Trauma Swellingsaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Edema-associated Concerns, Injuries, Cuts & Traumatic Wounds
What is Trauma Swellings?
Trauma swellings are a physical response to injury, characterized by an enlargement or puffiness in the affected area. This condition is a common occurrence in injuries where tissues are damaged, leading to fluid accumulation and swelling.
Synonyms for trauma swellings include injury-induced swelling, traumatic edema, and swollen tissue due to trauma. Such swellings can vary in severity, often accompanied by pain and discomfort, and can significantly impact the affected area's functionality.
TCM Perspective on Trauma Swellings
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views trauma swellings through the lens of energy imbalances and blockages within the body. According to TCM, such swellings are often the result of disrupted Qi (life energy) flow and Blood Stagnation at the injury site.
This perspective sees the swelling as a manifestation of the body's attempt to heal, involving the accumulation of Qi and Blood in the affected area to repair damaged tissues. TCM approaches aim to restore balance and promote the smooth flow of Qi and blood to alleviate swelling and facilitate healing.
TCM Causes of Trauma Swellings
In TCM, trauma swellings are primarily attributed to two patterns: Blood Stasis and Qi Stagnation. Blood Stasis refers to the obstruction of blood flow due to injury, leading to symptoms like stabbing pain, dark menstrual clots, and a purplish discoloration of the face or lips.
Qi Stagnation, on the other hand, involves the impairment of Qi movement, often causing pain and swelling at the injury site. These patterns highlight the intricate relationship between Qi and Blood in TCM and their role in trauma response and recovery. Treatment in TCM focuses on resolving these Stagnations to reduce swelling and promote healing.
Root Causes of Trauma Swellings in TCM
Explore below more details about what might cause Trauma swellings according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- Blood Stasis
Blood Stasis
Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more
Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Trauma Swellings
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Stagnation | Traumatic swelling, Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Lumps... see more | Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Di Dang Tang | Dan Shen Yin | Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Hai Tong Pi Tang | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Trauma Swellings
TCM employs various formulas and herbs to address trauma swellings, with a focus on invigorating Blood and resolving Stagnation. Formulas like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, featuring Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), are used for their blood-invigorating properties, especially effective in treating Blood Stagnation.
Another formula, Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, includes Rhubarb (Da Huang) and is known for its efficacy in clearing internal abscesses and sores. These formulas are selected based on the specific TCM pattern diagnosed in the patient, aiming to promote blood flow, reduce stagnation, and alleviate swelling caused by trauma.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address trauma swellings, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Blood Stasis
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
- Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
- External formulas for external disorders
- Formulas that warm the meridians and disperse cold
Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause trauma swellings, such as Blood Stagnation
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Trauma Swellings Caused by Blood Stasis
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| Di Dang Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Dan Shen Yin | Blood Stagnation |
| Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Hai Tong Pi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang | Blood Stagnation |
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
These formulas are suitable for some trauma swellings-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, with peach kernel as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for trauma swellings
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| Di Dang Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Dan Shen Yin | Blood Stagnation |
| Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | Blood Stagnation |
Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
These formulas are suitable for some trauma swellings-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
These formulas are suitable for some trauma swellings-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is San Zhong Kui Jian Tang, with phellodendron bark as a key herb.
External formulas for External disorders
These formulas are suitable for some trauma swellings-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Hai Tong Pi Tang, with erythrinae bark as a key herb.
Formulas that warm the Meridians and disperse Cold
These formulas are suitable for some trauma swellings-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Trauma Swellings
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address trauma swellings, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that open the orifices
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
- Herbs that stop bleeding
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Trauma swellings 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 Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for trauma swellings, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for trauma swellings
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) | Tao He Cheng Qi Tang |
| Leeches (Shui Zhi) | Di Dang Tang |
| Tabanus Horseflies (Meng Chong) | Di Dang Tang |
| Red Sage Roots (Dan Shen) | Dan Shen Yin |
| Ground Beetles (Tu Bie Chong) | Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan |
| Sappan Woods (Su Mu) | Not applicable |
| Corydalis Tubers (Yan Hu Suo) | Not applicable |
| Frankincense (Ru Xiang) | Not applicable |
| Shiny-Leaf Prickly-Ash (Liang Mian Zhen) | Not applicable |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Trauma swellings 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 Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for trauma swellings, like San Zhong Kui Jian Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for trauma swellings
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bo) | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang |
| Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao) | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang |
| Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang |
| Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang |
| Hyacinth Bean Flowers (Bian Dou Hua) | Not applicable |
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Trauma swellings 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 trauma swellings.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for trauma swellings
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Paris Rhizomes (Chong Lou) | Not applicable |
| Sargentodoxa Stems (Da Xue Teng) | Not applicable |
| Castor Beans (Bi Ma Zi) | Not applicable |
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Trauma swellings 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 Erythrinae Barks (Hai Tong Pi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for trauma swellings, like Hai Tong Pi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness" recommended for trauma swellings
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Erythrinae Barks (Hai Tong Pi) | Hai Tong Pi Tang |
| Homalomena Rhizomes (Qian Nian Jian) | Not applicable |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Trauma swellings 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 Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for trauma swellings, like Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for trauma swellings
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang |
| Angelica Roots (Bai Zhi) | Hai Tong Pi Tang |
Herbs that open the Orifices
Trauma swellings 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 Camphor (Zhang Nao), which is directly recommended for trauma swellings.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Trauma swellings 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 trauma swellings.
Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
Trauma swellings can be treated by these herbs when it originates from obstructions in the lung pathways, helping to ease respiratory discomfort and restore normal breathing.
One such herb is Japanese Ardisia (Ai Di Cha), which is directly recommended for trauma swellings.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Trauma swellings 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 trauma swellings, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit
Trauma swellings can be treated by these herbs if it stems from disturbances in the Shen (spirit), often due to instability in the heart and kidney energies.
One such herb is Silktree Albizia Barks (He Huan Pi), which is directly recommended for trauma swellings.
Herbs that stop bleeding
Trauma swellings 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 Tienchi Ginseng (San Qi), which is directly recommended for trauma swellings.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Trauma swellings 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 trauma swellings, like Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Trauma swellings 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 Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for trauma swellings, like San Zhong Kui Jian Tang.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Trauma swellings can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for trauma swellings, like Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang.