Lymphadenitisaccording to TCM
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Symptom family: Lymphatic Disorders
What is Lymphadenitis?
Lymphadenitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the lymph nodes, the small, bean-shaped glands part of the immune system. It occurs when these nodes become swollen due to an infection or, less commonly, a non-infectious disease. The swelling is a response to a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, or fungi, indicating an effort by the lymphatic system to fight off these invaders. Symptoms may include tender and swollen lymph nodes, fever, and in some cases, a warm, red overlying skin area.
How does TCM view Lymphadenitis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches lymphadenitis with a focus on the underlying imbalances within the body's energetic pathways. TCM posits that lymphadenitis results from the stagnation of Qi and Blood, invasion of pathogenic factors such as Wind, Cold, Damp, Heat, or an accumulation of Toxic-Heat.
According to TCM, each symptom provides a clue to the nature of the imbalance. Thus, understanding and addressing the root cause, rather than merely alleviating symptoms, is paramount for treatment. This holistic approach seeks to restore harmony and balance to the body's Qi, promoting health and well-being.
Causes of Lymphadenitis According to TCM
In TCM, lymphadenitis is often attributed to the invasion of Toxic-Heat, which can arise from external pathogenic factors penetrating the body, leading to inflammation and swelling as the body attempts to expel these toxins. The perspective highlights TCM's intricate understanding of bodily functions and its emphasis on the interconnectedness of physical symptoms with internal disharmonies.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Lymphadenitis
To address lymphadenitis, TCM utilizes a variety of herbal formulas tailored to the individual's specific pattern of disharmony. For conditions marked by Toxic-Heat, formulas like Shi Wei Bai Du San, which includes Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng), and Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin, featuring Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), are commonly prescribed to expel pathogens and clear Heat.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address lymphadenitis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
- External formulas for external disorders
- Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
Lymphadenitis can be treated by formulas that clear external abscesses and sores if it is due to localized infections or inflammations on the skin.
One such formula is Shi Wei Bai Du San, with saposhnikovia root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear external abscesses and sores" recommended for lymphadenitis
External formulas for External disorders
Lymphadenitis can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by external factors like wind, cold, or heat leading to symptoms on the body's surface.
One such formula is Er Qing Gao, with natural indigo as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity
Lymphadenitis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity if it arises from heat toxins affecting the body.
One such formula is Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin, with baikal skullcap root as a key herb.
Acupoints for Lymphadenitis
TCM also employs acupuncture as a complementary treatment for lymphadenitis, targeting specific acupoints to alleviate symptoms and treat underlying causes. One such point, Renying ST-9, located near the Adam's apple, is significant for its ability to regulate the flow of Qi to and from the head, as well as dissipate nodules and swelling.
This practice underscores TCM's multifaceted approach to health, integrating herbal medicine with acupuncture to enhance the body's natural healing capabilities and restore equilibrium.
See more details below about Renying ST-9, an acupoint used to address lymphadenitis.
- By Meridian
- Stomach Channel
Renying ST-9
Level with the tip of Adam's apple, 1.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline, on the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
TCM Herbs for Lymphadenitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address lymphadenitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that cool the blood
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Lymphadenitis can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Natural Indigo (Qing Dai), a key herb in some formulas recommended for lymphadenitis, like Er Qing Gao.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for lymphadenitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Natural Indigo (Qing Dai) | Er Qing Gao |
| Selanginella Herbs (Shi shang Bai) | Not applicable |
| Dandelions (Pu Gong Ying) | Not applicable |
| Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao) | Not applicable |
| Smilax Glabra Roots (Tu Fu Ling) | Not applicable |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Lymphadenitis can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), a key herb in some formulas recommended for lymphadenitis, like Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for lymphadenitis
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Lymphadenitis can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for lymphadenitis, like San Zhong Kui Jian Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for lymphadenitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu) | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang |
| Climbing Groundsel Herbs (Qian Li Guang) | Not applicable |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Lymphadenitis 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 Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng), a key herb in some formulas recommended for lymphadenitis, like Shi Wei Bai Du San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for lymphadenitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng) | Shi Wei Bai Du San |
| Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie) | Shi Wei Bai Du San |
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Lymphadenitis 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 Kombu (Kun Bu), which is directly recommended for lymphadenitis.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Lymphadenitis can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Hibiscus Leaves (Fu Rong Ye), a key herb in some formulas recommended for lymphadenitis, like Er Qing Gao.