Symptom families: Lip Symptoms, Oral Dryness

What are Dry Lips?

Dry lips, commonly known as chapped or cracked lips, occur when the lips lose moisture, leading to an uncomfortable and sometimes painful condition. This ailment can be caused by various factors, including extreme weather conditions, dehydration, or certain medical conditions. The lips may appear flaky, red, and tender to the touch. While often a minor issue, persistent dry lips can indicate an underlying imbalance or a need for better self-care.

How Does TCM View Dry Lips?

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dry lips are often a sign of an internal imbalance rather than just an external problem. TCM theory suggests that symptoms like dry lips can arise from Deficiencies or disharmonies within the body's fundamental substances, such as Qi, Blood, Yin, and Body Fluids.

Understanding the precise pattern of disharmony is essential in TCM because it determines the treatment strategy. Dry lips are not just treated with topical applications but are approached holistically, considering the overall health and balance of the individual.

Root Causes of Dry Lips in TCM

TCM traces the roots of dry lips to deeper systemic issues, with Blood Deficiency and Body Fluids Deficiency being common culprits. Blood Deficiency, characterized by symptoms such as pale lips and dizziness, suggests a lack of nourishment and moisture reaching the skin, including that of the lips.

Similarly, when Body Fluids are deficient, the body cannot lubricate itself effectively, leading to dryness in various areas, including the lips. TCM treatments focus on nourishing and replenishing these essential substances to alleviate the symptom of dry lips and restore systemic balance.

Explore below more details about what might cause Dry lips according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Body Fluids Deficiency
  • Qi Deficiency
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Dry Lips

Common Symptoms: Dizziness Scanty Menstruation Amenorrhea Pale Lips Poor Memory Insomnia Tingling Blurry Vision

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Blood Deficiency Dry lips, Dizziness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Dull shallow face, Pale lips, Poor memory, Insomnia... see more Si Wu Tang | Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang
Qi and Blood Deficiency Dry lips, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Reluctance to speak, Lack of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more Gui Pi Tang | Ba Zhen Tang | Guo Qi Yin | Zhi Gan Cao Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Dry Lips

Addressing the patterns of disharmony leading to dry lips, TCM recommends specific herbs and formulas. For Blood Deficiency, Si Wu Tang, a formula that includes Prepared rehmannia, is often prescribed to enrich the Blood and address Dryness.

For Body Fluids Deficiency, Xing Su San, containing Apricot Seeds, can help to moisten and relieve dryness. These herbs and formulas are selected based on the individual's unique presentation of symptoms, ensuring a personalized treatment approach.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address dry lips, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Body Fluids Deficiency
  • Qi Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Dry Lips Caused by Blood Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Si Wu Tang Blood Deficiency
Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang Blood Deficiency
Gui Pi Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency
Ba Zhen Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency
Guo Qi Yin Qi and Blood Deficiency
Zhi Gan Cao Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency

Acupoints for Dry Lips

TCM also incorporates acupuncture as a method to address dry lips, targeting specific acupoints that help to harmonize the underlying imbalances. Lidui ST-45, located on the toe, is utilized to clear Heat, which can contribute to dryness, while Waiguan TB-5, found on the forearm, is chosen for its ability to expel Wind and harmonize the Channels.

Stimulating these points supports the body's internal processes to address dry lips, reflecting the intricate web of connections that TCM recognizes within the body.

Explore below some acupoints used to address dry lips, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Stomach Channel
  • Triple Burner Channel
Lidui ST-45

Lidui ST-45

On the lateral side of the 2nd toe, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of nail.

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