*redirected from Sores on the lower extremities
Symptom families: Skin Ulcers & Open Sores, Legs disorders and Symptoms
Sub-symptom(s): Leg Ulcers
Ulcers on the lower limbs refer to open sores or lesions that develop on the lower legs, feet, or ankles. These ulcers can result from various causes, including poor circulation, diabetes, venous insufficiency, or injury. They are often chronic, difficult to heal, and susceptible to infection, making them a significant concern for affected individuals.
The term encompasses a range of conditions, such as leg ulcers, foot ulcers, and skin sores on the lower extremities, highlighting the diverse nature of these wounds.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets ulcers on the lower limbs as manifestations of underlying imbalances within the body's internal systems. According to TCM, such conditions arise from the stagnation of Qi and Blood, the accumulation of Dampness and Heat, or the Deficiency of vital substances like Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang.
TCM stresses the importance of identifying the specific pattern of disharmony causing the ulcers, as treatments are tailored to correct these imbalances, thereby promoting healing from within. This holistic approach views the body as an interconnected system, where the state of internal organs and meridians can directly impact the health of the skin and limbs.
In TCM, ulcers on the lower limbs are often associated with the accumulation of Dampness and Heat, especially in the Lower Burner, characterized by symptoms such as sores on the lower extremities, scanty and yellow urine, and red, swollen feet. TCM treatments aim to address the underlying causes, employing strategies to invigorate Qi and Blood, clear Heat, and resolve Dampness, thereby facilitating the healing of ulcers.
Explore below more details about what might cause Ulcers on the lower limbs according to TCM.
"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
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Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner | Sores on the lower extremities, Scanty and yellow urine, Lower back pain, Weakness of lower extremities, Red and swollen feet, Swollen knee, Thick greasy vaginal secretions, Ulcers on the lower limbs, Scanty and dark urine, Painful urination, Dry mouth... see more | Er Miao San |
In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
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Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner | Sores on the lower extremities, Scanty and yellow urine, Lower back pain, Weakness of lower extremities, Red and swollen feet, Swollen knee, Thick greasy vaginal secretions, Ulcers on the lower limbs, Scanty and dark urine, Painful urination, Dry mouth... see more | Er Miao San |
To treat ulcers on the lower limbs, TCM practitioners may recommend specific formulas and herbs tailored to the underlying patterns of disharmony. For conditions stemming from Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, formulas like Er Miao San, which contains Phellodendron bark (Huang Bo), are used to clear Heat and dry Dampness, addressing the root cause of inflammation and infection.
Another essential aspect of TCM treatment involves topical applications and poultices made from herbs known for their wound-healing properties, in addition to acupuncture and moxibustion therapies aimed at improving circulation and Qi flow to the affected area.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address ulcers on the lower limbs, organized by cause and by formula type.
Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause ulcers on the lower limbs, such as Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner
Learn moreSuitable for Heat patterns that may cause ulcers on the lower limbs, such as Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner
Learn moreThese formulas are suitable for some ulcers on the lower limbs-causing patterns like Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner.
One such formula is Er Miao San, with phellodendron bark as a key herb.
Ulcers on the lower limbs can be treated by these formulas if it results from cold obstructing the meridians, leading to pain or stiffness, requiring warming and dispersing actions.
One such formula is Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
See more details below about Fuyang BL-59, an acupoint used to address ulcers on the lower limbs.
On the lateral aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun above Kunlun BL-60.