Preeclampsiaaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Pregnancy Issues, Hypertension
Sub-symptom(s): Eclampsia
What is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and often significant amounts of protein in the urine, typically occurring after the 20th week of gestation. This condition can lead to serious, even fatal, complications for both the mother and the baby if not properly managed.
Symptoms of preeclampsia can include severe headaches, changes in vision, upper abdominal pain, and swelling in the hands and face. In severe cases, preeclampsia can develop into eclampsia, which involves seizures and poses an even greater risk.
How Does TCM View Preeclampsia?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches preeclampsia from a holistic perspective, significantly different from Western medicine. In TCM, preeclampsia is seen as a disorder resulting from imbalances within the body's natural systems, particularly involving the flow of Qi (vital energy), Blood, and the functioning of the Kidney and Liver.
TCM emphasizes the importance of identifying the underlying pattern of disharmony causing the symptoms, as each case may stem from different root causes. This approach facilitates a tailored treatment strategy aimed at restoring balance and well-being.
Causes of Preeclampsia According to TCM
In TCM, the causes of preeclampsia are linked to various patterns of disharmony. One common cause is Liver Yin Deficiency, which can lead to an imbalance in the body's regulatory mechanisms, contributing to high blood pressure and related symptoms.
Another pattern often associated with preeclampsia is Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus, where an accumulation of Dampness disrupts the normal function of the Uterus and contributes to the condition's development. These examples illustrate TCM's approach to understanding the complex interplay of internal energies and systems in addressing health issues like preeclampsia.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Preeclampsia
To manage preeclampsia, TCM practitioners may recommend specific formulas and herbs based on the patient's unique pattern of disharmony. For Liver Yin Deficiency, a formula like Yi Guan Jian is often used. In cases of Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus, a
formula such as Wan Dai Tang, which includes Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu), might be prescribed to address Spleen Deficiency and regulate the uterine environment.
Additionally, Dang Gui Shao Yao San with White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) is commonly recommended for patterns like Spleen and Liver Blood Deficiency, which can contribute to the symptoms of preeclampsia.
For issues related to fluid retention, Wu Pi Yin, containing Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), may be used to treat patterns such as Yin Excess and Oedema. These treatments aim to correct the underlying imbalances causing preeclampsia, thereby alleviating symptoms and supporting a healthier pregnancy. The selection of herbs and formulas in TCM is highly individualized, reflecting the unique needs and patterns of each patient.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address preeclampsia, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness
- Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
Preeclampsia can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a deficiency in Yin energy, needing nourishment and strengthening of the body's vital essence.
One such formula is Yi Guan Jian
Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
Preeclampsia can be treated by these formulas when it arises from disharmony in the female reproductive system, resulting in symptoms like irregular bleeding or abnormal discharge.
One such formula is Wan Dai Tang, with atractylodes rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Preeclampsia 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 Dang Gui Shao Yao San, with white peony root as a key herb.
Formulas that promote urination and leach out Dampness
Preeclampsia can be treated by these formulas when it is caused by an accumulation of dampness in the body, requiring diuretic actions to promote fluid balance.
One such formula is Wu Pi Yin, with poria-cocos mushroom as a key herb.
Formulas that pacify and extinguish Internal Wind
Preeclampsia can be treated by these formulas when it is due to internal wind, which is often associated with spasms, tremors, or dizziness.
One such formula is Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang, with saiga antelope's horns as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Preeclampsia
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address preeclampsia, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that pacify internal liver wind and stop tremors
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that cool the blood
Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors
Preeclampsia can be treated by these herbs when caused by internal wind from Liver disharmony, often manifesting in symptoms like spasms or tremors.
One such herb is Gambir Stems And Thorns (Gou Teng), a key herb in some formulas recommended for preeclampsia, like Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors" recommended for preeclampsia
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Gambir Stems And Thorns (Gou Teng) | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang |
| Saiga Antelope's Horns (Ling Yang Jiao) | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Preeclampsia 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 Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for preeclampsia, like Wan Dai Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for preeclampsia
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Wan Dai Tang |
| Yam (Shan Yao) | Wan Dai Tang |
Herbs that drain Dampness
Preeclampsia can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), a key herb in some formulas recommended for preeclampsia, like Wu Pi Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for preeclampsia
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling) | Wu Pi Yin |
| Ginger Peel (Sheng Jiang Pi) | Wu Pi Yin |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Preeclampsia can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is White Peony Roots (Bai Shao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for preeclampsia, like Dang Gui Shao Yao San.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Preeclampsia 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 Mulberry Bark (Sang Bai Pi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for preeclampsia, like Wu Pi Yin.