Surgical Adhesionsaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Surgical & Postoperative Conditions
What Are Surgical Adhesions?
Surgical adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form between tissues and organs following surgery. These adhesions can cause tissues that are normally separate to stick together, potentially leading to pain, obstruction, and other complications. They are a common postoperative occurrence, particularly in abdominal surgeries. Adhesions can lead to chronic discomfort and, in severe cases, may cause significant health issues like bowel obstructions.
How Does TCM View Surgical Adhesions?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), surgical adhesions are viewed through the lens of internal imbalances and disharmonies. Unlike Western medicine, which primarily addresses the physical manifestation of adhesions, TCM considers various patterns of disharmony that may contribute to the formation of scar tissue. Identifying the correct pattern is crucial for effective treatment, as symptoms can arise from different internal imbalances such as Blood Stagnation or Qi Stagnation.
Causes of Surgical Adhesions According to TCM
One of the primary causes of surgical adhesions in TCM is Blood Stagnation. This pattern occurs when the normal flow of Blood is disrupted, leading to pain and the formation of scar tissue. Blood Stagnation can result from surgery itself or from an underlying imbalance that prevents proper healing. Symptoms associated with Blood Stagnation include localized pain, dark complexion, and the presence of lumps or masses.
Another common pattern is Qi Stagnation, particularly when it involves Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach. This pattern is characterized by disrupted flow of Qi, leading to pain, distension, and the formation of adhesions. Qi Stagnation often results from emotional stress, improper diet, or a sedentary lifestyle, which can exacerbate the healing process after surgery. Symptoms include distension, pain that comes and goes, and a feeling of fullness.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Surgical Adhesions
In TCM, the treatment of surgical adhesions depends on the underlying pattern. For Blood Stagnation, formulas like Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan are often recommended. This formula includes Rhubarb (Da Huang), which is known for its bitter and cold properties, helping to invigorate blood and dispel stagnation.
For Qi Stagnation, particularly when involving Rebellious Liver Qi, formulas like Si Mo Tang are used. This formula contains Lindera Roots (Wu Yao), which is pungent and warm, aiding in the promotion of Qi movement and alleviation of stagnation.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address surgical adhesions, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that promote qi movement
- Formulas that warm and purge
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Surgical adhesions can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that promote Qi movement
Surgical adhesions can be treated by these formulas if it stems from stagnation or imbalance in the flow of Qi, the vital life energy, within the body.
One such formula is Si Mo Tang, with lindera root as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and purge
Surgical adhesions can be treated by these formulas if it stems from cold accumulation coupled with excess conditions, necessitating warming and purging actions.
One such formula is San Wu Bei Ji Wan, with croton fruit as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Surgical Adhesions
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address surgical adhesions, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Cathartic herbs that drain downward
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Surgical adhesions 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 surgical adhesions, like Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Surgical adhesions 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 Ground Beetles (Tu Bie Chong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for surgical adhesions, like Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan.
Herbs that regulate Qi
Surgical adhesions can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.
One such herb is Lindera Roots (Wu Yao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for surgical adhesions, like Si Mo Tang.
Cathartic herbs that drain downward
Surgical adhesions can be treated by these herbs when due to excess accumulation in the intestines and stomach, aiding in eliminating waste and toxins through purgation.
One such herb is Croton Fruits (Ba Dou), a key herb in some formulas recommended for surgical adhesions, like San Wu Bei Ji Wan.