Traumatic Hemorrhageaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Injuries, Cuts & Traumatic Wounds, Bleeding Wounds
Sub-symptom(s): Bleeding Laceration
What is Traumatic Hemorrhage?
Traumatic hemorrhage refers to significant bleeding resulting from physical trauma. It encompasses a range of situations where blood loss occurs due to injuries, such as in accidents, falls, or violence. This type of hemorrhage can be life-threatening, requiring immediate medical attention.
Sub-symptoms include bleeding lacerations, where cuts penetrate deep into the skin, causing intense bleeding. Timely and effective management is crucial in preventing complications from traumatic hemorrhage.
TCM Perspective on Traumatic Hemorrhage
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches traumatic hemorrhage by examining the underlying disharmonies and imbalances within the body's energetic system.
TCM posits that such hemorrhage disrupts the harmony between vital substances like Qi (life force) and Blood. The treatment focuses on restoring balance, controlling bleeding, and ensuring the smooth flow of Qi and blood to promote healing.
TCM Causes of Traumatic Hemorrhage
In TCM, traumatic hemorrhage is often associated with a disruption in the flow of Qi and blood, leading to stagnation or deficiency. Two primary patterns often cited in TCM include Blood Stagnation and Qi Deficiency. Blood Stagnation refers to the obstruction of blood flow due to injury, causing swelling, pain, and bleeding.
Qi Deficiency implies a lack of vital energy needed to hold blood within the vessels, leading to spontaneous or excessive bleeding post-trauma. TCM therapies aim to address these underlying issues to effectively manage and treat hemorrhagic conditions.
TCM Herbs for Traumatic Hemorrhage
TCM employs a variety of herbs to manage traumatic hemorrhage, tailored to individual patterns of disharmony. Cattail Pollen (Pu Huang) and Japanese Thistle (Da Ji) are commonly used for their properties in stopping bleeding and treating Pathogenic Heat and Blood Stagnation.
Tienchi Ginseng (San Qi) is notable for its effectiveness in both stopping bleeding and invigorating blood circulation. Cuttlebones (Hai Piao Shao) and Red Halloysite (Chi Shi Zhi) help in stabilizing and binding, particularly useful in cases of Kidney Essence Deficiency and Yang Deficiency. Dragon's Blood (Xue Jie) and Frankincense (Ru Xiang) invigorate blood and are beneficial in treating Blood Stagnation.
For clearing Heat, herbs like Barbat Skullcap Herb (Ban Zhi Lian) are used, especially in conditions of Heat in the Blood. Additionally, Pyrola Herbs (Lu Xian Cao) are utilized in dispelling Wind and Dampness, addressing issues like Wind-Damp Painful Obstruction. These herbs are selected based on individual diagnosis and specific patterns observed in patients suffering from traumatic hemorrhage.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that stop bleeding
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
Herbs that stop bleeding
Traumatic hemorrhage can be treated by these herbs in cases where it is due to internal or external bleeding, working to stabilize and constrict blood flow.
One such herb is Cattail Pollen (Pu Huang), which is directly recommended for traumatic hemorrhage.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that stop bleeding" recommended for traumatic hemorrhage
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cattail Pollen (Pu Huang) | Not applicable |
| Japanese Thistle (Da Ji) | Not applicable |
| Tienchi Ginseng (San Qi) | Not applicable |
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Traumatic hemorrhage 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 Dragon's Blood (Xue Jie), which is directly recommended for traumatic hemorrhage.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for traumatic hemorrhage
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dragon's Blood (Xue Jie) | Not applicable |
| Frankincense (Ru Xiang) | Not applicable |
| Rosewood (Jiang Xiang) | Not applicable |
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Traumatic hemorrhage can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Cuttlebones (Hai Piao Shao), which is directly recommended for traumatic hemorrhage.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that stabilize and bind" recommended for traumatic hemorrhage
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cuttlebones (Hai Piao Shao) | Not applicable |
| Red Halloysite (Chi Shi Zhi) | Not applicable |
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Traumatic hemorrhage 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 traumatic hemorrhage.
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Traumatic hemorrhage 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 Pyrola Herbs (Lu Xian Cao), which is directly recommended for traumatic hemorrhage.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Traumatic hemorrhage can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Indian Madder Roots (Qian Cao), which is directly recommended for traumatic hemorrhage.
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Traumatic hemorrhage 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 traumatic hemorrhage.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Traumatic hemorrhage 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), which is directly recommended for traumatic hemorrhage.