Eclampsiaaccording to TCM

What is Eclampsia?

Eclampsia is a severe complication of pregnancy, characterized by the onset of convulsions or seizures, typically following a diagnosis of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia itself is a condition marked by high blood pressure and often a significant amount of protein in the urine. Eclampsia is considered a serious medical emergency, as it poses significant risks to both the mother and the fetus, including potential for maternal and fetal mortality, pre

term birth, and other severe health complications. The exact cause of eclampsia is not fully understood in Western medicine, but it's believed to involve several factors related to blood vessel health and response to pregnancy.

How Does TCM View Eclampsia?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views eclampsia through a different lens than Western medicine. In TCM, eclampsia is seen as a result of imbalances and disharmonies within the body's energy systems. These imbalances may be related to the flow of Qi (vital energy), Blood, and the functioning of the Liver and Kidneys.

TCM emphasizes the importance of identifying the specific pattern of disharmony causing the symptoms, as this understanding is crucial for effective treatment. Unlike the Western focus on physiological changes and blood pressure management, TCM aims to restore balance within the body's energy system to treat eclampsia.

Causes of Eclampsia According to TCM

In TCM, eclampsia is commonly attributed to patterns such as Liver Yang Rising and Liver Wind agitating internally. These patterns indicate a significant imbalance in the body’s energy systems, particularly involving the Liver's function of ensuring the smooth flow of Qi and Blood. When Liver Yang becomes excessive, it can transform into Wind, leading to symptoms like convulsions seen in eclampsia.

Additionally, underlying conditions such as Kidney Yin Deficiency or Blood Deficiency can contribute to the development of these patterns, reflecting the interconnected nature of bodily systems in TCM. Understanding these patterns is key to addressing the root causes of eclampsia in TCM.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Eclampsia

To treat eclampsia, TCM practitioners might use specific formulas and herbs that pacify and extinguish internal Wind and address the underlying imbalances. One such formula is Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang, which includes Saiga antelope's horns (Ling Yang Jiao) known for its efficacy in calming Liver Wind and Liver Yang.

This formula is typically used in patterns like Liver Yang Rising and Liver Wind due to extreme Heat or Liver Fire. The selection of herbs and formulas in TCM is highly individualized, based on the patient's specific pattern of disharmony, aiming to restore equilibrium and prevent the recurrence of severe symptoms.

See more details below about Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang, a herbal formula used to address eclampsia.

TCM Herbs for Eclampsia

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address eclampsia, organized by herb category.