Cerebral Vascular Insufficiencyaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Cerebrovascular Disorders
Parent symptom: Cerebrovascular Disease
Did you mean? Basilar Artery Insufficiency
What is Cerebral Vascular Insufficiency?
Cerebral vascular insufficiency refers to a condition where blood flow to the brain is reduced, impairing its function and leading to symptoms such as memory lapses, confusion, dizziness, and transient ischemic attacks. This insufficiency can result from several causes, including arterial blockages, narrowing due to atherosclerosis, or blood clots. As a subtype of cerebrovascular disease, cerebral vascular insufficiency is a critical health issue that requires attention to prevent severe outcomes like strokes and cognitive decline.
How does TCM view Cerebral Vascular Insufficiency?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches cerebral vascular insufficiency quite differently from Western medicine. In TCM, this condition is seen as a symptom of underlying imbalances in the body's natural energies. It is crucial to identify the specific pattern of disharmony affecting each patient, as treatments are highly personalized. According to TCM, restoring balance and unblocking channels through which Qi (vital energy) and Blood flow is essential to treating symptoms associated with cerebral vascular insufficiency.
Causes of Cerebral Vascular Insufficiency According to TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cerebral vascular insufficiency is often attributed to specific energetic imbalances that impede the flow of Qi and Blood to the brain. One such pattern involves Wind-Cold invading the Lungs, which can disrupt the Lung's function of assisting the Heart in propelling Blood through the vessels. This disruption can lead to inadequate cerebral circulation.
Another critical pattern is the Lesser Yin-Cold Transformation, part of the Six Stage Theory of Zhang Zhong Jin, which describes a profound Coldness affecting the body’s interior systems, leading to decreased metabolic heat and impaired internal warming mechanisms that are essential for healthy blood flow to the brain.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Cerebral Vascular Insufficiency
To address the complex issues underlying cerebral vascular insufficiency, TCM relies on formulas that target specific energetic patterns. For cases where Wind-Cold has invaded the Lungs, affecting the lung's Qi and thereby the circulation to the brain, Ge Gen Tang is recommended. This formula, with Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen) as a key component, is effective in expelling Wind and clearing Cold, helping to restore proper function to the Lungs and improve cerebral Blood flow.
For the more severe pattern of Lesser Yin-Cold Transformation, Si Ni Tang, featuring Prepared aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), is used to vigorously restore and warm the body’s Yang energy, countering the deep-seated cold and revitalizing blood flow to critical areas like the brain. These targeted treatments are indicative of TCM’s approach to treating cerebral conditions by focusing on the underlying energetic disturbances.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address cerebral vascular insufficiency, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
- Formulas that rescue devastated yang
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Cerebral vascular insufficiency can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Ge Gen Tang, with kudzu root as a key herb.
Formulas that rescue devastated Yang
Cerebral vascular insufficiency can be treated by these formulas if it is a result of a severe depletion or collapse of Yang energy, requiring urgent restoration and warming actions.
One such formula is Si Ni Tang, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Cerebral Vascular Insufficiency
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address cerebral vascular insufficiency, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Cerebral vascular insufficiency 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 Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for cerebral vascular insufficiency, like Ge Gen Tang.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Cerebral vascular 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 cerebral vascular insufficiency, like Si Ni Tang.