Chronic Pelvic Inflammatory Diseaseaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Pelvic Inflammatory Disorders
Parent symptom: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
What is Chronic Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
Chronic Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a prolonged infection of the female reproductive organs. It's an escalation of untreated or inadequately treated acute PID, leading to persistent inflammation that can cause scarring and adhesions. This condition may manifest through chronic pelvic pain, irregular menstrual cycles, and potential fertility issues. Understanding its nature is crucial for management and treatment to prevent long-term reproductive health consequences.
How does TCM view Chronic Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
From the TCM perspective, chronic pelvic inflammatory disease is often seen as a result of disharmony within the body's natural systems. It reflects an imbalance of the fundamental elements and a blockage in the flow of Qi, the life force, and Blood within the pelvic region.
TCM stresses the significance of identifying the specific imbalance, be it in the form of stagnation, Heat, or Dampness, as the cornerstone for effective treatment. Recognizing the unique pattern behind the symptoms is the first step toward restoring harmony and health.
Causes of Chronic Pelvic Inflammatory Disease According to TCM
In TCM, chronic PID is primarily attributed to pathogenic factors such as Dampness and Heat accumulating in the lower abdomen, leading to Qi Stagnation and Blood stasis.
Another common cause is a Deficiency in the body's vital substances like Qi and Blood, weakening the body's defenses and allowing external pathogens to invade. A well-rounded evaluation by a TCM practitioner will often reveal the intricate interplay between these factors, and treatments are tailored to address the specific patterns identified in each patient.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Chronic Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
TCM treatments for chronic PID involve herbal formulas designed to correct the identified imbalances. Gu Jing Wan is often used for cooling Heat in the uterus and securing the Blood to reduce excessive menstrual bleeding and discharge.
Yi Huang Tang, leveraging the neutral properties of Yam, is applied to tackle issues of Damp-Heat and fortify the Spleen. For promoting Qi movement and alleviating Qi Stagnation, Wu Yao Tang is selected. These formulas are meticulously composed to not only alleviate the presenting symptoms but to also nurture the body's self-healing capabilities, underscoring TCM's holistic approach to health.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that promote qi movement
Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease can be treated by these formulas when it arises from disharmony in the female reproductive system, resulting in symptoms like irregular bleeding or abnormal discharge.
One such formula is Gu Jing Wan, with tortoise plastron as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge" recommended for chronic pelvic inflammatory disease
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Gu Jing Wan | Tortoise Plastrons (Gui Ban), White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) |
| Yi Huang Tang | Yam (Shan Yao), Foxnut Seeds (Qian Shi) |
Formulas that tonify Qi
Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease can be treated by these formulas if it results from Qi deficiency, necessitating treatments that boost the body's vital energy.
One such formula is Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that promote Qi movement
Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease can be treated by these formulas if it stems from stagnation or imbalance in the flow of Qi, the vital life energy, within the body.
One such formula is Wu Yao Tang, with lindera root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Chronic Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, like Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for chronic pelvic inflammatory disease
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang |
| Yam (Shan Yao) | Yi Huang Tang |
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Tortoise Plastrons (Gui Ban), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, like Gu Jing Wan.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease 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 White Peony Roots (Bai Shao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, like Gu Jing Wan.
Herbs that regulate Qi
Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.
One such herb is Lindera Roots (Wu Yao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, like Wu Yao Tang.
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Foxnut Seeds (Qian Shi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, like Yi Huang Tang.