Lung Abscessaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
What is Lung Abscess?
A lung abscess is a medical condition characterized by a pus-filled cavity in the lung, often resulting from bacterial infection. This condition typically occurs when bacteria or other infectious organisms enter the lung tissue, leading to an inflammatory response and the formation of an abscess.
Lung abscesses can cause severe respiratory symptoms and require prompt medical attention. Synonyms for this condition include lung infection and pulmonary abscess, underscoring its nature as an infectious and inflammatory ailment of the lung tissues.
TCM Perspective on Lung Abscess
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches lung abscesses quite differently from Western medicine. In TCM, this condition is viewed through the lens of energetic imbalances and disharmony within the body's systems, particularly those related to the lungs.
The focus is on identifying underlying patterns of disharmony, such as Qi (vital energy) stagnation, Yin or Yang imbalances, or the invasion of external pathological factors. TCM emphasizes holistic treatment, aiming to restore balance and harmony in the body's energies and functional systems.
Causes of Lung Abscess According to TCM
In TCM, lung abscesses are often attributed to a combination of pathogenic factors and internal imbalances. One common cause is the invasion of Wind-Heat, which, when combined with Phlegm, can lead to the formation of abscesses. This pattern is marked by symptoms like fever, cough, and yellow sputum.
Another TCM pattern associated with lung abscesses is Blood Stagnation, where the Blood circulation are impeded, leading to the accumulation of toxins and formation of abscesses. This pattern may present with chest pain, cough, and expectoration of bloody sputum.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Lung Abscess
TCM treatment for lung abscesses typically involves herbal formulas tailored to the specific patterns of disharmony identified in the patient. For patterns associated with Blood Stagnation and Heat, Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang is often prescribed.
This formula contains key herbs like Rhubarb (Da Huang), which is known for its properties of clearing Heat and resolving Blood Stagnation. The choice of formula depends on the individual's specific symptoms and underlying TCM patterns, ensuring a personalized approach to treatment.
See more details below about Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, a herbal formula used to address lung abscess.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
Lung abscess can be treated by these formulas if it is related to internal heat causing abscesses and sores.
One such formula is Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Acupoints for Lung Abscess
In addition to herbal medicine, TCM also utilizes acupuncture for treating lung abscesses. A key acupoint is Feishu BL-13, located near the third thoracic vertebra. This point is instrumental in tonifying Lung Qi, nourishing Lung Yin, and clearing Lung Heat.
By stimulating Feishu BL-13, practitioners aim to enhance lung function, clear infection, and promote the resolution of abscesses. This acupoint is an integral part of the holistic treatment approach in TCM, addressing both the symptoms and the root causes of lung abscesses.
See more details below about Feishu BL-13, an acupoint used to address lung abscess.
- By Meridian
- Bladder Channel
Feishu BL-13
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3).
TCM Herbs for Lung Abscess
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address lung abscess, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Lung abscess can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Dandelions (Pu Gong Ying), which is directly recommended for lung abscess.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for lung abscess
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dandelions (Pu Gong Ying) | Not applicable |
| Houttuynia (Yu Xing Cao) | Not applicable |
| Perennial Buckwheat Roots (Jin Qiao Mai) | Not applicable |
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Lung abscess can be treated by these herbs when it is related to heat-phlegm accumulation, aiding in dissolving phlegm and soothing the respiratory system.
One such herb is Fritillary Bulbs (Chuan Bei Mu), which is directly recommended for lung abscess.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for lung abscess
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Fritillary Bulbs (Chuan Bei Mu) | Not applicable |
| Snake Gourds (Gua Lou) | Not applicable |
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Lung abscess can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Common Reed Rhizomes (Lu Gen), which is directly recommended for lung abscess.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Lung abscess 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 Job's Tears (Yi Yi Ren), which is directly recommended for lung abscess.
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Lung abscess can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Platycodon Roots (Jie Geng), which is directly recommended for lung abscess.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Lung abscess 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 lung abscess, like Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang.