Boilsaccording to TCM

*redirected from Furuncles

Symptom family: Lumps, Swellings & Abscesses

Sub-symptom(s): Facial Boils

What are Boils?

Boils, medically known as furuncles, are painful, pus-filled bumps that form under the skin when bacteria infect and inflame one or more hair follicles. These infections typically start in sweat glands or oil-producing glands and can grow into red, swollen, and tender nodules. Boils can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on the face, neck, armpits, shoulders, and buttocks.

While anyone can develop boils, factors such as compromised immunity, poor hygiene, and friction can increase susceptibility. Recognizing and treating boils early can prevent complications such as the formation of more extensive infections known as carbuncles.

How does TCM view Boils?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) regards boils as indicators of underlying imbalances in the body, particularly involving Heat, Toxicity, and Blood or Qi Deficiency. According to TCM, the key to treating boils lies in identifying and addressing the specific pattern of disharmony causing them.

This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body's systems and the importance of restoring balance to achieve health. TCM treatments for boils typically involve a combination of herbal medicine, acupuncture, and dietary adjustments tailored to the individual's unique pattern of disharmony.

Root Causes of Boils in TCM

In TCM, boils are commonly attributed to the presence of Toxic-Heat or Blood Deficiency, each influencing the body's susceptibility to infection in different ways. Toxic-Heat patterns lead to the accumulation of Heat and toxins, manifesting as inflamed, pus-filled boils along with symptoms like fever and sore throat.

On the other hand, Blood Deficiency, particularly when coupled with External Wind, can weaken the skin's defenses, making it more prone to infections and eruptions like boils. Understanding these underlying causes is critical in TCM, as it informs a holistic treatment strategy aimed at resolving the boils and preventing their recurrence.

Explore below more details about what might cause Boils according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Heat
  • Wind
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Boils

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Blood Deficiency with External Wind Furuncles, Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis, Measles, Contact dermatitis, Itchy skin, Hair loss, Carbuncles, Boils, Drug rash, Skin dryness, Itching worsen at nights, Flaking skin... see more Dang Gui Yin Zi
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Boils

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Toxic-Heat Boils, Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Eczema, Perineum swollen, Prostate swollen, Testicular swelling, Mouth ulcers, Tonsil swelling... see more Er Qing Gao | Shi Wei Bai Du San | Yin Qiao San | Sang Ju Yin | Bai Hu Tang | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Qing Ying Tang | Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang | Huang Lian Jie Du Tang | Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Zi Dang Gao | Bing Peng San | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin | Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin
Detailed description of the cause

Wind

In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more

Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Boils

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Blood Deficiency with External Wind Furuncles, Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis, Measles, Contact dermatitis, Itchy skin, Hair loss, Carbuncles, Boils, Drug rash, Skin dryness, Itching worsen at nights, Flaking skin... see more Dang Gui Yin Zi

TCM Herbal Formulas for Boils

To combat boils, TCM practitioners turn to specific formulas and herbs that address the root cause of the condition. For issues arising from Toxic-Heat, Er Qing Gao, which includes Natural indigo (Qing Dai), is often prescribed for its potent heat-clearing and detoxifying effects.

In cases of Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Dang Gui Yin Zi is recommended to nourish the Blood and disperse Wind, alleviating the skin eruptions and promoting healing. These treatments exemplify TCM's nuanced approach to care, targeting the unique patterns of disharmony present in each individual.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address boils, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Heat
  • Wind
  • External formulas for external disorders
  • Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
  • Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs
  • Formulas that clear nutritive-level heat
  • Formulas that clear wind-Heat
  • Formulas that clear qi-level heat
  • Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
  • Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
  • Formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices
  • Formulas that release the exterior and purge the interior

All Formulas Recommended for Boils Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Er Qing Gao Toxic-Heat
Shi Wei Bai Du San Toxic-Heat
Yin Qiao San Toxic-Heat
Sang Ju Yin Toxic-Heat
Bai Hu Tang Toxic-Heat
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Toxic-Heat
Qing Ying Tang Toxic-Heat
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang Toxic-Heat
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang Toxic-Heat
Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin Toxic-Heat
Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan Toxic-Heat
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang Toxic-Heat
Zi Dang Gao Toxic-Heat
Bing Peng San Toxic-Heat
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin Toxic-Heat
Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin Toxic-Heat

All "external formulas for external disorders" recommended for boils

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Er Qing Gao Toxic-Heat
Yin Qiao San Toxic-Heat
Zi Dang Gao Toxic-Heat
Bing Peng San Toxic-Heat
Jing Fang Bai Du San Not applicable
Ren Shen Bai Du San Not applicable

All "formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity" recommended for boils

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang Toxic-Heat
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin Toxic-Heat
Xie Xin Tang Not applicable
Liang Ge San Not applicable

All "formulas that clear external abscesses and sores" recommended for boils

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Shi Wei Bai Du San Toxic-Heat
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang Toxic-Heat
Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin Toxic-Heat

All "formulas that clear heat from the organs" recommended for boils

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Toxic-Heat
Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin Toxic-Heat

All "formulas that clear nutritive-level heat" recommended for boils

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Qing Ying Tang Toxic-Heat
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang Toxic-Heat

Acupoints for Boils

Acupuncture is another cornerstone of TCM treatment for boils, with specific acupoints selected to clear Heat, transform Phlegm, and restore balance. Daling P-7, located on the Pericardium Channel, is particularly effective for calming the Mind and harmonizing the stomach, while Lingtai DU-10 on the Governing Vessel clears Heat and detoxifies.

Additionally, Zhoujian EX-UE-1, an extra point, is known for its ability to reduce swelling and transform Phlegm. Stimulating these acupoints can support the body's natural healing processes, offering a complementary approach to herbal treatments in managing boils.

Explore below some acupoints used to address boils, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Pericardium Channel
  • Governing Vessel
  • Extra Points: Upper Extremities (EX-UE)
  • Large Intestine Channel
Daling P-7

Daling P-7

In the depression in the middle of the transverse crease of the wrist, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscle.

Lingtai DU-10

Lingtai DU-10

On the back midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 6th thoracic vertebra (T6).

Zhoujian EX-UE-1

Zhoujian EX-UE-1

On the tip of the olecranon.

Wenliu LI-7

Wenliu LI-7

When a fist is made, with the ulnar side downward and elbow flexed, the point is 5 cun above Yangxi LI-5 at the wrist crease, 1 cun distal to the midpoint of the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.