Phlebitisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Vein Conditions
Sub-symptom(s): Thrombophlebitis Postpartum Thrombophlebitis
What is Phlebitis?
Phlebitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the veins. This ailment presents symptoms like swelling, redness, and pain along the affected vein, often accompanied by warmth over the inflamed area. While superficial phlebitis affects veins on the skin's surface and is typically less concerning, deeper vein phlebitis, especially when associated with thrombosis, can lead to more serious health risks. Particular forms like thrombophlebitis and postpartum thrombophlebitis underscore the condition's potential severity and the need for a comprehensive understanding and approach to treatment.
How does TCM view Phlebitis?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), phlebitis is seen as a disorder resulting from imbalances within the body’s Qi (energy) and Blood. TCM does not just treat the symptoms of phlebitis; it aims to address the underlying patterns of disharmony that lead to the inflammation of the veins. According to TCM principles, recognizing the specific imbalance—whether due to Stagnant Qi, accumulated Dampness, or Blood Heat—is critical for selecting the appropriate treatment strategy. By identifying and correcting these patterns, TCM strives to alleviate the immediate symptoms and restore long-term health.
Causes of Phlebitis According to TCM
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recognizes phlebitis as a consequence of pathogenic influences disrupting the body's natural state, particularly the pattern of Exterior Cold invading the Interior. When cold penetrates the body's external defenses and reaches the Interior, it can obstruct the flow of Qi and Blood within the vessels. This obstruction often manifests physically as the swelling, pain, and redness characteristic of phlebitis. Effective treatment in TCM thus centers on expelling the cold and restoring the free movement of Qi and blood to alleviate the inflammation and discomfort associated with phlebitis.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Phlebitis
In response to phlebitis, especially when attributed to the invasion of Exterior Cold into the Interior, TCM prescribes formulas that warm the body and drive out coldness. Da Huang Fu Zi Tang, for example, with Prepared aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) as a primary herb, is employed to counteract the chilling effects that lead to vascular constriction.
This formula is known for its properties to reinvigorate the flow of Qi and warm the Channels, thus reducing the inflammation and pain associated with phlebitis. By addressing the specific pattern of disharmony, TCM treatments aim to not only relieve symptoms but also to prevent the recurrence of the condition.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address phlebitis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that warm and purge
- Formulas that regulate blood
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
Formulas that warm and purge
Phlebitis can be treated by these formulas if it stems from cold accumulation coupled with excess conditions, necessitating warming and purging actions.
One such formula is Da Huang Fu Zi Tang, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that regulate Blood
Phlebitis 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 Bu Yang Huang Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Phlebitis can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Di Dang Tang, with leech as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Phlebitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address phlebitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Phlebitis 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 Leeches (Shui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for phlebitis, like Di Dang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for phlebitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Leeches (Shui Zhi) | Di Dang Tang |
| Tabanus Horseflies (Meng Chong) | Di Dang Tang |
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Phlebitis 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 phlebitis, like Da Huang Fu Zi Tang.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Phlebitis 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 Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for phlebitis, like Bu Yang Huang Wu Tang.