Peptic Ulcer Bleedingaccording to TCM

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What is Peptic Ulcer Bleeding?

Peptic ulcer bleeding is a serious complication of peptic ulcers, which are open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine. This condition occurs when an ulcer leads to the erosion of a blood vessel, causing bleeding. Symptoms may include vomiting blood, blood in stools, or black, tarry stools, alongside the more typical symptoms of peptic ulcers like stomach pain. The severity of the bleeding can vary, from minor to life-threatening, necessitating prompt medical attention to manage the condition and prevent further complications.

How does TCM view Peptic Ulcer Bleeding?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a distinct perspective on peptic ulcer bleeding, viewing it as a symptom of underlying disharmony within the body's energetic systems. Unlike the Western medical approach that often focuses on the ulcer itself, TCM looks at the broader picture of imbalance that leads to such conditions.

It emphasizes the importance of diagnosing and treating the specific patterns of disharmony that result in the manifestation of bleeding, reflecting its holistic approach to health and disease. This perspective underscores the belief that restoring balance is key to healing, rather than just addressing the symptoms.

Causes of Peptic Ulcer Bleeding According to TCM

In TCM, the causes of peptic ulcer bleeding are attributed to various patterns of imbalance, such as Qi Deficiency, Heat in the Blood, and disharmony between the Liver and Stomach. For instance, a common pattern associated with this condition is Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency, which undermines the body's ability to maintain the integrity of its tissues and vessels, leading to vulnerability to bleeding.

Another pattern, Heat in the Blood, can cause the blood to act recklessly, moving out of its vessels and manifesting as bleeding. These examples illustrate the TCM principle that understanding the underlying cause of a symptom is essential for effective treatment.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Peptic Ulcer Bleeding

To address peptic ulcer bleeding, TCM relies on specific formulas and herbs tailored to the underlying patterns of disharmony. For patterns such as Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency, Gu Chong Tang, which includes Cornelian cherries (Shan Zhu Yu), is often prescribed. This formula aims to strengthen the Qi and stabilize the body's tissues to prevent bleeding.

For conditions marked by Heat in the Blood, Shi Hui San, featuring Japanese thistle (Da Ji), is recommended. This formula works to cool the blood and stop the bleeding, demonstrating the nuanced approach of TCM in treating complex conditions by restoring balance and harmony to the body's internal environment.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address peptic ulcer bleeding, organized by formula type.

  • By Formula Type
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  • Formulas that stop bleeding

TCM Herbs for Peptic Ulcer Bleeding

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address peptic ulcer bleeding, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Herbs that stabilize and bind
  • Herbs that stop bleeding
  • Herbs that cool the blood