Mottled Skinaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Skin Pigmentation & Discoloration Issues
Did you mean? Macules
What is Mottled Skin?
Mottled skin, a term that evokes a canvas of irregular patches and spots, describes a condition where the skin appears blotchy or discolored with varying patterns. This dermatological concern, encompassing a range of synonyms from blotchy skin to uneven skin tone, can manifest due to a variety of causes such as circulatory changes, temperature fluctuations, or underlying health conditions. Beyond its physical appearance, mottled skin can sometimes signal deeper systemic issues, making its examination and understanding crucial for both clinicians and patients alike.
How does TCM view Mottled Skin?
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), mottled skin is more than a surface-level concern; it is a manifestation of internal imbalance. TCM interprets such dermatological signs as indicators of disharmony within the body's fundamental elements—Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang.
Specifically, mottled skin may arise from Blood Stasis, Qi Stagnation, or the effects of pathogenic factors like Heat or Cold invading the body. Identifying the precise pattern of disharmony is vital, as TCM treatments aim to restore balance, focusing on the root cause rather than merely addressing external symptoms.
Root Causes of Mottled Skin in TCM
In the realm of TCM, the appearance of mottled skin is often linked to two primary patterns: Blood Stagnation and Heat. Blood Stagnation, leading to blotchy skin, purple lips, and possible pain, suggests a profound circulatory disruption.
Meanwhile, Heat patterns, including Wind Cold with Internal Heat and Excess-Heat, manifest through symptoms like fever, flushed face, and the distinctive blotches of mottled skin. Addressing these patterns involves not only alleviating visible skin changes but also harmonizing the internal conditions contributing to these disruptions.
Explore below more details about what might cause Mottled skin according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- Blood Stasis
- Heat
- Qi Stagnation
- Cold
- Wind
- View More Causes
Blood Stasis
Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more
Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Mottled Skin
Common Symptoms: Dark Face Purple Lips Stabbing Fixed Pain Abdominal Masses Purple Nails Menstrual Cramps Dark Menstrual Clots Dark Menstrual Blood
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Stagnation | Blotchy skin, Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Lumps... see more | Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Di Dang Tang | Dan Shen Yin | Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Hai Tong Pi Tang | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang |
| Qi And Blood Stagnation | Blotchy skin, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more | Dan Shen Yin | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Shi Xiao San | Qi Li San | Guo Qi Yin |
Heat
In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more
Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Mottled Skin
Common Symptoms: Flushed Face Irritability Thirst Fever Red Skin Eruptions Arthritis Constipation Scanty And Dark Urine
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Cold with Internal Heat | Blotches dotted over the skin, High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Dry nose, Thirst, Irritability, Insomnia, Cough of blood, Mottled skin... see more | Shi Gao Tang |
| Excess-Heat | Blotches dotted over the skin, Fever, Flushed face, Red skin eruptions, Mottled skin, Irritability, Thirst, Arthritis, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Lupus... see more | Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang |
Qi Stagnation
Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more
Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Mottled Skin
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Qi And Blood Stagnation | Blotchy skin, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more | Dan Shen Yin | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Shi Xiao San | Qi Li San | Guo Qi Yin |
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 Mottled Skin
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Cold with Internal Heat | Blotches dotted over the skin, High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Dry nose, Thirst, Irritability, Insomnia, Cough of blood, Mottled skin... see more | Shi Gao Tang |
Wind
In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more
Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Mottled Skin
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Cold with Internal Heat | Blotches dotted over the skin, High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Dry nose, Thirst, Irritability, Insomnia, Cough of blood, Mottled skin... see more | Shi Gao Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Mottled Skin
To counteract mottled skin, TCM utilizes a targeted selection of formulas and herbs designed to invigorate Blood, dispel Stagnation, and clear Heat. For Blood Stasis, Tao He Cheng Qi Tang and Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, enriched with Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) and Rhubarb (Da Huang), respectively, are recommended for their Blood-invigorating and Heat-clearing properties.
