Varicose Veinsaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Vein Conditions
What is Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are a common vascular condition where veins, primarily in the legs, become enlarged and overfilled with blood, appearing swollen and raised with a bluish-purple or red color. They can cause discomfort and aching pain, particularly after prolonged standing. The valves in varicose veins become weakened or damaged, leading to blood pooling and vein enlargement. While often considered a cosmetic issue, varicose veins can sometimes lead to more severe conditions, such as skin ulcers or blood clots.
How does TCM view Varicose Veins?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches varicose veins as an ailment stemming from Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis. TCM practitioners assess the flow of Qi and Blood throughout the body, understanding that imbalances can lead to the vein dilation seen in varicose veins. According to TCM, identifying the specific pattern of disharmony is imperative for selecting the appropriate treatment. This perspective takes into account the entirety of an individual's health and lifestyle, seeking to correct the disharmony and restore smooth circulation.
Causes of Varicose Veins According to TCM
Within the Traditional Chinese Medicine framework, varicose veins are often attributed to Qi Deficiency coupled with Blood Stagnation. This particular disharmony leads to a scenario where the energy required to facilitate blood flow through the vessels is compromised, resulting in the pooling and consequent swelling of veins.
Additionally, the pattern of Spleen and Liver Blood Deficiency suggests an impaired ability to generate and manage Blood flow and maintain vein integrity. These deficiencies, according to TCM, can cause the vessel walls to weaken, contributing to the formation of varicose veins. Addressing these patterns is considered essential in TCM to effectively manage and treat the condition.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Varicose Veins
TCM leverages specific formulas to address the disharmonies leading to varicose veins, such as Qi Deficiency with Blood Stagnation and Spleen and Liver Blood Deficiency. Formulas like Dang Gui Shao Yao San, which incorporates White Peony Roots (Bai Shao), are employed to nourish the Blood and harmonize the Liver, addressing the insufficiency in Blood formation and flow.
In cases where Blood Stagnation is more pronounced, Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, with its Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), helps to invigorate the Blood, breaking up stasis and promoting circulation. These formulas are part of a nuanced strategy aimed at reinforcing the underlying Qi, enriching the Blood, and ensuring the healthy function of the Spleen and Liver, thus mitigating the symptoms and causes of varicose veins.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address varicose veins, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that regulate blood
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Varicose veins 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 Dang Gui Shao Yao San, with white peony root 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 varicose veins
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Dang Gui Shao Yao San | White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) |
| Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), Rhubarb (Da Huang) |
Formulas that regulate Blood
Varicose veins can be treated by these formulas when it stems from irregularities or imbalances in the blood, which may affect circulation or cause other blood-related issues.
One such formula is Bu Yang Huang Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Varicose Veins
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address varicose veins, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Varicose veins 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 varicose veins, like Bu Yang Huang Wu Tang.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Varicose veins can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is White Peony Roots (Bai Shao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for varicose veins, like Dang Gui Shao Yao San.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Varicose veins 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 varicose veins, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Varicose veins 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 varicose veins, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.