Basilar Artery Insufficiencyaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Cerebrovascular Disorders
Did you mean? Cerebral Vascular Insufficiency
Acupoints Recommended for Stroke
What is Basilar Artery Insufficiency?
Basilar artery insufficiency is a medical condition characterized by reduced blood flow through the basilar artery, which supplies vital oxygen and nutrients to critical brain structures, including the brainstem and cerebellum. This insufficiency can lead to a range of neurological symptoms, such as dizziness, double vision, slurred speech, and in severe cases, stroke. Often grouped under broader categories like vertebrobasilar insufficiency, this condition poses significant risks due to its potential to affect crucial autonomic functions and overall brain health.
Causes of Basilar Artery Insufficiency According to TCM
TCM attributes the causes of basilar artery insufficiency primarily to patterns like Phlegm-Fluid obstruction and Yang Deficiency. Phlegm-Fluid obstruction involves the accumulation of Damp and phlegmatic materials, which can block the proper flow of Qi and Blood within the brain’s vessels, mimicking symptoms of basilar artery insufficiency.
Yang Deficiency, particularly of the Spleen or Kidney, leads to a lack of the warming and movement-generating force necessary for optimal blood circulation, further contributing to the vascular insufficiency. Addressing these underlying causes is crucial for effective TCM treatment to rejuvenate proper blood flow and Qi dynamics.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Basilar Artery Insufficiency
To treat basilar artery insufficiency, TCM recommends specific formulas that target the underlying energetic imbalances. For conditions characterized by Phlegm-Fluids and Cold-Phlegm, the formula Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang with Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling) is used to warm the body and transform dampness, enhancing fluid metabolism and circulation.
For more severe Yang Deficiency leading to coldness and edema, Zhen Wu Tang with Prepared aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) acts to strengthen the Spleen and Kidney Yang, restoring the body's ability to warm itself and improve circulation. These formulas are tailored to the individual’s specific TCM diagnosis, ensuring targeted and effective treatment for the symptoms and root causes of basilar artery insufficiency.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address basilar artery insufficiency, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
- Formulas that warm interior cold
Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness
Basilar artery insufficiency can be treated by these formulas if it is due to cold-dampness obstructing the body's functions, requiring warming and damp-transforming actions.
One such formula is Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, with poria-cocos mushroom as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm and transform water and dampness" recommended for basilar artery insufficiency
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling) |
| Zhen Wu Tang | Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) |
Formulas that warm Interior Cold
Basilar artery insufficiency can be treated by these formulas when it is caused by an internal cold condition, needing treatments that warm the body's interior.
One such formula is Dang Gui Si Ni Tang, with dong quai as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Basilar Artery Insufficiency
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address basilar artery insufficiency, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Basilar artery insufficiency can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Dong Quai (Dang Gui), a key herb in some formulas recommended for basilar artery insufficiency, like Dang Gui Si Ni Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Basilar artery insufficiency 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 Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for basilar artery insufficiency, like Dang Gui Si Ni Tang.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Basilar artery insufficiency can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), a key herb in some formulas recommended for basilar artery insufficiency, like Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Basilar artery insufficiency can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for basilar artery insufficiency, like Zhen Wu Tang.