Pleurisyaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
What is Pleurisy?
Pleurisy, medically known as pleuritis, is an inflammation of the pleura, the double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the rib cage. This condition can cause sharp chest pain, also known as pleuritic pain, which typically worsens during breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Pleurisy can be a symptom of various underlying health issues, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and lung diseases. Its diagnosis and management are vital for alleviating pain and treating the root cause.
TCM Perspective on Pleurisy
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches pleurisy through a unique lens, viewing it as a disruption in the body's harmonious balance. In TCM, pleurisy is often seen as a result of pathogenic factors such as Wind, Cold, or Dampness invading the body, especially affecting the Lung.
Treatment in TCM involves identifying and correcting the underlying imbalances, often through a combination of herbal remedies, acupuncture, and lifestyle adjustments. The focus is on restoring the flow of Qi (vital energy) and achieving a state of overall well-being.
Causes of Pleurisy According to TCM
In TCM, pleurisy is often attributed to specific imbalances or blockages in the body's energy pathways. Common causes include the invasion of external pathogenic factors like Wind and Cold, leading to Heat or Phlegm accumulation in the Lung.
Another cause can be internal disharmony, such as Dampness or Heat, which disrupts the Lungs’ functions. By understanding these underlying patterns, TCM practitioners can tailor treatments to address the root causes, rather than just alleviating symptoms.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Pleurisy
TCM offers various herbal formulas for treating pleurisy, each targeting specific underlying patterns. For instance, Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, which includes Poria-Cocos Mushrooms, is used to address Phlegm-Fluids and Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs. Xiao Chai Hu Tang, containing Bupleurum Roots, is chosen for conditions like Lesser Yang stage imbalances and Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Intestines.
In cases of Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs, Xiao Xian Xiong Tang, with Snake Gourds, can be effective. For Wind-Cold patterns, Xiao Qing Long Tang, featuring Ephedra, is often prescribed. These formulas are part of a broader treatment plan that may include acupuncture and lifestyle modifications, aiming to restore harmony and health.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address pleurisy, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
- Formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness
Pleurisy can be treated by these formulas if it is due to cold-dampness obstructing the body's functions, requiring warming and damp-transforming actions.
One such formula is Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, with poria-cocos mushroom as a key herb.
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
Pleurisy can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.
One such formula is Xiao Chai Hu Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm
Pleurisy can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm if it is linked to heat leading to phlegm accumulation.
One such formula is Xiao Xian Xiong Tang, with snake gourd as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Pleurisy can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Xiao Qing Long Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Pleurisy
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address pleurisy, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Pleurisy 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 Ephedra (Ma Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pleurisy, like Xiao Qing Long Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for pleurisy
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ephedra (Ma Huang) | Xiao Qing Long Tang |
| Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Xiao Qing Long Tang |
Herbs that drain Dampness
Pleurisy 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 pleurisy, like Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Pleurisy can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pleurisy, like Xiao Chai Hu Tang.
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Pleurisy can be treated by these herbs when it is related to heat-phlegm accumulation, aiding in dissolving phlegm and soothing the respiratory system.
One such herb is Snake Gourds (Gua Lou), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pleurisy, like Xiao Xian Xiong Tang.