Fungal Infectionaccording to TCM

What is a Fungal Infection?

A fungal infection occurs when an invading fungus takes over an area of the body and is too much for the immune system to handle. These infections can manifest in various forms, including candidiasis, tinea (such as athlete's foot and ringworm), and tinea versicolor.

They can affect the skin, nails, and other areas, thriving in moist, warm environments on the body. Recognizing and effectively treating these infections is crucial, as they can lead to discomfort, itchiness, and more severe health issues if left unchecked.

How does TCM view Fungal Infection?

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fungal infections are seen as external manifestations of an internal imbalance, often involving Dampness, Heat, and Wind.

TCM emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying disharmony that has led to the condition. This holistic approach suggests that effectively treating a fungal infection requires more than just addressing the external symptoms; it involves identifying and correcting the internal imbalances that have allowed the infection to thrive.

Root Causes of Fungal Infection in TCM

TCM identifies several patterns that can lead to fungal infections, with Wind-Damp the most common. Wind-Damp involves the combination of external Wind with internal Dampness, leading to symptoms that are both spreading and moist, as seen in conditions like athlete's foot. The TCM patterns provide a framework for understanding the underlying causes of fungal infections and guide the development of personalized treatment plans.

Explore below more details about what might cause Fungal infection according to TCM.

Qi Deficiency

Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more

Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Fungal Infection

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Spleen Deficiency with Dampness	Candida infection, Edema, Feeling of heaviness, Diarrhea, Urinary dysfunction, Glomerulonephritis, Kidney infection, Nephrotic syndrome, Cystitis, Hydrocele, Migraine... see more	Liu Jun Zi Tang | Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin

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 Fungal Infection

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Spleen Deficiency with Dampness	Candida infection, Edema, Feeling of heaviness, Diarrhea, Urinary dysfunction, Glomerulonephritis, Kidney infection, Nephrotic syndrome, Cystitis, Hydrocele, Migraine... see more	Liu Jun Zi Tang | Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin

Spleen

In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more

Spleen Patterns That Can Lead to Fungal Infection

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Spleen Deficiency with Dampness	Candida infection, Edema, Feeling of heaviness, Diarrhea, Urinary dysfunction, Glomerulonephritis, Kidney infection, Nephrotic syndrome, Cystitis, Hydrocele, Migraine... see more	Liu Jun Zi Tang | Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin

TCM Herbal Formulas for Fungal Infection

In treating fungal infections, TCM emphasizes the use of herbs and formulas designed to expel Wind-Damp. One such formula is Ku Shen Tang, which features Sophora Roots (Ku Shen) as a key component. Known for its bitter and cold properties, Sophora Roots are effective in drying Dampness and cooling Heat, making Ku Shen Tang particularly suited for treating fungal infections characterized by Damp-Wind patterns. This approach highlights TCM's targeted use of herbal medicine to address the specific disharmonies contributing to fungal infections.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address fungal infection, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Qi Deficiency:
Liu Jun Zi Tang

Suitable for Qi Deficiency patterns that may cause fungal infection, such as Spleen Deficiency with Dampness

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Fungal Infection Caused by Qi Deficiency

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Liu Jun Zi Tang	Spleen Deficiency with Dampness
Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin	Spleen Deficiency with Dampness

Top Formula for Dampness:
Liu Jun Zi Tang

Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause fungal infection, such as Spleen Deficiency with Dampness

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Fungal Infection Caused by Dampness

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Liu Jun Zi Tang	Spleen Deficiency with Dampness
Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin	Spleen Deficiency with Dampness

Acupoints for Fungal Infection

Acupuncture is another cornerstone of TCM treatment for fungal infections, with specific acupoints selected based on the underlying patterns of disharmony. Gongsun SP-4, located on the Spleen Channel, is one such acupoint often used in cases of fungal infection.

By harmonizing the Spleen and regulating the flow of Qi and Blood, stimulation of Gongsun SP-4 can help alleviate symptoms associated with fungal infections and restore the body's natural balance. This integrative approach, combining acupuncture with herbal therapy, embodies TCM's holistic strategy in treating fungal infections and reinforcing the body's resilience against pathogenic factors.

Explore below some acupoints used to address fungal infection, organized by meridian.

Gongsun SP-4

In the depression distal and inferior to the base of the 1st metatarsal bone, at the border of the red and white skin.

Yuzhong KID-26

In the 1st intercostal space, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.