Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpuraaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Vascular and Blood Disorders
What is Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura?
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) is a disorder where the immune system mistakenly targets platelets, leading to their decreased presence in the blood. This reduction can result in easy or excessive bruising and bleeding, as platelets are essential for blood clotting. ITP may occur without an apparent underlying cause, hence the term idiopathic, and can appear both in acute forms primarily affecting children and chronic forms seen in adults. Symptoms range from mild bruising to severe bleeding, making prompt diagnosis and treatment crucial.
How does TCM view Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura not as a straightforward issue of autoimmune activity, but as a manifestation of deeper systemic imbalances. TCM theory posits that such symptoms arise when the body’s Qi (vital energy) and Blood are not harmonized.
It emphasizes identifying which disharmony patterns are present—be it Blood Deficiency, Qi Stagnation, or an excess of Heat in the Blood—since the treatment strategy hinges on the specific imbalances diagnosed. This holistic diagnosis seeks to rectify the root cause rather than just addressing the symptoms.
Causes of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura According to TCM
In the context of TCM, Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura is often linked to several key disharmony patterns, with each underlying cause suggesting a different treatment pathway. Commonly, the condition is associated with a Deficiency in the Spleen’s ability to manufacture Qi and Blood, leading to Blood Deficiency. This Deficiency means that there isn’t enough Blood to fill the vessels, making the individual prone to bleeding and bruising.
Another prevalent cause according to TCM is the Stagnation of Blood, where the flow of Blood is obstructed, resulting in its insufficient movement and the subsequent symptomatic bruising and bleeding. These patterns illustrate just a glimpse of the potential complexities behind ITP in TCM, highlighting the need for a nuanced diagnosis.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
For treating Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, TCM prescribes a range of formulas based on the diagnosed pattern of disharmony. When dealing with Blood Deficiency, formulas like Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang, which uses Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), help to nourish and build the blood. For those experiencing Blood Stagnation—a condition marked by the obstruction of blood flow—formulas such as Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan, featuring the herb Rhubarb (Da Huang), are used to invigorate the blood and clear the stagnation.
Furthermore, in cases where there is a need to both nourish and build the Qi alongside the Blood, Dang Gui Sheng Jiang Yang Rou Tang is utilized, often incorporating Mutton to deeply warm and replenish the body’s core energies. Each of these formulas is selected with precision, aimed at correcting the specific imbalances identified in the patient, thereby customizing treatment to the individual's unique condition.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that tonify blood
- Formulas that warm the meridians and disperse cold
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that tonify qi and blood
- Formulas that clear nutritive-level heat
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
Formulas that tonify Blood
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura can be treated by these formulas when it is due to blood deficiency, requiring blood-nourishing and enriching actions.
One such formula is Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that tonify blood" recommended for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang | Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) |
| Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang | White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) |
Formulas that warm the Meridians and disperse Cold
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura can be treated by these formulas if it results from cold obstructing the meridians, leading to pain or stiffness, requiring warming and dispersing actions.
One such formula is Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura can be treated by these formulas when there is a combined deficiency of both Qi and Blood, requiring comprehensive tonification.
One such formula is Dang Gui Sheng Jiang Yang Rou Tang, with mutton as a key herb.
Formulas that clear nutritive-level Heat
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura can be treated by these formulas if it arises from heat trapped at the nutritive level of the body, affecting deeper tissues.
One such formula is Qing Ying Tang, with water buffalo horn as a key herb.
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a deficiency in Yin energy, needing nourishment and strengthening of the body's vital essence.
One such formula is Yi Guan Jian
TCM Herbs for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, like Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, like Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, like Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura 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 Ground Beetles (Tu Bie Chong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, like Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura 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 Muttons (Yang Rou), a key herb in some formulas recommended for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, like Dang Gui Sheng Jiang Yang Rou Tang.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, like Qing Ying Tang.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is White Peony Roots (Bai Shao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, like Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang.