Purple Faceaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Complexion and Facial Appearance Issues
What is Purple Face?
Purple face is a condition characterized by a noticeable purplish discoloration of the facial skin. It can indicate a range of underlying health issues, from minor temperature fluctuations to more serious circulatory or cardiovascular conditions.
This symptom is distinct in its appearance, deviating from the natural skin tone to shades of purple, signaling potential disturbances in blood flow or oxygenation levels in the body.
How does TCM view Purple Face?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets a purple face as a sign of Blood Stagnation, where the smooth flow of blood through the body is hindered. This condition is seen as an imbalance within the body's internal systems, particularly involving the Heart and Liver.
TCM emphasizes understanding and addressing the root causes of Blood Stagnation to restore harmony and health. The diagnosis and treatment are focused on promoting blood circulation and removing the stagnation that leads to the purplish hue.
Root Causes of Purple Face in TCM
In TCM, a purple face is primarily associated with Blood Stagnation, which can arise from various internal disharmonies. Heart Blood Stagnation and Heart Vessel Obstruction are common patterns linked to this symptom, reflecting issues with blood circulation that directly impact the complexion. Emotional stress, physical trauma, or internal cold can lead to such stagnation, affecting the heart's ability to circulate blood efficiently.
Liver Blood Stagnation is another cause, where emotional repression or dietary habits lead to impaired blood flow, manifesting externally as a purple complexion. Addressing these patterns requires a holistic approach, focusing on invigorating the blood and ensuring its free movement throughout the body.
Explore below more details about what might cause Purple face according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Blood Stasis
- Heart
- Liver
Blood Stasis
Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more
Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Purple Face
Common Symptoms: Purple Lips Purple Nails Stifling Sensation In The Chest Palpitations Stabbing Chest Pain Chest Constriction Cold Hands Delusions
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Blood Stagnation | Purple face, Stabbing chest pain, Chest constriction, Stifling sensation in the chest | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang |
| Heart Vessel obstructed | Purple face, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Heart pain, Chest pain, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness, Reluctance to speak, Cold extremities, Sighing, Purple lips, Purple nails... see more | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Di Tan Tang | Dang Gui Si Ni Tang |
| Liver Blood Stagnation | Purple face, Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Dark menstrual clots, Infertility, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Purple lips, Skin dryness, Petechiae... see more | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Xiao Yao San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shi Xiao San |
Heart
In TCM the Heart is considered the "emperor" of all organs, primarily responsible for governing Blood and housing the mind, known as "Shen." It plays a crucial role in maintaining mental-emotional equilibrium and controlling the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Heart is imbalanced or malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues like heart palpitations, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, and a flushed complexion. Emotional disturbances such as excessive joy or lack of joy are also seen as signs of Heart disharmony. These symptoms reflect not just physical heart conditions but also the state of one's Shen, indicating the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being in TCM.... see more
Heart Patterns That Can Lead to Purple Face
Common Symptoms: Stifling Sensation In The Chest Palpitations Purple Lips Purple Nails Stabbing Chest Pain Chest Constriction Cold Hands Delusions
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Blood Stagnation | Purple face, Stabbing chest pain, Chest constriction, Stifling sensation in the chest | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang |
| Heart Vessel obstructed | Purple face, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Heart pain, Chest pain, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness, Reluctance to speak, Cold extremities, Sighing, Purple lips, Purple nails... see more | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Di Tan Tang | Dang Gui Si Ni Tang |
Liver
In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more
Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Purple Face
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Blood Stagnation | Purple face, Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Dark menstrual clots, Infertility, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Purple lips, Skin dryness, Petechiae... see more | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Xiao Yao San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shi Xiao San |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Purple Face
For treating a purple face, TCM recommends several formulas designed to invigorate blood and resolve stasis. Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang is widely used for conditions like Heart Blood Stagnation and Heart Vessel Obstruction, utilizing Peach Kernels to stimulate blood circulation and alleviate chest constriction.
Chai Hu Shu Gan San, rich in Bupleurum Roots, is another formula that promotes Qi movement, especially beneficial for Liver Blood Stagnation. It relieves symptoms like hypochondriac pain and menstrual irregularities, addressing the underlying stagnation causing a purple face. These treatments aim to restore balanced circulation and a healthy complexion through the natural healing properties of herbs.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address purple face, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Blood Stasis
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that promote qi movement
- Formulas that dispel phlegm
- Formulas that warm interior cold
- Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause purple face, such as Heart Blood Stagnation or Heart Vessel obstructed
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Purple Face Caused by Blood Stasis
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Heart Blood Stagnation, Heart Vessel obstructed |
| Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Heart Vessel obstructed, Liver Blood Stagnation |
| Di Tan Tang | Heart Vessel obstructed |
| Dang Gui Si Ni Tang | Heart Vessel obstructed |
| Xiao Yao San | Liver Blood Stagnation |
| Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Liver Blood Stagnation |
| Shi Xiao San | Liver Blood Stagnation |
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
These formulas are suitable for some purple face-causing patterns like Heart Blood Stagnation or Heart Vessel obstructed.
One such formula is Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang, with peach kernel as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for purple face
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Heart Blood Stagnation, Heart Vessel obstructed |
| Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Liver Blood Stagnation |
| Shi Xiao San | Liver Blood Stagnation |
Formulas that promote Qi movement
These formulas are suitable for some purple face-causing patterns like Heart Vessel obstructed or Liver Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Chai Hu Shu Gan San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that dispel Phlegm
These formulas are suitable for some purple face-causing patterns like Heart Vessel obstructed.
One such formula is Di Tan Tang, with arisaema as a key herb.
Formulas that warm Interior Cold
These formulas are suitable for some purple face-causing patterns like Heart Vessel obstructed.
One such formula is Dang Gui Si Ni Tang, with dong quai as a key herb.
Formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen
These formulas are suitable for some purple face-causing patterns like Liver Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Xiao Yao San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Purple Face
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address purple face, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that stop bleeding
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Purple face 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 purple face, like Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for purple face
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang |
| Safflowers (Hong Hua) | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang |
| Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang |
| Flying Squirrel Faeces (Wu Ling Zhi) | Shi Xiao San |
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Purple face can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for purple face, like Chai Hu Shu Gan San.
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Purple face can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Arisaema (Tian Nan Xing), a key herb in some formulas recommended for purple face, like Di Tan Tang.
Herbs that regulate Qi
Purple face can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.
One such herb is Red Tangerine Peel (Ju Hong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for purple face, like Di Tan Tang.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Purple face 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 Dong Quai (Dang Gui), a key herb in some formulas recommended for purple face, like Dang Gui Si Ni Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Purple face 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 Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for purple face, like Dang Gui Si Ni Tang.
Herbs that stop bleeding
Purple face can be treated by these herbs in cases where it is due to internal or external bleeding, working to stabilize and constrict blood flow.
One such herb is Cattail Pollen (Pu Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for purple face, like Shi Xiao San.