Parotitisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Salivary Gland Infections
What is Parotitis?
Parotitis is an inflammation of the parotid glands, the largest salivary glands located just in front of the ears. Symptoms can include swelling, pain, and tenderness in the area around the glands, difficulty in opening the mouth, and in some cases, fever or chills. This condition can be acute, often caused by bacterial or viral infections such as mumps (infectious parotitis), or chronic, which may result from blockage or poor salivary flow. Understanding the cause is essential for appropriate treatment.
How does TCM view Parotitis?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), parotitis is seen as a manifestation of imbalance within the body's Qi (vital energy) and Blood, often caused by external pathogens like Wind, Heat, or Dampness invading the body.
TCM emphasizes the importance of identifying the specific disharmony pattern affecting the patient to effectively treat the condition. This approach considers not only the symptoms but also the overall health of the individual, aiming to restore balance and strengthen the body's natural defenses.
Causes of Parotitis according to TCM
TCM attributes parotitis to several potential causes, with Wind-Heat and Damp-Heat as the most common patterns of disharmony. Wind-Heat can invade the body's Exterior and combine with existing Internal Heat, leading to the inflammation and swelling characteristic of parotitis.
Damp-Heat, on the other hand, refers to a condition where Dampness accumulates in the body, often in the digestive system, and combines with Heat, potentially stemming from dietary habits or environmental factors. Both scenarios underscore the importance of diagnosing the underlying pattern to effectively address the symptoms and root causes of parotitis.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Parotitis
To combat parotitis, TCM practitioners may recommend a variety of herbal formulas based on the diagnosed pattern of disharmony. For cases involving Wind-Heat and Toxic-Heat, formulas like Bing Peng San, which includes cooling herbs like Borneol (Bing Pian), can be effective. Similarly, Yin Qiao San with Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua) addresses Wind-Heat invading the Lungs.
For Wind-Cold patterns, Jing Fang Bai Du San or Ren Shen Bai Du San, containing herbs such as Japanese catnip (Jing Jie) and Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo), respectively, can be utilized to expel the pathogen and boost Qi.
Additionally, Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin and Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan are recommended for clearing Heat and resolving toxicity, particularly in Damp-Heat and Toxic-Heat patterns.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address parotitis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- External formulas for external disorders
- Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
External formulas for External disorders
Parotitis can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by external factors like wind, cold, or heat leading to symptoms on the body's surface.
One such formula is Bing Peng San, with borneol as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "external formulas for external disorders" recommended for parotitis
Acupoints for Parotitis
TCM also incorporates acupuncture as a treatment for parotitis, targeting specific points to clear Heat, expel Wind, and alleviate swelling. Points such as Xiaohai SI-8 and Qiangu SI-2 on the Small Intestine Channel can open channels and remove Damp-Heat.
Daying ST-5 on the Stomach Channel and Futu LI-18 on the Large Intestine Channel are beneficial for expelling Wind and benefiting the throat. Additionally, Shaoshang LU-11 on the Lung Channel can help to diffuse and descend Lung Qi, further aiding in the treatment of parotitis. These acupoints, combined with herbal treatments, offer a comprehensive approach to managing parotitis in line with TCM principles.
Explore below some acupoints used to address parotitis, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Small Intestine Channel
- Stomach Channel
- Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN)
Qiangu SI-2
On the ulnar aspect of the little finger, distal to the metacarpophalangeal joint, at the junction of the shaft and the base of the proximal phalanx.
Tianrong SI-17
Posterior to the angle of mandible, in the depression on the anterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle.
TCM Herbs for Parotitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address parotitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Parotitis 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 Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua), a key herb in some formulas recommended for parotitis, like Yin Qiao San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for parotitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua) | Yin Qiao San |
| Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao) | Yin Qiao San |
| Natural Indigo (Qing Dai) | Not applicable |