Peptic Ulcer Bleedingaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Gastrointestinal Ulcers, Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Parent symptom: Peptic Ulcer
What is Peptic Ulcer Bleeding?
Peptic ulcer bleeding is a serious complication of peptic ulcers, which are open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine. This condition occurs when an ulcer leads to the erosion of a blood vessel, causing bleeding. Symptoms may include vomiting blood, blood in stools, or black, tarry stools, alongside the more typical symptoms of peptic ulcers like stomach pain. The severity of the bleeding can vary, from minor to life-threatening, necessitating prompt medical attention to manage the condition and prevent further complications.
How does TCM view Peptic Ulcer Bleeding?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a distinct perspective on peptic ulcer bleeding, viewing it as a symptom of underlying disharmony within the body's energetic systems. Unlike the Western medical approach that often focuses on the ulcer itself, TCM looks at the broader picture of imbalance that leads to such conditions.
It emphasizes the importance of diagnosing and treating the specific patterns of disharmony that result in the manifestation of bleeding, reflecting its holistic approach to health and disease. This perspective underscores the belief that restoring balance is key to healing, rather than just addressing the symptoms.
Causes of Peptic Ulcer Bleeding According to TCM
In TCM, the causes of peptic ulcer bleeding are attributed to various patterns of imbalance, such as Qi Deficiency, Heat in the Blood, and disharmony between the Liver and Stomach. For instance, a common pattern associated with this condition is Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency, which undermines the body's ability to maintain the integrity of its tissues and vessels, leading to vulnerability to bleeding.
Another pattern, Heat in the Blood, can cause the blood to act recklessly, moving out of its vessels and manifesting as bleeding. These examples illustrate the TCM principle that understanding the underlying cause of a symptom is essential for effective treatment.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Peptic Ulcer Bleeding
To address peptic ulcer bleeding, TCM relies on specific formulas and herbs tailored to the underlying patterns of disharmony. For patterns such as Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency, Gu Chong Tang, which includes Cornelian cherries (Shan Zhu Yu), is often prescribed. This formula aims to strengthen the Qi and stabilize the body's tissues to prevent bleeding.
For conditions marked by Heat in the Blood, Shi Hui San, featuring Japanese thistle (Da Ji), is recommended. This formula works to cool the blood and stop the bleeding, demonstrating the nuanced approach of TCM in treating complex conditions by restoring balance and harmony to the body's internal environment.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address peptic ulcer bleeding, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
- Formulas that stop bleeding
Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
Peptic ulcer bleeding can be treated by these formulas when it arises from disharmony in the female reproductive system, resulting in symptoms like irregular bleeding or abnormal discharge.
One such formula is Gu Chong Tang, with cornelian cherries as a key herb.
Formulas that stop bleeding
Peptic ulcer bleeding can be treated by these formulas when it is caused by various factors leading to bleeding, requiring hemostatic actions.
One such formula is Shi Hui San, with japanese thistle as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Peptic Ulcer Bleeding
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address peptic ulcer bleeding, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
- Herbs that stop bleeding
- Herbs that cool the blood
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Peptic ulcer bleeding can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Cornelian Cherries (Shan Zhu Yu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for peptic ulcer bleeding, like Gu Chong Tang.
Herbs that stop bleeding
Peptic ulcer bleeding 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 Japanese Thistle (Da Ji), a key herb in some formulas recommended for peptic ulcer bleeding, like Shi Hui San.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Peptic ulcer bleeding 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 Field Thistles (Xiao Ji), a key herb in some formulas recommended for peptic ulcer bleeding, like Shi Hui San.