Cerebral Arteriosclerosisaccording to TCM

What is Cerebral Arteriosclerosis?

Cerebral arteriosclerosis is the condition in which the blood vessels that supply the brain become thickened and narrowed due to the accumulation of plaque. This hardening of the arteries restricts blood flow, potentially leading to decreased brain function and an increased risk of stroke. Known also as cerebrovascular arteriosclerosis, this progressive deterioration can cause significant neurological deficits and cognitive decline. The condition underscores a critical aspect of cardiovascular health, as the efficiency of cerebral circulation is essential for maintaining proper brain function.

How Does TCM View Cerebral Arteriosclerosis?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets cerebral arteriosclerosis through a framework that considers not just the physical symptoms, but the underlying energetic imbalances. TCM posits that such conditions result from disharmonies in the body’s vital energies, particularly relating to the Liver systems.

According to TCM, the key to treatment lies in identifying and correcting these disharmonies—be they related to Blood Stagnation, Qi Stagnation, Yin Deficiency, or internal Wind—which disrupts the cerebral circulation. This holistic approach aims to restore balance and ensure the free flow of Qi and Blood throughout the body.

Causes of Cerebral Arteriosclerosis According to TCM

In the TCM perspective, cerebral arteriosclerosis often stems from deeply rooted imbalances such as Liver Wind or Yin Deficiency. Liver Wind, for example, may arise when extreme Yang energy disturbs the liver, leading to involuntary movements, tremors, and hypertension—a reflection of systemic imbalance that may contribute to vascular issues in the brain.

Alternatively, Yin Deficiency can lead to a lack of the cooling, moistening forces necessary to keep Yang in check, resulting in Heat that can metaphorically 'scorch' blood vessels, leading to their hardening. These examples illustrate how TCM seeks to understand and treat the broader constitutional issues underlying cerebral arteriosclerosis, rather than focusing solely on its symptoms.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Cerebral Arteriosclerosis

To address cerebral arteriosclerosis, TCM utilizes specific formulas designed to target the unique patterns of imbalance identified in each patient. One such formula, Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang, which includes Achyranthes Roots (Niu Xi), is specifically tailored to pacify Internal Wind and stabilize liver Yang, making it suitable for treating cases where Liver Wind agitates internally due to Liver Yang Rising. This treatment approach not only aims to alleviate the direct symptoms associated with cerebral arteriosclerosis but also works to harmonize and restore the underlying energetic imbalances, thereby promoting improved cerebral circulation and overall brain health.

See more details below about Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang, a herbal formula used to address cerebral arteriosclerosis.

TCM Herbs for Cerebral Arteriosclerosis

See more details below about Achyranthes Roots (Niu Xi), a herb used to address cerebral arteriosclerosis.