Skin Capillariesaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Dermatological Conditions & Symptoms, Vascular and Blood Disorders
What are Skin Capillaries?
Skin capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the body that can become visible through the skin. They are often seen as tiny, thread-like red lines, commonly referred to as spider veins or telangiectasias.
These capillaries can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the face and legs. Skin capillaries become more prominent due to various factors, such as prolonged sun exposure, aging, genetics, or certain medical conditions. While usually not a serious health concern, they can sometimes indicate underlying vascular issues.
How Does TCM View Skin Capillaries?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets skin capillaries differently than Western medicine. In TCM, the appearance of visible capillaries on the skin is seen as a manifestation of underlying imbalances in the body’s vital energies, specifically Blood and Qi.
TCM regards these visible capillaries as indicators of disharmony within the body, often involving Blood Stasis or Heat. Treatment in TCM focuses on restoring balance and addressing the root cause of the disharmony, rather than just treating the visible symptoms.
Root Causes of Skin Capillaries in TCM
In TCM, visible skin capillaries are often attributed to patterns like Blood Stasis. This condition is characterized by the Stagnation or poor circulation of Blood, leading to symptoms like dark face, purple lips, and the presence of visible capillaries.
Another contributing factor could be Heat in the Blood, which causes the Blood to move erratically and manifest as broken capillaries on the skin. These patterns underscore the importance of maintaining a harmonious flow of Qi and Blood in the body according to TCM principles.
Explore below more details about what might cause Skin capillaries according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- Blood Stasis
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 Skin Capillaries
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Stagnation | Skin capillaries, 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 |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Skin Capillaries
To treat skin capillaries, TCM relies on specific formulas and herbs that address the underlying patterns. For Blood Stagnation, formulas like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, which includes Peach Kernels, are used to invigorate and mobilize Blood.
Another formula, Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, containing Rhubarb, is employed to clear internal abscesses and promote blood circulation. These treatments aim to correct the disharmony in Blood and Qi, thereby reducing the visibility of capillaries and promoting overall skin health. The selection of these herbal remedies is based on individual diagnosis in TCM, reflecting a personalized approach to treatment.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address skin capillaries, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Blood Stasis
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- 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
Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause skin capillaries, such as Blood Stagnation
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Skin Capillaries Caused by Blood Stasis
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Dan Shen Yin | 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 |
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
These formulas are suitable for some skin capillaries-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, with peach kernel 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 skin capillaries
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| Di Dang Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Dan Shen Yin | Blood Stagnation |
| Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | Blood Stagnation |
Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
These formulas are suitable for some skin capillaries-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 skin capillaries-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 skin capillaries-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 skin capillaries-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Skin Capillaries
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address skin capillaries, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Skin capillaries 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 skin capillaries, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for skin capillaries
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) | Tao He Cheng Qi Tang |
| Leeches (Shui Zhi) | Di Dang Tang |
| Tabanus Horseflies (Meng Chong) | Di Dang Tang |
| Red Sage Roots (Dan Shen) | Dan Shen Yin |
| Ground Beetles (Tu Bie Chong) | Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Skin capillaries 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 skin capillaries, 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 skin capillaries
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Skin capillaries 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 skin capillaries, 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 skin capillaries
| 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 |
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Skin capillaries 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 skin capillaries, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Skin capillaries 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 skin capillaries, like Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Skin capillaries 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 Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for skin capillaries, like San Zhong Kui Jian Tang.
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Skin capillaries 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 skin capillaries, like Hai Tong Pi Tang.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Skin capillaries 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 skin capillaries, like Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang.