Bleeding Mouthaccording to TCM

What is Bleeding Mouth?

Bleeding mouth, medically termed oral hemorrhage, is a symptom characterized by the escape of blood from the vessels within the oral cavity. This can manifest as blood in the saliva, bleeding gums, or blood coming from other parts of the mouth. While in some cases it may be due to simple causes like minor trauma or gum disease, persistent or excessive bleeding could indicate more serious underlying conditions and warrants medical attention.

How does TCM view Bleeding Mouth?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a 'pattern' encapsulates the complex interplay of energies and substances in the body that contribute to health or illness. TCM does not view bleeding mouth as a standalone issue but as a symptom that signals a deeper pattern of imbalance.

The importance of recognizing the specific pattern cannot be overstated, as it forms the foundation for any TCM diagnosis and subsequent treatment. By understanding the pattern, a TCM practitioner can address the root of the issue, restoring equilibrium and thereby alleviating the symptom of bleeding mouth.

Causes of Bleeding Mouth According to TCM

In the framework of TCM, bleeding mouth is often attributed to the pattern of Toxic Heat, which suggests an accumulation of heat and toxins within the body. This pattern can cause Blood to move erratically and escape the confines of the vessels.

Toxic Heat may arise from external sources like an infection or internally from emotional stress or dietary imbalances that lead to an overaccumulation of heat. It is the understanding and identification of this specific pattern that allows for targeted treatment in TCM, acknowledging that the same symptom could emerge from different causes in different individuals.

TCM Herbs for Bleeding Mouth

Addressing the pattern of Toxic Heat, TCM recommends herbs known for their cooling and detoxifying properties. Puffball (Ma Bo) is a quintessential herb used to treat bleeding mouth when this pattern is recognized. It is believed to directly target the Lungs, which in TCM theory is responsible for disseminating protective Qi and Body Fluids to the throat and mouth. The choice of such herbs is made after a thorough assessment by a TCM practitioner, ensuring that the treatment is specifically attuned to the individual's unique manifestation of Toxic Heat.