Post-Traumatic Stasisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Injuries, Cuts & Traumatic Wounds
Parent symptom: Bruising
What is Post-Traumatic Stasis?
Post-Traumatic Stasis refers to a condition where blood flow is interrupted or becomes stagnant as a result of a physical injury. This term, often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), captures the essence of how trauma can disrupt the body's natural circulatory processes, leading to stagnation of blood in specific areas.
It is closely related to bruising and can manifest as localized pain, swelling, and color changes in the skin. Understanding this condition involves recognizing the impact of injury not just on physical structures but also on the body's energetic and circulatory systems.
How does TCM view Post-Traumatic Stasis?
In TCM, Post-Traumatic Stasis is seen through the lens of disrupted Qi (vital energy) and Blood flow. According to TCM theory, trauma can cause Qi and Blood to stagnate, leading to pain and other symptoms associated with stagnation.
This condition is not just a physical phenomenon but also involves an imbalance in the body's energetic pathways. TCM treatments aim to restore the flow of Qi and Blood, reduce stagnation, and promote healing, addressing both the symptoms and the root cause of the trauma.
Causes of Post-Traumatic Stasis According to TCM
From a TCM perspective, Post-Traumatic Stasis is primarily caused by direct physical injury that leads to the disruption of Qi and Blood flow. This Stagnation can be exacerbated by underlying imbalances in the body, such as a deficiency in Qi or Blood, which makes it harder for the body to recover from trauma.
Additionally, external factors like Cold or Dampness can penetrate the body at the injury site, further complicating the stagnation and slowing down the healing process. TCM treatments focus on these underlying imbalances and external factors to effectively address Post-Traumatic Stasis.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Post-Traumatic Stasis
To treat Post-Traumatic Stasis, TCM relies on formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation. One such formula is Qi Li San, renowned for its ability to address Qi And Blood Stagnation. The herbs in this formula work synergistically to promote the flow of Qi and Blood, alleviate pain, and reduce swelling.
By targeting the underlying stagnation, these formulas not only help in relieving the immediate symptoms of trauma but also aid in the body's natural healing process. The choice of specific herbs and formulas is tailored to the individual's unique TCM pattern, ensuring a holistic and personalized approach to treatment.
See more details below about Qi Li San, a herbal formula used to address post-Traumatic stasis.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Post-Traumatic stasis can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Qi Li San
TCM Herbs for Post-Traumatic Stasis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address post-Traumatic stasis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Post-Traumatic stasis 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 Ground Beetles (Tu Bie Chong), which is directly recommended for post-Traumatic stasis.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for post-Traumatic stasis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ground Beetles (Tu Bie Chong) | Not applicable |
| Lycopi Rhizomes (Ze Lan) | Not applicable |
| Tabanus Horseflies (Meng Chong) | Not applicable |
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Post-Traumatic stasis 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 Barbat Skullcap Herb (Ban Zhi Lian), which is directly recommended for post-Traumatic stasis.
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Post-Traumatic stasis 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 Ground Pine (Shen Jin Cao), which is directly recommended for post-Traumatic stasis.
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Post-Traumatic stasis can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Paris Rhizomes (Chong Lou), which is directly recommended for post-Traumatic stasis.