Ulcers On The Lower Limbsaccording to TCM

What is Ulcers on the Lower Limbs?

Ulcers on the lower limbs refer to open sores or lesions that develop on the lower legs, feet, or ankles. These ulcers can result from various causes, including poor circulation, diabetes, venous insufficiency, or injury. They are often chronic, difficult to heal, and susceptible to infection, making them a significant concern for affected individuals.

The term encompasses a range of conditions, such as leg ulcers, foot ulcers, and skin sores on the lower extremities, highlighting the diverse nature of these wounds.

How Does TCM View Ulcers on the Lower Limbs?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets ulcers on the lower limbs as manifestations of underlying imbalances within the body's internal systems. According to TCM, such conditions arise from the stagnation of Qi and Blood, the accumulation of Dampness and Heat, or the Deficiency of vital substances like Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang.

TCM stresses the importance of identifying the specific pattern of disharmony causing the ulcers, as treatments are tailored to correct these imbalances, thereby promoting healing from within. This holistic approach views the body as an interconnected system, where the state of internal organs and meridians can directly impact the health of the skin and limbs.

Root Causes of Ulcers On The Lower Limbs in TCM

In TCM, ulcers on the lower limbs are often associated with the accumulation of Dampness and Heat, especially in the Lower Burner, characterized by symptoms such as sores on the lower extremities, scanty and yellow urine, and red, swollen feet. TCM treatments aim to address the underlying causes, employing strategies to invigorate Qi and Blood, clear Heat, and resolve Dampness, thereby facilitating the healing of ulcers.

Explore below more details about what might cause Ulcers on the lower limbs according to TCM.

Dampness

"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more

Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Ulcers On The Lower Limbs

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner	Sores on the lower extremities, Scanty and yellow urine, Lower back pain, Weakness of lower extremities, Red and swollen feet, Swollen knee, Thick greasy vaginal secretions, Ulcers on the lower limbs, Scanty and dark urine, Painful urination, Dry mouth... see more	Er Miao San

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 Ulcers On The Lower Limbs

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner	Sores on the lower extremities, Scanty and yellow urine, Lower back pain, Weakness of lower extremities, Red and swollen feet, Swollen knee, Thick greasy vaginal secretions, Ulcers on the lower limbs, Scanty and dark urine, Painful urination, Dry mouth... see more	Er Miao San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Ulcers On The Lower Limbs

To treat ulcers on the lower limbs, TCM practitioners may recommend specific formulas and herbs tailored to the underlying patterns of disharmony. For conditions stemming from Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, formulas like Er Miao San, which contains Phellodendron bark (Huang Bo), are used to clear Heat and dry Dampness, addressing the root cause of inflammation and infection.

Another essential aspect of TCM treatment involves topical applications and poultices made from herbs known for their wound-healing properties, in addition to acupuncture and moxibustion therapies aimed at improving circulation and Qi flow to the affected area.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address ulcers on the lower limbs, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Dampness:
Er Miao San

Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause ulcers on the lower limbs, such as Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner

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Top Formula for Heat:
Er Miao San

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause ulcers on the lower limbs, such as Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner

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Acupoints for Ulcers On The Lower Limbs

See more details below about Fuyang BL-59, an acupoint used to address ulcers on the lower limbs.

Fuyang BL-59

On the lateral aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun above Kunlun BL-60.