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Buerger's Diseaseaccording to TCM

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Symptom family: Vascular and Blood Disorders

What is Buerger's Disease?

Buerger's Disease, medically known as thromboangiitis obliterans, is a rare disease of the arteries and veins in the arms and legs. The blood vessels become inflamed, swell, and can become blocked with blood clots (thrombi). This eventually damages or destroys skin tissues and may lead to infection and gangrene. Buerger's Disease typically affects men aged 20 to 40 years, especially those who are heavy smokers. Symptoms include pain in the limbs, claudication, and severe pain in the extremities that may lead to ulcers or gangrene in advanced stages.

How Does TCM View Buerger's Disease?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Buerger's Disease is viewed as a condition primarily caused by the Stagnation of Blood and Qi, typically due to exposure to Cold and Dampness which constricts the body's energetic pathways. TCM theory posits that chronic exposure to harmful elements like Cold can lead to a deep-seated imbalance in the body's natural flow, manifesting physically as vascular inflammation and clots.

Effective treatment, according to TCM, involves identifying and correcting the specific disharmony affecting Qi and Blood flow, with an emphasis on invigorating and warming the channels to restore healthy circulation.

Causes of Buerger's Disease According to TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Buerger's Disease is associated with distinct patterns of energetic imbalance, notably Blood Stagnation and Heart Vessel obstruction. Blood Stagnation in TCM is understood as a significant impediment to the smooth flow of Qi and Blood through the body's vascular system, leading to symptoms such as limb pain and discoloration.

Heart Vessel obstruction involves the narrowing of major energetic pathways, mirroring the physical vascular narrowing seen in Buerger’s Disease, which can manifest as chest pain and circulatory issues. These conditions, often exacerbated by exposure to Cold and Dampness, require targeted strategies to warm the body and enhance blood circulation.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Buerger's Disease

To effectively address the underlying patterns of Heart Vessel obstruction and Blood Stagnation in Buerger’s Disease, TCM relies on specific herbal formulas. For warming the heart vessels and dispelling cold that contributes to obstruction, Dang Gui Si Ni Tang with Dong quai is used. This formula helps to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow, alleviating symptoms of pain and numbness.

Additionally, Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang, containing Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), is prescribed to combat Blood Stagnation. It works by warming the meridians, dispersing cold, and promoting the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body, providing a holistic approach to treating Buerger's Disease.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address buerger's disease, organized by formula type.

  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that regulate blood
  • Formulas that warm interior cold
  • Formulas that warm the meridians and disperse cold

Formulas that regulate Blood

Buerger's disease can be treated by these formulas when it stems from irregularities or imbalances in the blood, which may affect circulation or cause other blood-related issues.

One such formula is Bu Yang Huang Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.

Formulas that warm Interior Cold

Buerger's disease 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.

Formulas that warm the Meridians and disperse Cold

Buerger's disease can be treated by these formulas if it results from cold obstructing the meridians, leading to pain or stiffness, requiring warming and dispersing actions.

One such formula is Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.

TCM Herbs for Buerger's Disease

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address buerger's disease, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
  • Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior

Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency

Buerger's disease can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.

One such herb is Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for buerger's disease, like Bu Yang Huang Wu Tang.

Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency

Buerger's disease 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 buerger's disease, like Dang Gui Si Ni Tang.

Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior

Buerger's disease 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 buerger's disease, like Dang Gui Si Ni Tang.