Boilsaccording to TCM

What are Boils?

Boils, medically known as furuncles, are painful, pus-filled bumps that form under the skin when bacteria infect and inflame one or more hair follicles. These infections typically start in sweat glands or oil-producing glands and can grow into red, swollen, and tender nodules. Boils can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on the face, neck, armpits, shoulders, and buttocks.

While anyone can develop boils, factors such as compromised immunity, poor hygiene, and friction can increase susceptibility. Recognizing and treating boils early can prevent complications such as the formation of more extensive infections known as carbuncles.

How does TCM view Boils?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) regards boils as indicators of underlying imbalances in the body, particularly involving Heat, Toxicity, and Blood or Qi Deficiency. According to TCM, the key to treating boils lies in identifying and addressing the specific pattern of disharmony causing them.

This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body's systems and the importance of restoring balance to achieve health. TCM treatments for boils typically involve a combination of herbal medicine, acupuncture, and dietary adjustments tailored to the individual's unique pattern of disharmony.

Root Causes of Boils in TCM

In TCM, boils are commonly attributed to the presence of Toxic-Heat or Blood Deficiency, each influencing the body's susceptibility to infection in different ways. Toxic-Heat patterns lead to the accumulation of Heat and toxins, manifesting as inflamed, pus-filled boils along with symptoms like fever and sore throat.

On the other hand, Blood Deficiency, particularly when coupled with External Wind, can weaken the skin's defenses, making it more prone to infections and eruptions like boils. Understanding these underlying causes is critical in TCM, as it informs a holistic treatment strategy aimed at resolving the boils and preventing their recurrence.

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

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 Boils

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Blood Deficiency with External Wind	Furuncles, Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis, Measles, Contact dermatitis, Itchy skin, Hair loss, Carbuncles, Boils, Drug rash, Skin dryness, Itching worsen at nights, Flaking skin... see more	Dang Gui Yin Zi

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Boils

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Toxic-Heat	Boils, Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Eczema, Perineum swollen, Prostate swollen, Testicular swelling, Mouth ulcers, Tonsil swelling... see more	Er Qing Gao | Shi Wei Bai Du San | Yin Qiao San | Sang Ju Yin | Bai Hu Tang | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Qing Ying Tang | Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang | Huang Lian Jie Du Tang | Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Zi Dang Gao | Bing Peng San | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin | Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin

Wind

In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more

Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Boils

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Blood Deficiency with External Wind	Furuncles, Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis, Measles, Contact dermatitis, Itchy skin, Hair loss, Carbuncles, Boils, Drug rash, Skin dryness, Itching worsen at nights, Flaking skin... see more	Dang Gui Yin Zi

TCM Herbal Formulas for Boils

To combat boils, TCM practitioners turn to specific formulas and herbs that address the root cause of the condition. For issues arising from Toxic-Heat, Er Qing Gao, which includes Natural indigo (Qing Dai), is often prescribed for its potent heat-clearing and detoxifying effects.

In cases of Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Dang Gui Yin Zi is recommended to nourish the Blood and disperse Wind, alleviating the skin eruptions and promoting healing. These treatments exemplify TCM's nuanced approach to care, targeting the unique patterns of disharmony present in each individual.

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

Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
Dang Gui Yin Zi

Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause boils, such as Blood Deficiency with External Wind

Learn more

Top Formula for Heat:
Er Qing Gao

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause boils, such as Toxic-Heat

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Boils Caused by Heat

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Er Qing Gao	Toxic-Heat
Shi Wei Bai Du San	Toxic-Heat
Yin Qiao San	Toxic-Heat
Sang Ju Yin	Toxic-Heat
Bai Hu Tang	Toxic-Heat
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang	Toxic-Heat
Qing Ying Tang	Toxic-Heat
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang	Toxic-Heat
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang	Toxic-Heat
Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin	Toxic-Heat
Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan	Toxic-Heat
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang	Toxic-Heat
Zi Dang Gao	Toxic-Heat
Bing Peng San	Toxic-Heat
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin	Toxic-Heat
Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin	Toxic-Heat

Top Formula for Wind:
Dang Gui Yin Zi

Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause boils, such as Blood Deficiency with External Wind

Learn more

Acupoints for Boils

Acupuncture is another cornerstone of TCM treatment for boils, with specific acupoints selected to clear Heat, transform Phlegm, and restore balance. Daling P-7, located on the Pericardium Channel, is particularly effective for calming the Mind and harmonizing the stomach, while Lingtai DU-10 on the Governing Vessel clears Heat and detoxifies.

Additionally, Zhoujian EX-UE-1, an extra point, is known for its ability to reduce swelling and transform Phlegm. Stimulating these acupoints can support the body's natural healing processes, offering a complementary approach to herbal treatments in managing boils.

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

Daling P-7

In the depression in the middle of the transverse crease of the wrist, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscle.

Lingtai DU-10

On the back midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 6th thoracic vertebra (T6).

Zhoujian EX-UE-1

On the tip of the olecranon.

Wenliu LI-7

When a fist is made, with the ulnar side downward and elbow flexed, the point is 5 cun above Yangxi LI-5 at the wrist crease, 1 cun distal to the midpoint of the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.