiang San.