Symptom family: Bone and Skeletal Symptoms and Disorders
Did you mean? Weak Bones Osteomalacia
Osteoporosis is a progressive condition where bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue, typically as a result of hormonal changes, or deficiency of calcium or vitamin D. This weakening of the bones increases the risk of fractures, particularly in the wrist, hip, and spine.
Often called the ‘silent disease’ because it can progress unnoticed until a fracture occurs, osteoporosis is a major health concern, especially for the elderly, affecting both mobility and quality of life.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), understanding the "pattern" of a condition is essential. A pattern is a diagnostic framework that captures the unique constellation of signs and symptoms presented by an individual. For osteoporosis, TCM may identify patterns such as Qi And Blood Stagnation or Kidney Yang Deficiency.
Recognizing these patterns is crucial, as they guide the practitioner to the most effective, individualized treatment. It is a TCM tenet that treating the pattern, rather than the symptom, addresses the root of the condition, leading to more sustainable healing.
From the perspective of TCM, osteoporosis can be caused by Qi And Blood Stagnation or a Deficiency in Kidney Qi or Kidney Yang. Qi And Blood Stagnation lead to an inadequate supply of nourishing substances to the bones, while Kidney Qi not Firm or Kidney Yang Deficiency reflects a deeper depletion of the body's vital energy, which is essential for maintaining bone strength and density. These patterns underscore the TCM belief that bone health is a reflection of the body's overall energetic balance.
Within TCM, herbal formulas are tailored to treat the specific patterns leading to osteoporosis. To address Qi And Blood Stagnation, a formula like Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang, which includes Peach Kernels to invigorate the blood, may be used.
When osteoporosis is rooted in Kidney Qi or Yang Deficiency, a warming and tonifying formula such as You Gui Wan, with herbs like Prepared aconite, is often prescribed. These formulas are central to the TCM approach of treating osteoporosis by restoring the body's energetic harmony and thus supporting bone health.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address osteoporosis, organized by formula type.
Osteoporosis can be treated by these formulas when it stems from irregularities or imbalances in the blood, which may affect circulation or cause other blood-related issues.
One such formula is Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang, with peach kernel as a key herb.
Osteoporosis 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 You Gui Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
TCM also incorporates acupuncture in the management of osteoporosis, focusing on acupoints that are believed to bolster the Kidneys and improve the flow of Qi and blood. Shenshu BL-23, located near the lower spine, is a vital point for tonifying Kidney Qi and Yang, nourishing the essence that supports bone strength, and promoting the overall vitality necessary for maintaining healthy bones. The treatment aims to mitigate the underlying deficiencies and stagnations that, according to TCM, lead to the development of osteoporosis.
See more details below about Shenshu BL-23, an acupoint used to address osteoporosis.
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumber vertebra (L2).
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address osteoporosis, organized by herb category.
Osteoporosis can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for osteoporosis, like Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang |
Safflowers (Hong Hua) | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang |
Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang |
Osteoporosis 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 Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for osteoporosis, like You Gui Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) | You Gui Wan |
Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui) | You Gui Wan |
Osteoporosis 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 Deer Antler Glue (Lu Jiao Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for osteoporosis, like You Gui Wan.