Throat Swellingaccording to TCM
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Symptom family: Throat Obstructions and Sensations
Did you mean? Throat Lumps
What is Throat Swelling?
Throat swelling is a symptom characterized by an uncomfortable, often painful enlargement within the throat, which can interfere with breathing and swallowing. This condition may be caused by inflammation, infection, an allergic reaction, or an underlying medical issue.
The sensation of a swollen throat can vary from mild to severe and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hoarseness, and the feeling of a lump in the throat. Due to its potential to affect the airway, throat swelling is a symptom that may require prompt medical attention.
How Does TCM View Throat Swelling?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, a 'pattern' denotes a complex of symptoms and signs that reflect a particular imbalance in the body. Throat swelling, in TCM, is often a symptom of a deeper pattern of disharmony such as Heat accumulation or Qi Stagnation.
Identifying the pattern is crucial because it informs the treatment strategy. For instance, swelling caused by Heat would be treated differently from swelling caused by Cold. Recognizing the pattern of disharmony enables TCM practitioners to tailor their approach, targeting the root cause and not just the symptom, thus promoting holistic healing and balance within the body.
Causes of Throat Swelling According to TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), throat swelling is often attributed to pathological changes within the body, with Toxic-Heat and Damp-Heat being prominent patterns responsible for this condition. Toxic-Heat is related to an intense accumulation of Heat that has a toxic effect on the body, leading to severe inflammation and swelling.
On the other hand, Damp-Heat refers to a combination of dampness and heat in the body, causing symptoms such as a sticky sensation in the throat, difficulty swallowing, and a feeling of fullness. TCM practitioners focus on identifying these patterns through a comprehensive evaluation of symptoms and signs to direct the treatment strategy effectively.
Acupoints for Throat Swelling
Acupuncture is another cornerstone of TCM used to treat throat swelling. Specific acupoints are selected to correspond with the diagnosed pattern. For Toxic-Heat, points like Tiantu REN-22 in the Directing Vessel may be chosen for their ability to descend Lung Qi, benefit the throat, and resolve Phlegm.
For Damp-Heat, Fenglong ST-40 on the Stomach Channel can be utilized to resolve Dampness and Phlegm and calm the mind. These acupoints are stimulated to support the body's natural healing processes, aiming to clear the specific type of Heat, whether toxic or damp, causing the swelling.
Explore below some acupoints used to address throat swelling, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Stomach Channel
- Directing Vessel
- Triple Burner Channel
- Extra Points: Upper Extremities (EX-UE)
- Large Intestine Channel
- Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN)
- Lung Channel
Shuitu ST-10
On the anterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle, in the middle between Renying ST-9 and Qishe ST-11.
Qishe ST-11
On the upper border of the clavicle, between the tendons of the sternal and clavicular heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Fenglong ST-40
Midway between Dubi ST-35 and Jiexi ST-41, two middle finger-width from the anterior crest of the tibia, or one middle finger-width from Tiaokou ST-38.
Baxie EX-UE-9
This is a group of 8 points in both hand, 4 points per each hand. Slightly proximal to the margins of the webs between the fingers, on the border of the red and white skin.
Futu LI-18
On the lateral side of the neck, level with the tip of Adam's apple, between the sternal head and clavicular head of sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Kongzui LU-6
On the palmar aspect of the forearm, on the line joining Taiyuan LU-9 and Chize LU-5, 7 cun above Taiyuan LU-9.
TCM Herbs for Throat Swelling
For the treatment of throat swelling characterized by Toxic-Heat, TCM suggests herbs with cooling and detoxifying properties. Andrographis Herbs (Chuan Xin Lian), Bushy Sophora Roots (Shan Dou Gen), and Oldenlandia (Bai Hua She She Cao) are commonly used to clear Heat and relieve toxicity, targeting the root of the inflammation.
For Damp-Heat, herbs that can resolve dampness and clear heat, such as Climbing Groundsel Herbs (Qian Li Guang), are chosen to alleviate the associated symptoms. These herbs are integral to TCM's customized treatment plans, aiming to restore balance and reduce throat swelling by addressing the specific underlying pattern.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Throat swelling can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Andrographis Herbs (Chuan Xin Lian), which is directly recommended for throat swelling.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for throat swelling
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Andrographis Herbs (Chuan Xin Lian) | Not applicable |
| Bushy Sophora Roots (Shan Dou Gen) | Not applicable |
| Oldenlandia (Bai Hua She She Cao) | Not applicable |
| Paris Rhizomes (Chong Lou) | Not applicable |
| Puffball (Ma Bo) | Not applicable |
| Selanginella Herbs (Shi shang Bai) | Not applicable |
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Throat swelling can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Climbing Groundsel Herbs (Qian Li Guang), which is directly recommended for throat swelling.