Tetanusaccording to TCM

What is Tetanus?

Tetanus, commonly known as lockjaw, is a serious bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani. The bacteria typically enter the body through a wound or cut, releasing a toxin that affects the nervous system. This toxin leads to muscle stiffness and spasms, often starting in the jaw, hence the name lockjaw. Without treatment, tetanus can lead to severe complications and even be fatal. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent this disease.

How Does TCM View Tetanus?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), tetanus is viewed through a holistic lens, focusing on the balance of internal energies and external environmental factors. TCM interprets tetanus as a result of pathogenic factors such as Wind, Cold, and Dampness invading the body and obstructing the flow of Qi and Blood, particularly in the Liver and Gallbladder Channels. Treatment in TCM seeks to expel these pathogenic factors, restore the flow of Qi, and nourish the body's Yin and Yang energies.

Causes of Tetanus According to TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), tetanus, or lockjaw, is often linked to the pattern Bright Yang Fire in the Stomach and Intestines. This reflects an intense internal heat accumulation disrupting Qi (energy) and Blood flow, leading to muscle stiffness and spasms characteristic of tetanus. This Heat may result from an imbalance between Yin and Yang, making the body vulnerable to pathogenic factors like Wind and Cold, particularly in weakened or injured areas.

TCM treatment focuses on cooling the Yang Fire, harmonizing Yin and Yang, and ensuring smooth Qi and Blood flow. This holistic approach targets both the acute symptoms and the underlying disharmonies causing tetanus.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Tetanus

TCM uses specific formulas and herbs to address the underlying patterns of disharmony in tetanus. Xiao Cheng Qi Tang is a commonly used formula for expelling Heat accumulation, particularly when there's Bright Yang Fire in the Stomach and Intestines.

This formula aims to clear Heat, move Qi, and alleviate muscle tension. By targeting these patterns, TCM seeks to reduce the severity of symptoms and promote the body's natural healing processes.

See more details below about Xiao Cheng Qi Tang, a herbal formula used to address tetanus.

Acupoints for Tetanus

Acupuncture, another pillar of TCM, uses specific points to treat tetanus. Points like Fengchi GB-20 and Wangu GB-12 in the Gall Bladder Channel are used to subdue Liver Yang and expel Interior Wind, addressing the spasms and stiffness. Duiduan DU-27 and Renzhong DU-26 in the Governing Vessel are chosen for their Heat-clearing and Mind-calming effects. These points, along with others in the Stomach and Bladder Channels, are strategically selected to restore balance, expel pathogenic factors, and ease the symptoms associated with tetanus.

Explore below some acupoints used to address tetanus, organized by meridian.

Hanyan GB-4

Within the hairline of the temporal region, midway of the upper half of the distance between Touwei ST-8 and Qubin GB-7.

Xuanlu GB-5

Within the hairline of the temporal region, midway of the line connecting Touwei ST-8 and Qubin GB-7.

Qubin GB-7

Within the hairline anterior and superior to the auricle, about 1 finger-breadth (0.5 cun) anterior to Jiaosun TB-20 which is on the apex of the ear.

Wangu GB-12

In the depression posterior and inferior to the mastoid process.

Fengchi GB-20

In the posterior aspect of the neck, below the occipital bone, in the depression between the upper portion of sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscle.

Shendao DU-11

On the back midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 5th thoracic vertebra (T5).

Naohu DU-17

1.5 cun above Fengfu DU-16 or 2.5 cun above the posterior hairline, in a depression superior to the external occipital protuberance.

Renzhong DU-26

Below the nose, a little above the midpoint of the philtrum.

Duiduan DU-27

On the midline, at the junction of the philtrum and the upper lip.

Daying ST-5

On the lateral mandible, on the anterior border of masseter muscle, in the groove-like depression appearing when the cheek is bulged.

Jiache ST-6

One finger-breadth anterior and superior to the lower angle of the mandible where masseter muscle attaches at the prominence of the muscle when the teeth are clenched.

Xiaguan ST-7

In the depression at the lower border of the zygomatic arch, anterior to the condyloid process of the mandible. Xiaguan ST-7 is located when the mouth is closed.

Ganshu BL-18

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9).

Kunlun BL-60

In the depression between the tip of the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon.

Shenmai BL-62

In the depression directly below the lateral malleolus tip.

Chengjiang REN-24

On the midline, in the center of the mentolabial groove.

Erheliao TB-22

Anterior and superior to Ermen TB-21, level with the root of the auricle, on the posterior border of the hairline of the temple where the superficial temporal artery passes.

Hegu LI-4

Between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.

Shiguan KID-18

3 cun above the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

TCM Herbs for Tetanus

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address tetanus, organized by herb category.