Tineaaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Fungal Skin Infections
Parent symptom: Fungal Infection
Sub-symptom(s): Tinea Versicolor
What is Tinea?
Tinea, commonly referred to as ringworm, encompasses a group of fungal skin infections caused by dermatophytes. These infections are characterized by their circular, ring-like rash that can appear on various parts of the body, including the scalp (tinea capitis), feet (athlete’s foot), groin (jock itch), and other areas (tinea corporis).
Tinea versicolor, though slightly different, falls under the broader category of tinea infections, showcasing symptoms like discolored patches on the skin. Effective management of tinea involves antifungal treatments and, importantly, understanding the environmental conditions that allow these fungi to thrive.
How does TCM view Tinea?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, tinea is seen through the lens of internal disharmony and external pathogenic factors, particularly Dampness, Heat, and Wind. TCM posits that an imbalance in the body's natural energy flow, or Qi, and the presence of Damp-Heat can create a conducive environment for fungal growth.
This holistic perspective underscores the importance of diagnosing the underlying pattern of disharmony to tailor the treatment effectively. By addressing both the symptoms and their root causes, TCM aims to restore balance and prevent recurrence.
Causes of Tinea According to TCM
TCM identifies the accumulation of Damp-Heat and the invasion of Wind-Damp as key factors in the development of tinea. These conditions result from the body's inability to maintain a harmonious balance, leading to the overgrowth of pathogenic elements.
For instance, environments that foster excessive moisture and warmth can exacerbate the imbalance of Damp-Heat within the body, providing an ideal breeding ground for fungal infections. By understanding these underlying causes, TCM practitioners can develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the external symptoms of tinea and the internal conditions that contribute to its manifestation.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Tinea
To address tinea, TCM relies on a variety of herbs known for their ability to clear Heat, dry Dampness, and dispel Wind. Dittany Root Bark (Bai Xian Pi) and Sophora Roots (Ku Shen) are particularly effective in treating Damp-Heat, thanks to their bitter and cold properties. These herbs work to eliminate the excess moisture and warmth that fungi thrive in, reducing inflammation and itchiness.
Additionally, for external application, Realgar (Xiong Huang) and Sulfur (Liu Huang) are recommended for their capacity to treat Toxic Heat, further aiding in the eradication of fungal infections. Through the strategic use of these herbs, TCM offers a nuanced approach to combating tinea, focusing on restoring the body's natural equilibrium and enhancing its defense against pathogenic factors.
See more details below about Xiao Feng San, a herbal formula used to address tinea.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
Tinea can be treated by these formulas when it results from external wind invasion disrupting the body's surface and normal function, requiring wind-dispersing actions.
One such formula is Xiao Feng San, with japanese catnip as a key herb.
Acupoints for Tinea
See more details below about Yuzhong KID-26, an acupoint used to address tinea.
- By Meridian
- Kidney Channel
TCM Herbs for Tinea
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address tinea, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Herbs for external application
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that expel parasites
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Cathartic herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Tinea can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Dittany Root Bark (Bai Xian Pi), which is directly recommended for tinea.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for tinea
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dittany Root Bark (Bai Xian Pi) | Not applicable |
| Sophora Roots (Ku Shen) | Not applicable |
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Tinea can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Honeycomb (Feng Fang), which is directly recommended for tinea.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness" recommended for tinea
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Honeycomb (Feng Fang) | Not applicable |
| Garden Balsam Stems (Tou Gu Cao) | Not applicable |
Herbs for external application
Tinea can be treated by these herbs when the condition is external or superficial, requiring topical treatment to alleviate symptoms or heal the affected area.
One such herb is Realgar (Xiong Huang), which is directly recommended for tinea.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs for external application" recommended for tinea
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Realgar (Xiong Huang) | Not applicable |
| Sulfur (Liu Huang) | Not applicable |
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Tinea 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 Chinese Honeylocust Abnormal Fruits (Zhu Ya Zao), which is directly recommended for tinea.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for tinea
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Chinese Honeylocust Abnormal Fruits (Zhu Ya Zao) | Not applicable |
| Gleditsia Thorns (Zao Jiao Ci) | Not applicable |
Herbs that expel parasites
Tinea can be treated by these herbs if it arises from parasitic infections, utilizing their properties to eliminate parasites from the body.
One such herb is Chinaberry Root Barks (Ku Lian Pi), which is directly recommended for tinea.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that expel parasites" recommended for tinea
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Chinaberry Root Barks (Ku Lian Pi) | Not applicable |
| Elm Seed Cakes (Wu Yi) | Not applicable |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Tinea 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 Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tinea, like Xiao Feng San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for tinea
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie) | Xiao Feng San |
| Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng) | Xiao Feng San |
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Tinea 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 Greater Burdock Fruits (Niu Bang Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tinea, like Xiao Feng San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for tinea
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Greater Burdock Fruits (Niu Bang Zi) | Xiao Feng San |
| Cicada Sloughs (Chan Tui) | Xiao Feng San |
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Tinea can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Aloe Vera (Lu Hui), which is directly recommended for tinea.
Cathartic herbs that drain downward
Tinea can be treated by these herbs when due to excess accumulation in the intestines and stomach, aiding in eliminating waste and toxins through purgation.
One such herb is Genkwa Flowers (Yuan Hua), which is directly recommended for tinea.
Herbs that regulate Qi
Tinea 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 Sichuan Chinaberries (Chuan Lian Zi), which is directly recommended for tinea.
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Tinea 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 Thunder God Vines (Lei Gong Teng), which is directly recommended for tinea.