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Deep Vein Thrombosisaccording to TCM

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Symptom families: Vascular and Blood Disorders, Vein Conditions

What is deep vein thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. This condition can cause pain, swelling, and redness in the affected area, and poses a serious risk if the clot travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. DVT can result from prolonged periods of inactivity, certain medical conditions, or damage to the vein's lining. Understanding the mechanisms behind DVT is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies.

How does TCM view deep vein thrombosis?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), deep vein thrombosis is not seen as a singular disease but rather a symptom of underlying imbalances in the body's energy, or Qi. TCM practitioners believe that DVT arises from blockages and stagnation, leading to what is termed as Painful Obstruction. Treatment in TCM focuses on identifying and correcting these imbalances, rather than merely addressing the clot itself, emphasizing a holistic approach to restoring health and circulation.

Causes of deep vein thrombosis according to TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, deep vein thrombosis is often attributed to specific imbalances within the body, primarily involving Painful Obstruction Syndrome with Wind-Cold-Damp, a condition where external climatic factors invade the body, thickening the Blood and hindering its smooth circulation. The pattern of disharmony illustrates the complex nature of DVT in TCM and underscore the necessity for a tailored diagnosis to effectively address the unique manifestations in each patient.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Deep Vein Thrombosis

The treatment of deep vein thrombosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine focuses on alleviating the underlying causes identified through a holistic diagnosis. For cases involving Painful Obstruction Syndrome with Wind-Cold-Damp, a recommended formula is Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang.

This formula features Cinnamon twigs (Gui Zhi), known for their warm, pungent, and sweet properties. It is specifically designed to combat the cold and damp influences obstructing the body’s meridians, promoting the circulation of Qi and blood, thereby addressing the root causes of the symptoms and easing the associated discomfort.

See more details below about Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang, a herbal formula used to address deep vein thrombosis.

  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that dispel wind-Damp

Formulas that dispel Wind-Damp

Deep vein thrombosis can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a pathogenic influence of wind combined with dampness, which often obstructs the flow of Qi and Blood.

One such formula is Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang, with cinnamon twigs as a key herb.

TCM Herbs for Deep Vein Thrombosis

See more details below about Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a herb used to address deep vein thrombosis.

  • By Herb Category
  • Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior

Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior

Deep vein thrombosis can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.

One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for deep vein thrombosis, like Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang.