Symptom family: Vascular and Blood Disorders
Sub-symptom(s): Aplastic Anemia Postpartum Anemia
Anemia is a common medical condition characterized by a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells, which are crucial for carrying oxygen throughout the body. This deficiency leads to a reduced ability of the blood to supply adequate oxygen to tissues and organs, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath. Specific types like aplastic anemia and postpartum anemia reflect more severe or situation-specific forms of this blood condition. Understanding anemia involves identifying its various forms and the respective impacts on health.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), anemia is viewed not just as a deficiency of red blood cells but as a symptom of underlying imbalances within the body's energy system, or Qi. TCM interprets these imbalances through distinct patterns of disharmony, each associated with specific symptoms and causes. Recognizing the correct pattern is essential in TCM, as it guides the practitioner in selecting the most effective treatment tailored to the individual's unique energetic profile.
TCM identifies several patterns that can lead to anemia, with Blood Deficiency being a primary cause. This pattern often involves disharmony between the Liver, which governs the blood, and the Spleen, which is responsible for producing it. Symptoms may include dizziness, irregular periods, and a pale complexion.
Another significant cause according to TCM is Empty-Cold, stemming from a deficiency of warming and energizing Qi, leading to symptoms like cold extremities, clear urination, and low energy. These patterns illustrate how TCM seeks to understand anemia beyond mere blood cell counts, focusing instead on systemic energetic imbalances.
Explore below more details about what might cause Anemia according to TCM.
Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen | Anemia, Chest distension, Chest pain, Dizziness, Headaches, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Lack of appetite, Irregular periods, Leukorrhea, Breast engorgement... see more | Xiao Yao San |
In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Empty-Cold | Anemia, Chills, Cold extremities, Pale face, Absence of thirst, Low energy, Excessive sweating, Diarrhea, Clear urination, Frequent urination... see more | Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang | Da Jian Zhong Tang | Ban Liu Wan |
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
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen | Anemia, Chest distension, Chest pain, Dizziness, Headaches, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Lack of appetite, Irregular periods, Leukorrhea, Breast engorgement... see more | Xiao Yao San |
In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen | Anemia, Chest distension, Chest pain, Dizziness, Headaches, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Lack of appetite, Irregular periods, Leukorrhea, Breast engorgement... see more | Xiao Yao San |
Addressing anemia in TCM involves using specific herbal formulas to correct the identified disharmonies. For Blood Deficiency with Liver and Spleen disharmony, the formula Xiao Yao San, which includes Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), is commonly prescribed. This formula helps harmonize the Liver and Spleen and improves Blood production.
In cases of Empty-Cold, Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang is recommended. This formula, containing Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), works by warming the Middle and dispelling Cold, thus boosting the body's Qi and Blood. These treatments are selected based on a detailed assessment of the patient's pattern of disharmony to effectively address the specific type of anemia.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address anemia, organized by cause and by formula type.
Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause anemia, such as Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen
Learn moreSuitable for Cold patterns that may cause anemia, such as Empty-Cold
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang | Empty-Cold |
Da Jian Zhong Tang | Empty-Cold |
Ban Liu Wan | Empty-Cold |
These formulas are suitable for some anemia-causing patterns like Empty-Cold.
One such formula is Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang | Empty-Cold |
Da Jian Zhong Tang | Empty-Cold |
Xiao Jian Zhong Tang | Not applicable |
These formulas are suitable for some anemia-causing patterns like Empty-Cold.
One such formula is Ban Liu Wan, with sulfur as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some anemia-causing patterns like Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen.
One such formula is Xiao Yao San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Anemia can be treated by these formulas when there is a combined deficiency of both Qi and Blood, requiring comprehensive tonification.
One such formula is Ba Zhen Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Ba Zhen Tang | Not applicable |
Gui Pi Tang | Not applicable |
Zhi Gan Cao Tang | Not applicable |
Anemia can be treated by these formulas when it is due to blood deficiency, requiring blood-nourishing and enriching actions.
One such formula is Bu Gan Tang, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Bu Gan Tang | Not applicable |
Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang | Not applicable |
Anemia can be treated by these formulas if it results from Qi deficiency, necessitating treatments that boost the body's vital energy.
One such formula is Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, with ginseng as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San | Not applicable |
Si Jun Zi Tang | Not applicable |
Anemia can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a general deficiency in the body, needing strengthening and nourishing actions.
One such formula is Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Anemia can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a deficiency in both Yin and Yang energies, necessitating a balanced approach to tonification.
One such formula is Shi Quan Da Bu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Anemia can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a depletion of Yang energy, requiring actions that warm and strengthen Yang.
One such formula is You Gui Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
In TCM, acupuncture is another vital component of treating anemia. Specific acupoints are selected to nourish the blood and enhance Qi. One such acupoint is Dazhu BL-11 located in the Bladder Channel. Situated on the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra and lateral to the midline, Dazhu BL-11 is known for its ability to nourish Blood, expel Wind, firm the Exterior, nourish bone, and descend the Lung Qi. Stimulating this point can be particularly beneficial in managing anemia by enhancing the body's overall blood and Qi dynamics.
See more details below about Dazhu BL-11, an acupoint used to address anemia.
On the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra (T1), 1.5 cun (about 2 finger-breadths) lateral to the posterior midline.