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Delayed Fracture Healingaccording to TCM

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Symptom family: Bone and Skeletal Injuries

What is Delayed Fracture Healing?

Delayed fracture healing refers to a situation where broken bones do not mend within the expected timeframe, leading to prolonged discomfort and limited mobility for the patient. This condition can arise due to a variety of factors, including the severity of the fracture, inadequate stabilization, poor nutrition, or underlying health issues.

Delayed healing complicates recovery, potentially necessitating additional treatments or interventions to encourage bone regeneration and restore function.

How Does TCM View Delayed Fracture Healing?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets delayed fracture healing through the prism of energy and blood flow disruptions within the body. TCM posits that for bones to heal properly, there must be a harmonious balance and adequate flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood.

Disruptions to this balance, due to Qi Stagnation or Blood stasis, are believed to impede the healing process. Identifying the precise disharmony is essential in TCM, as treatments are tailored to the individual's specific energetic imbalances to promote recovery.

Causes of Delayed Fracture Healing According to TCM

In TCM, delayed fracture healing is often attributed to Blood Stagnation or Qi Stagnation within the body. Blood Stagnation, in particular, can directly impact the healing of bones by preventing the efficient delivery of necessary nutrients and energy to the fracture site.

Similarly, Qi Stagnation can lead to a lack of vital energy reaching the bones, further hindering the healing process. These conditions underscore the TCM belief that the body's energetic balance plays a crucial role in recovery from injury, and that addressing these imbalances is key to promoting healing.

TCM Herbs for Delayed Fracture Healing

To counteract the effects of Blood Stagnation in delayed fracture healing, TCM recommends herbs known for their ability to invigorate the Blood. Sappan Woods (Su Mu) is one such herb, valued for its salty, sweet, and neutral properties, and its affinity for the Spleen, Heart, and Liver.

By targeting these organs, Su Mu helps to improve circulation, facilitating the removal of Blood Stagnation and promoting the flow of Qi and Blood to the injured area. This approach illustrates the TCM strategy of using specific herbs to address underlying imbalances, thereby aiding the body's natural healing processes.

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  • Herbs that invigorate the blood

Herbs that invigorate the Blood

Delayed fracture healing 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 Sappan Woods (Su Mu), which is directly recommended for delayed fracture healing.