In cases of Heat, Shi Gao Tang emerges as a crucial remedy, leveraging Gypsum (Shi Gao) to purge Fire and clear Internal Heat, addressing the underlying conditions leading to mottled skin. Through these specific treatments, TCM seeks to eliminate the root imbalances, offering a holistic path to clearer, healthier skin.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address mottled skin, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Blood Stasis
- Heat
- Qi Stagnation
- Cold
- Wind
- View More Causes
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that clear nutritive-level heat
- Formulas that release the exterior and clear the interior
- Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
- Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
- External formulas for external disorders
- Formulas that warm the meridians and disperse cold
- Formulas that regulate blood
- Formulas that promote qi movement
- Formulas that tonify blood
Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Dan Shen Yin
Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause mottled skin, such as Blood Stagnation or Qi And Blood Stagnation
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Mottled Skin Caused by Blood Stasis
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Dan Shen Yin | Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| Di Dang Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Hai Tong Pi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shi Xiao San | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Qi Li San | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Guo Qi Yin | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
Top Formula for Heat:
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause mottled skin, such as Excess-Heat
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Mottled Skin Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang | Excess-Heat |
| Shi Gao Tang | Wind Cold with Internal Heat |
Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Dan Shen Yin
Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause mottled skin, such as Qi And Blood Stagnation
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Mottled Skin Caused by Qi Stagnation
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Dan Shen Yin | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shi Xiao San | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Qi Li San | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Guo Qi Yin | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
Top Formula for Cold:
Shi Gao Tang
Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause mottled skin, such as Wind Cold with Internal Heat
Learn more
Top Formula for Wind:
Shi Gao Tang
Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause mottled skin, such as Wind Cold with Internal Heat
Learn moreFormulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
These formulas are suitable for some mottled skin-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation or Qi And Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Dan Shen Yin, with red sage root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for mottled skin
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dan Shen Yin | Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| Di Dang Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shi Xiao San | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Qi Li San | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
Formulas that clear nutritive-level Heat
These formulas are suitable for some mottled skin-causing patterns like Excess-Heat.
One such formula is Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang, with water buffalo horn as a key herb.
Formulas that Release the Exterior and Clear the Interior
These formulas are suitable for some mottled skin-causing patterns like Wind Cold with Internal Heat.
One such formula is Shi Gao Tang, with gypsum as a key herb.
Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
These formulas are suitable for some mottled skin-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
These formulas are suitable for some mottled skin-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is San Zhong Kui Jian Tang, with phellodendron bark as a key herb.
External formulas for External disorders
These formulas are suitable for some mottled skin-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Hai Tong Pi Tang, with erythrinae bark as a key herb.
Formulas that warm the Meridians and disperse Cold
These formulas are suitable for some mottled skin-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that regulate Blood
These formulas are suitable for some mottled skin-causing patterns like Qi And Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang, with peach kernel as a key herb.
Formulas that promote Qi movement
These formulas are suitable for some mottled skin-causing patterns like Qi And Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Chai Hu Shu Gan San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Blood
These formulas are suitable for some mottled skin-causing patterns like Qi And Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Guo Qi Yin, with dong quai as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Mottled Skin
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address mottled skin, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that stop bleeding
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Mottled skin 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 Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for mottled skin, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for mottled skin
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Mottled skin can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for mottled skin, like San Zhong Kui Jian Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for mottled skin
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Mottled skin 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 Gypsum (Shi Gao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for mottled skin, like Shi Gao Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for mottled skin
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Gypsum (Shi Gao) | Shi Gao Tang |
| Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu) | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Mottled skin 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 mottled skin, like Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for mottled skin
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang |
| Angelica Roots (Bai Zhi) | Hai Tong Pi Tang |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Mottled skin 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 Dong Quai (Dang Gui), a key herb in some formulas recommended for mottled skin, like Guo Qi Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for mottled skin
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dong Quai (Dang Gui) | Guo Qi Yin |
| Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) | Guo Qi Yin |
Herbs that cool the Blood
Mottled skin 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 mottled skin, like Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Mottled skin 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 mottled skin, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Mottled skin 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 Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), a key herb in some formulas recommended for mottled skin, like Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan.
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Mottled skin can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Erythrinae Barks (Hai Tong Pi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for mottled skin, like Hai Tong Pi Tang.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Mottled skin 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 mottled skin, like Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Mottled skin can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for mottled skin, like Chai Hu Shu Gan San.
Herbs that stop bleeding
Mottled skin can be treated by these herbs in cases where it is due to internal or external bleeding, working to stabilize and constrict blood flow.
One such herb is Cattail Pollen (Pu Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for mottled skin, like Shi Xiao San.