Arteriosclerosisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Arterial Hardening
Did you mean? Atherosclerosis
What is Arteriosclerosis?
Arteriosclerosis refers to the thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of the walls of arteries. This condition is typically seen as a progressive process that can significantly impair blood flow to various organs, potentially leading to serious cardiovascular diseases. Commonly known as "hardening of the arteries," arteriosclerosis involves the buildup of plaques—comprised of fat, cholesterol, and other substances—in and on the artery walls. This can lead to restricted blood flow, which may result in symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and, in severe cases, heart attacks or strokes.
How Does TCM View Arteriosclerosis?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), arteriosclerosis is viewed through a broader lens that considers systemic imbalance rather than localized arterial issues. TCM interprets such vascular conditions as manifestations of underlying disharmonies in the body’s vital energies—Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang.
These imbalances may be due to a variety of causes, including emotional stress, dietary habits, and environmental factors. Identifying and correcting the specific disharmony through tailored treatment is crucial, as TCM aims to restore the free flow of Qi and blood, thereby addressing the root causes of arteriosclerosis.
Causes of Arteriosclerosis According to TCM
TCM suggests that arteriosclerosis may result primarily from Blood Stagnation and Yin Deficiency. Blood Stagnation, akin to the Western concept of impaired Blood flow due to arterial blockage, is thought to occur when the body’s vital energy fails to move blood efficiently, leading to accumulation and plaque formation.
Yin Deficiency, on the other hand, involves a diminished nourishing and cooling element of the body, which might lead to excess Heat. This internal heat can “dry” blood vessels, contributing to their hardening and narrowing. These perspectives guide TCM practitioners in choosing treatments that not only alleviate symptoms but also target the deeper constitutional issues contributing to arteriosclerosis.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Arteriosclerosis
To manage arteriosclerosis, TCM employs several herbal formulas aimed at correcting the imbalances associated with its development. Ba Wei Di Huang Wan and Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, both featuring Prepared Rehmannia, nourish Yin and tonify Yang, addressing the root deficiencies that may lead to vascular degeneration. Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, which includes Peach Kernels, is used to invigorate blood and dispel stasis, particularly targeting conditions of Blood Stagnation that mirror the physical symptoms of arteriosclerosis.
Additionally, Xie Xin Tang, with its cooling herb Rhubarb, is prescribed to clear excessive Heart Fire and resolve toxicity, helping to reduce inflammation and further progression of arterial damage. These formulas exemplify TCM’s integrative approach to treating arteriosclerosis by aiming to restore balance and enhance overall vascular health.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address arteriosclerosis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
Arteriosclerosis can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a deficiency in Yin energy, needing nourishment and strengthening of the body's vital essence.
One such formula is Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for arteriosclerosis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) |
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) |
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Arteriosclerosis can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, with peach kernel as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity
Arteriosclerosis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity if it arises from heat toxins affecting the body.
One such formula is Xie Xin Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Arteriosclerosis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address arteriosclerosis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that relieve food stagnation
- Herbs that clear liver heat and brighten the eyes
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
Herbs that relieve Food Stagnation
Arteriosclerosis can be treated by these herbs in cases of digestive disturbances due to overeating or consuming hard-to-digest foods, assisting in breaking down and moving food through the digestive system.
One such herb is Amur Rose Fruits (Ci Mei Guo), which is directly recommended for arteriosclerosis.
Herbs that clear Liver Heat and brighten the eyes
Arteriosclerosis can be treated by these herbs if it is a result of Liver heat affecting the eyes, working to cool the Liver and improve eye health.
One such herb is Cassia Seeds (Jue Ming Zi), which is directly recommended for arteriosclerosis.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Arteriosclerosis 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 arteriosclerosis, like Ba Wei Di Huang Wan.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Arteriosclerosis 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 arteriosclerosis, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Arteriosclerosis 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 arteriosclerosis, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.