Anemiaaccording to TCM

What is anemia?

Anemia is a common medical condition characterized by a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells, which are crucial for carrying oxygen throughout the body. This deficiency leads to a reduced ability of the blood to supply adequate oxygen to tissues and organs, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath. Specific types like aplastic anemia and postpartum anemia reflect more severe or situation-specific forms of this blood condition. Understanding anemia involves identifying its various forms and the respective impacts on health.

How does TCM view anemia?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), anemia is viewed not just as a deficiency of red blood cells but as a symptom of underlying imbalances within the body's energy system, or Qi. TCM interprets these imbalances through distinct patterns of disharmony, each associated with specific symptoms and causes. Recognizing the correct pattern is essential in TCM, as it guides the practitioner in selecting the most effective treatment tailored to the individual's unique energetic profile.

Root Causes of Anemia in TCM

TCM identifies several patterns that can lead to anemia, with Blood Deficiency being a primary cause. This pattern often involves disharmony between the Liver, which governs the blood, and the Spleen, which is responsible for producing it. Symptoms may include dizziness, irregular periods, and a pale complexion.

Another significant cause according to TCM is Empty-Cold, stemming from a deficiency of warming and energizing Qi, leading to symptoms like cold extremities, clear urination, and low energy. These patterns illustrate how TCM seeks to understand anemia beyond mere blood cell counts, focusing instead on systemic energetic imbalances.

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

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 Anemia

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen	Anemia, Chest distension, Chest pain, Dizziness, Headaches, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Lack of appetite, Irregular periods, Leukorrhea, Breast engorgement... see more	Xiao Yao San

Cold

In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more

Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Anemia

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Empty-Cold	Anemia, Chills, Cold extremities, Pale face, Absence of thirst, Low energy, Excessive sweating, Diarrhea, Clear urination, Frequent urination... see more	Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang | Da Jian Zhong Tang | Ban Liu Wan

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Anemia

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen	Anemia, Chest distension, Chest pain, Dizziness, Headaches, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Lack of appetite, Irregular periods, Leukorrhea, Breast engorgement... see more	Xiao Yao San

Spleen

In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more

Spleen Patterns That Can Lead to Anemia

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen	Anemia, Chest distension, Chest pain, Dizziness, Headaches, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Lack of appetite, Irregular periods, Leukorrhea, Breast engorgement... see more	Xiao Yao San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Anemia

Addressing anemia in TCM involves using specific herbal formulas to correct the identified disharmonies. For Blood Deficiency with Liver and Spleen disharmony, the formula Xiao Yao San, which includes Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), is commonly prescribed. This formula helps harmonize the Liver and Spleen and improves Blood production.

In cases of Empty-Cold, Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang is recommended. This formula, containing Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), works by warming the Middle and dispelling Cold, thus boosting the body's Qi and Blood. These treatments are selected based on a detailed assessment of the patient's pattern of disharmony to effectively address the specific type of anemia.

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

Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
Xiao Yao San

Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause anemia, such as Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen

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Top Formula for Cold:
Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang

Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause anemia, such as Empty-Cold

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All Formulas Recommended for Anemia Caused by Cold

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang	Empty-Cold
Da Jian Zhong Tang	Empty-Cold
Ban Liu Wan	Empty-Cold

Acupoints for Anemia

In TCM, acupuncture is another vital component of treating anemia. Specific acupoints are selected to nourish the blood and enhance Qi. One such acupoint is Dazhu BL-11 located in the Bladder Channel. Situated on the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra and lateral to the midline, Dazhu BL-11 is known for its ability to nourish Blood, expel Wind, firm the Exterior, nourish bone, and descend the Lung Qi. Stimulating this point can be particularly beneficial in managing anemia by enhancing the body's overall blood and Qi dynamics.

See more details below about Dazhu BL-11, an acupoint used to address anemia.

Dazhu BL-11

On the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra (T1), 1.5 cun (about 2 finger-breadths) lateral to the posterior midline.