Emphysemaaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Respiratory Disorders and Symptoms
Did you mean? Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
What is emphysema?
Emphysema is a progressive lung disease characterized by the destruction of alveolar walls, resulting in enlarged air spaces and reduced lung elasticity. This chronic condition is a form of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and primarily affects the lungs' ability to expel air efficiently. As the alveoli break down, the lungs lose their capacity to transfer oxygen to the bloodstream, leading to breathing difficulties.
Patients with emphysema typically experience shortness of breath, chronic cough, and reduced exercise tolerance. The disease is often caused by long-term exposure to irritants, with cigarette smoking being the primary risk factor. As emphysema progresses, it can significantly impact quality of life and may lead to complications such as respiratory infections and heart problems.
How does TCM view emphysema?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches emphysema through the lens of pattern diagnosis, a fundamental concept that distinguishes it from Western medical approaches. In TCM, emphysema is seen as a manifestation of underlying imbalances within the body's energy systems, particularly involving the Lung, Spleen, and Kidney.
This holistic view considers not just the respiratory symptoms, but how they relate to overall bodily functions, energy flow, and organ interactions. Identifying the correct pattern is crucial because it guides the entire treatment strategy. For emphysema, patterns might involve Lung Qi deficiency, Phlegm accumulation, or Kidney Yang Deficiency. By addressing these root patterns, TCM aims to restore balance and improve respiratory function more comprehensively than treating the symptoms in isolation.
Causes of emphysema according to TCM
In the TCM paradigm, emphysema can arise from various patterns of disharmony within the body. One significant pattern associated with emphysema is Lung Qi Deficiency. This condition manifests not only in breathing difficulties but also in symptoms such as fatigue, weak voice, and susceptibility to respiratory infections. TCM practitioners view this pattern as a result of long-term depletion of the Lung's energy, leading to its inability to perform its functions of governing Qi and respiration effectively.
Another important pattern in TCM's understanding of emphysema is Phlegm accumulation in the Lungs. This pattern is characterized by symptoms such as coughing with copious sputum, chest tightness, and wheezing. TCM sees this as an accumulation of pathogenic fluids that obstruct the Lung's normal functions, further compromising respiratory capacity. These patterns reflect TCM's nuanced approach to understanding the root causes of emphysema, emphasizing the interconnectedness of symptoms and their underlying energetic imbalances.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Emphysema
The treatment of emphysema in TCM involves carefully selected herbal formulas tailored to address the specific pattern of disharmony identified in each patient. For Lung Qi Deficiency, a commonly recommended formula is Bu Fei Tang, which includes Ginseng (Ren Shen) as a key herb to tonify Lung Qi. In cases of Phlegm accumulation, practitioners might prescribe Er Chen Tang, featuring Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) to dry Dampness and transform Phlegm.
For patients with concurrent Kidney Yang Deficiency, formulas like Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan, containing Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), may be used to warm Yang and support the Kidney's function in grasping Qi. Other formulas such as San Zi Yang Qin Tang or Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang might be employed to address specific aspects of the condition, such as transforming Cold-Phlegm or regulating Rebellious Qi respectively. It's important to note that TCM treatment is highly individualized, and the choice of formula may vary based on the patient's specific presentation and overall constitution.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address emphysema, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
- Formulas that warm interior cold
Formulas that tonify Qi
Emphysema 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 Bu Fei Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that tonify qi" recommended for emphysema
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Bu Fei Tang | Ginseng (Ren Shen), Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) |
| Ren Shen Ge Jie San | Tokay Geckos (Ge Jie), Ginseng (Ren Shen) |
Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm
Emphysema can be treated by these formulas when there's an accumulation of dampness and phlegm in the body, requiring herbs that dry dampness and transform phlegm.
One such formula is Er Chen Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that warm Interior Cold
Emphysema can be treated by these formulas when it is caused by an internal cold condition, needing treatments that warm the body's interior.
One such formula is Gan Cao Gan Jiang Tang, with dried ginger as a key herb.
Formulas that warm Yang and tonify
Emphysema can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a depletion of Yang energy, requiring actions that warm and strengthen Yang.
One such formula is Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that secure Lungs and stop coughing
Emphysema can be treated by these formulas if it is due to lung deficiency, leading to chronic cough or breathing difficulties.
One such formula is Jiu Xian San, with poppy capsule as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and transform Phlegm-Cold
Emphysema can be treated by these formulas when it arises from cold causing phlegm accumulation, needing actions that warm and resolve phlegm.
One such formula is San Zi Yang Qin Tang, with white mustard seeds as a key herb.
Formulas that promote Qi movement
Emphysema 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 Si Mo Tang, with lindera root as a key herb.
Formulas for a rebellious Qi
Emphysema can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by the disruption of Qi flow, that causes the normal movement of body processes to go the wrong way.
One such formula is Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang, with perilla seeds as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Emphysema can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Xiao Qing Long Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
Formulas that disperse Dryness and moisten
Emphysema can be treated by these formulas when caused by dryness that impairs the body's moisture balance, necessitating herbs that moisten and alleviate dryness.
One such formula is Xing Su San, with apricot seed as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Emphysema
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address emphysema, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Emphysema 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 emphysema, like Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for emphysema
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan | Xiao Qing Long Tang |
| Ephedra (Ma Huang) | Xiao Qing Long Tang |
| Perilla Leaves (Zi Su Ye) | Xing Su San |
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Emphysema can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Perilla Seeds (Zi Su Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for emphysema, like San Zi Yang Qin Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for emphysema
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Perilla Seeds (Zi Su Zi) | San Zi Yang Qin Tang | Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang |
| Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) | Er Chen Tang |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Emphysema 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 Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for emphysema, like Bu Fei Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for emphysema
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Bu Fei Tang | Ren Shen Ge Jie San |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Bu Fei Tang |
Herbs that regulate Qi
Emphysema 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 Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for emphysema, like Er Chen Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that regulate Qi" recommended for emphysema
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi) | Er Chen Tang |
| Lindera Roots (Wu Yao) | Si Mo Tang |
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Emphysema can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for emphysema, like Gan Cao Gan Jiang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for emphysema
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang) | Gan Cao Gan Jiang Tang |
| Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) | Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan |
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Emphysema 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 Poppy Capsules (Ying Su Ke), a key herb in some formulas recommended for emphysema, like Jiu Xian San.
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Emphysema can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Tokay Geckos (Ge Jie), a key herb in some formulas recommended for emphysema, like Ren Shen Ge Jie San.
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Emphysema can be treated by these herbs when it is related to heat-phlegm accumulation, aiding in dissolving phlegm and soothing the respiratory system.
One such herb is White Mustard Seeds (Bai Jie Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for emphysema, like San Zi Yang Qin Tang.
Herbs that relieve Food Stagnation
Emphysema can be treated by these herbs in cases of digestive disturbances due to overeating or consuming hard-to-digest foods, assisting in breaking down and moving food through the digestive system.
One such herb is Radish Seeds (Lai Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for emphysema, like San Zi Yang Qin Tang.
Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
Emphysema can be treated by these herbs when it originates from obstructions in the lung pathways, helping to ease respiratory discomfort and restore normal breathing.
One such herb is Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for emphysema, like Xing Su San.