Ulceraccording to TCM
Symptom family: General Ulcers and Associated Symptoms
Sub-symptom(s): Chronic Ulcers Deep Rooted Ulcers Bedsore
What is Ulcer?
An ulcer is a break in the skin or mucous membrane with loss of surface tissue, disintegration, and necrosis of epithelial tissue. Ulcers can manifest anywhere on the body but are most commonly found in the digestive tract, skin, and lower extremities. They can range from minor, easily healed sores to severe, deep-rooted wounds that may require significant medical intervention. Sub-symptoms of ulcers include chronic ulcers, which persist over time, deep-rooted ulcers that penetrate deeply into skin layers, and bedsores, often a result of prolonged pressure on the skin.
How does TCM view Ulcer?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives ulcers through a distinct lens, emphasizing the imbalance of Qi (vital energy), Blood, and Body Fluids. Contrary to Western medicine's focus on local infection and inflammation, TCM identifies ulcers as manifestations of underlying disharmonies within the body's internal landscape.
It highlights the importance of diagnosing the specific pattern of imbalance, whether it be Qi Deficiency, Blood Stagnation, Damp-Heat accumulation, or Yin Deficiency. Recognizing and addressing these patterns is fundamental to effectively treating ulcers and restoring the body's natural harmony and health.
Causes of Ulcer According to TCM
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) identifies Qi and Blood Deficiency as a primary cause behind the development of ulcers. This condition, often resulting from prolonged illness, stress, or malnutrition, leads to the body's diminished capacity to maintain and repair tissue, making it vulnerable to ulceration.
In parallel, Spleen Qi Deficiency, pivotal in TCM theory, underscores the Spleen's role in producing and managing Blood and Qi. A weakened Spleen fails to provide the necessary nutrients and support, exacerbating the risk and severity of ulcers by hindering the body's healing processes.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Ulcer
TCM offers a variety of herbal formulas to address the diverse patterns associated with ulcers. For conditions stemming from Qi and Blood Deficiency, Ba Zhen Tang is often prescribed. This formula, featuring Ginseng (Ren Shen) as a key ingredient, aims to simultaneously tonify Qi and nourish Blood, tackling the fundamental Deficiencies that can lead to ulcer formation. By fortifying the body's vital energy and enriching the Blood, it aids in healing and preventing the recurrence of ulcers. This approach exemplifies TCM's holistic strategy in treating ulcers, focusing on both symptom management and underlying cause resolution.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address ulcer, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that tonify qi and blood
- Formulas that tonify blood
- Formulas that tonify
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
- Formulas that warm the meridians and disperse cold
Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood
Ulcer can be treated by these formulas when there is a combined deficiency of both Qi and Blood, requiring comprehensive tonification.
One such formula is Ba Zhen Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Blood
Ulcer can be treated by these formulas when it is due to blood deficiency, requiring blood-nourishing and enriching actions.
One such formula is Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify
Ulcer can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a general deficiency in the body, needing strengthening and nourishing actions.
One such formula is Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
Ulcer can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a deficiency in both Yin and Yang energies, necessitating a balanced approach to tonification.
One such formula is Shi Quan Da Bu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that warm the Meridians and disperse Cold
Ulcer can be treated by these formulas if it results from cold obstructing the meridians, leading to pain or stiffness, requiring warming and dispersing actions.
One such formula is Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Acupoints for Ulcer
See more details below about Zhoujian EX-UE-1, an acupoint used to address ulcer.
- By Meridian
- Extra Points: Upper Extremities (EX-UE)
TCM Herbs for Ulcer
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address ulcer, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs for external application
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
- Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
- Cathartic herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that cool the blood
Herbs for external application
Ulcer 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 Beeswax (Feng La), which is directly recommended for ulcer.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs for external application" recommended for ulcer
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Beeswax (Feng La) | Not applicable |
| Minium (Qian Dan) | Not applicable |
| Sesame Oil (Ma You) | Not applicable |
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Ulcer 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 ulcer.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for ulcer
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dragon's Blood (Xue Jie) | Not applicable |
| Frankincense (Ru Xiang) | Not applicable |
| Myrrh (Mo Yao) | Not applicable |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Ulcer 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 ulcer, like Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for ulcer
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang |
| Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie) | Not applicable |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Ulcer 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 ulcer, like Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for ulcer
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang | Shi Quan Da Bu Tang | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang |
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Ba Zhen Tang | Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Ulcer can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for ulcer, like Ba Zhen Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for ulcer
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) | Ba Zhen Tang |
| White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) | Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang |
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Ulcer 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 ulcer.
Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit
Ulcer can be treated by these herbs when it is linked to deficiencies in heart nourishment, addressing both physical and emotional imbalances.
One such herb is Chinese Senega Roots (Yuan Zhi), which is directly recommended for ulcer.
Cathartic herbs that drain downward
Ulcer can be treated by these herbs when due to excess accumulation in the intestines and stomach, aiding in eliminating waste and toxins through purgation.
One such herb is Croton Fruits (Ba Dou), which is directly recommended for ulcer.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Ulcer 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 Gold Coin Herb (Jin Qian Cao), which is directly recommended for ulcer.
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Ulcer 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 Honeycomb (Feng Fang), which is directly recommended for ulcer.
Herbs that regulate Qi
Ulcer can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.
One such herb is Plum Flowers (Mei Hua), which is directly recommended for ulcer.
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Ulcer 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 Selanginella Herbs (Shi shang Bai), which is directly recommended for ulcer.
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Ulcer can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Tortoise Plastrons (Gui Ban), which is directly recommended for ulcer.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Ulcer 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 Woad Leaves (Da Qing Ye), which is directly recommended for ulcer.