Traumaaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Injuries, Cuts & Traumatic Wounds
Did you mean? Bruising
What is Trauma?
Trauma, in medical terms, refers to physical injuries caused by external force. These injuries can vary in severity and type, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe wounds and bone fractures.
Trauma encompasses a wide range of physical conditions including accidental wounds, bodily harm, open wounds, and traumatic injuries. It’s important to understand that trauma can affect not just the physical aspect of the body, but also the psychological state of an individual.
TCM Perspective on Trauma
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views trauma through a holistic lens, considering both physical and energetic impacts on the body. TCM interprets trauma as a disruption in the body's energy flow or Qi, and the balance of Yin and Yang.
This disruption can lead to Stagnation of Qi and Blood, causing pain and swelling. TCM emphasizes restoring the flow of Qi and balancing Yin and Yang to heal traumatic injuries. The approach is not just about healing the physical wound, but also about restoring the overall energy balance within the body.
TCM Causes of Trauma
In TCM, trauma is often associated with two primary patterns: Blood Stagnation and Qi Stagnation. Blood Stagnation refers to the disruption of normal Blood flow due to injury, leading to pain, swelling, and discoloration.
Qi Stagnation, on the other hand, is characterized by the blockage of Qi flow in the body, resulting in pain and limited movement. These patterns indicate that trauma affects more than just the physical body; it impacts the vital energy circulating within. TCM treatments aim to address these underlying issues, promoting healing by restoring the free flow of Qi and Blood.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Trauma
TCM employs various formulas and herbs to address the underlying causes of trauma. For external disorders, formulas like Er Qing Gao, with Natural Indigo (Qing Dai) as a key herb, are used for their properties to treat Toxic-Heat, helping in reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
Another formula, Hai Tong Pi Tang, featuring Erythrinae Barks (Hai Tong Pi), targets conditions like Damp-Wind and Blood Stagnation, which are common in traumatic injuries. These formulas are selected based on the specific pattern and symptoms of the individual, aiming to alleviate pain, reduce swelling, and speed up the healing process.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address trauma, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- External formulas for external disorders
External formulas for External disorders
Trauma can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by external factors like wind, cold, or heat leading to symptoms on the body's surface.
One such formula is Er Qing Gao, with natural indigo as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "external formulas for external disorders" recommended for trauma
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Er Qing Gao | Natural Indigo (Qing Dai), Hibiscus Leaves (Fu Rong Ye) |
| Hai Tong Pi Tang | Erythrinae Barks (Hai Tong Pi), Angelica Roots (Bai Zhi) |
TCM Herbs for Trauma
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address trauma, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Herbs for external application
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
- Herbs that open the orifices
- Herbs that stop bleeding
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Trauma 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 Dragon's Blood (Xue Jie), which is directly recommended for trauma.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for trauma
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dragon's Blood (Xue Jie) | Not applicable |
| Myrrh (Mo Yao) | Not applicable |
| Scarab Grubs (Qi Cao) | Not applicable |
| Spikemoss (Juan Bai) | Not applicable |
| Sweetgum Fruits (Lu Lu Tong) | Not applicable |
| Zedoary Rhizomes (E zhu) | Not applicable |
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Trauma 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 Erythrinae Barks (Hai Tong Pi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for trauma, like Hai Tong Pi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness" recommended for trauma
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Erythrinae Barks (Hai Tong Pi) | Hai Tong Pi Tang |
| Garden Balsam Stems (Tou Gu Cao) | Not applicable |
| Star Jasmine Stems (Luo Shi Teng) | Not applicable |
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Trauma 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 Natural Indigo (Qing Dai), a key herb in some formulas recommended for trauma, like Er Qing Gao.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for trauma
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Natural Indigo (Qing Dai) | Er Qing Gao |
| Gotu Kola Herbs (Ji Xue Cao) | Not applicable |
| Paris Rhizomes (Chong Lou) | Not applicable |
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Trauma can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Drynaria Rhizomes (Gu Sui Bu), which is directly recommended for trauma.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency" recommended for trauma
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Drynaria Rhizomes (Gu Sui Bu) | Not applicable |
| Japanese Teasel Roots (Xu Duan) | Not applicable |
Herbs for external application
Trauma 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 Beeswax (Feng La), which is directly recommended for trauma.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Trauma 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 Hibiscus Leaves (Fu Rong Ye), a key herb in some formulas recommended for trauma, like Er Qing Gao.
Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
Trauma can be treated by these herbs when it originates from obstructions in the lung pathways, helping to ease respiratory discomfort and restore normal breathing.
One such herb is Japanese Ardisia (Ai Di Cha), which is directly recommended for trauma.
Herbs that open the Orifices
Trauma can be treated by these herbs if it's a result of blockages in the body's sensory orifices, aiding in restoring clarity and consciousness.
One such herb is Musk (She Xiang), which is directly recommended for trauma.
Herbs that stop bleeding
Trauma 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 Sanguisorba Roots (Di yu), which is directly recommended for trauma.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Trauma 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 Angelica Roots (Bai Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for trauma, like Hai Tong Pi Tang.