Facial Plaqueaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Dermatological Conditions & Symptoms, Face Conditions and Symptoms
What is Facial Plaque?
Facial plaque, a skin condition, manifests as raised, often rough patches on the face. These plaques can vary in size, color, and texture, and may be isolated or widespread. They are typically characterized by their plateau-like elevation above the skin's surface, which can be both visually noticeable and tactilely distinct.
While the specific cause can vary, facial plaques are often associated with skin disorders like psoriasis or dermatitis. Understanding their nature is crucial for effective treatment and management.
How Does TCM View Facial Plaque?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches facial plaque not just as a skin issue but as a symptom of deeper imbalances in the body. TCM practitioners might interpret facial plaques as indicators of underlying disharmonies, such as imbalances in Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, or Yang.
The appearance, location, and nature of the plaques provide crucial clues in TCM diagnostics. Treatment focuses on restoring balance, often through herbal medicine, acupuncture, and dietary adjustments, taking a holistic approach to both alleviate the plaques and address their root cause.
Root Causes of Facial Plaque in TCM
In TCM, facial plaque is often attributed to internal imbalances manifesting externally. One common cause is the presence of Damp-Cold, which can lead to skin issues when bodily fluids are not properly metabolized. Symptoms accompanying facial plaques in this pattern include cold extremities, abdominal pain, and nasal discharge.
Another perspective considers Wind-Cold invasion, where external pathogenic factors disrupt the skin's harmony. In both cases, TCM treatments aim to expel the Dampness and Cold or Wind from the body, restoring the natural balance and thereby improving the skin condition.
Explore below more details about what might cause Facial plaque according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- Cold
- Dampness
Cold
In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more
Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Facial Plaque
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Damp-Cold | Facial plaque, Mouth ulcers, White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain, Cold extremities, Arthralgia, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness... see more | Wei Ling Tang |
Dampness
"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more
Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Facial Plaque
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Damp-Cold | Facial plaque, Mouth ulcers, White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain, Cold extremities, Arthralgia, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness... see more | Wei Ling Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Facial Plaque
For facial plaques rooted in Damp-Cold, TCM recommends formulas like Wei Ling Tang. This formula, containing herbs like Water plantain (Ze Xie), works to drain Dampness and harmonize the Stomach and Spleen, organs crucial in fluid metabolism.
For conditions arising from Wind-Cold, Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang is often used. It includes Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo), a key herb for releasing the Exterior and dispelling Wind, thus alleviating symptoms. These formulas illustrate TCM's approach of treating the underlying patterns contributing to skin issues.
See more details below about Wei Ling Tang, a herbal formula used to address facial plaque.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Cold
- Dampness
- Formulas that expel dampness
Top Formula for Cold:
Wei Ling Tang
Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause facial plaque, such as Damp-Cold
Learn more
Top Formula for Dampness:
Wei Ling Tang
Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause facial plaque, such as Damp-Cold
Learn moreFormulas that expel Dampness
These formulas are suitable for some facial plaque-causing patterns like Damp-Cold.
One such formula is Wei Ling Tang, with water plantain as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Facial Plaque
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address facial plaque, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
Herbs that drain Dampness
Facial plaque 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 Water Plantain (Ze Xie), a key herb in some formulas recommended for facial plaque, like Wei Ling Tang.
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Facial plaque can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for facial plaque, like Wei Ling Tang.