Meningitis according to Chinese Medicine
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
In Chinese Medicine, meningitis is sometimes associated with Heat invading the Pericardium, a so-called "patterns of disharmony". Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted. It is not equivalent to the Western concept of "disease" because both concepts arise from totally different ways of seeing the human body.
To understand whether someone's meningitis might be caused by the pattern Heat invading the Pericardium, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from meningitis alone. Indeed if meningitis is caused by Heat invading the Pericardium, patients also experience symptoms such as fever, irritability, restlnessness and general sensation of unease. Similarly, patients with Heat invading the Pericardium typically exhibit fine (Xi), rapid (Shu) or wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a reddish-purple tongue.
We've listed below a more detailed description of Heat invading the Pericardium so that you can have a better understanding of where meningitis might find its root according to Chinese Medicine.
Once identified, patterns are often treated using herbal formulas. Drinking herbal infusions is the most common remedy in Chinese Medicine, together with acupuncture. Here we detail below fourteen formulas that can help treat Heat invading the Pericardium.
Heat invading the Pericardium, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with meningitis
The Pericardium is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Pericardium in Chinese Medicine
Heat invading the Pericardium
Pulse type(s): Fine (Xi), Rapid (Shu), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue color: Reddish-Purple
Recommended herbal formula: Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan
Symptoms: Fever Irritability Restlnessness Delirious speech Impaired consciousness General sensation of unease
Meningitis might be due to Heat invading the Pericardium if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as fever, irritability, restlnessness and general sensation of unease. Similarly, patients with Heat invading the Pericardium typically exhibit fine (Xi), rapid (Shu) or wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a reddish-purple tongue.
The fourteen herbal formulas that might help with meningitis
Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan
Source date: 1568 AD
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Key actions: Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity. Calms the Mind. Opens up the Orifices.
Why might Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan help with meningitis?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Heat invading the Pericardium, a pattern sometimes associated with meningitis. If it looks like you might suffer from Heat invading the Pericardium, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang
Source date: the Qing dynasty
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Nourishes Yin. Nourishes Blood. Calms the Liver. Extinguishes Wind.
Why might E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang help with meningitis?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with meningitis. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Qing Ying Tang
Source date: 1798 AD
Number of ingredients: 9 herbs
Key actions: Clears the Nutritive level Heat. Relieves Fire Toxin. Removes Heat. Nourishes Yin.
Why might Qing Ying Tang help with meningitis?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with meningitis. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang
Source date: Qing dynasty
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Cools the Liver. Extinguishes Wind. Increases Fluids. Relaxes the sinews.
Why might Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang help with meningitis?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with meningitis. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Yin Qiao San
Source date: 1798 AD
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Disperses Wind Heat. Clears Heat. Resolves Toxicity.
Why might Yin Qiao San help with meningitis?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with meningitis. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Symptoms related to meningitis
Fever Irritability Restlnessness General sensation of unease Delirious speech Impaired consciousness
