How does Traditional Chinese Medicine differentiate the patterns of vitiligo?
Jun 13, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
Vitiligo is a common skin condition characterized by loss of pigment in certain areas of the skin, resulting in white patches. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) holds that vitiligo is caused by imbalances in qi and blood, dysfunction of internal organs, or external invasion of wind pathogens. Generally, TCM classifies vitiligo into four types: deficiency of qi and blood, liver stagnation with blood stasis, spleen deficiency with excessive dampness, and kidney essence deficiency.
Vitiligo is a common skin condition characterized primarily by loss of pigmentation in certain areas of the skin, resulting in white patches. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), vitiligo is caused by imbalances in qi and blood, dysfunction of internal organs, or invasion by external pathogenic factors such as wind. Generally, TCM classifies vitiligo into four types: deficiency of qi and blood, liver stagnation with blood stasis, spleen deficiency with excessive dampness, and kidney essence deficiency. Treatment is determined based on syndrome differentiation, as detailed below:
1. Qi and Blood Deficiency Type
Patients with this type of vitiligo often experience symptoms such as pale complexion, fatigue, and general weakness. TCM attributes this to insufficient qi and blood leading to bodily dysfunction. Treatment focuses on replenishing qi and nourishing blood. Herbs such as Astragalus (Huangqi), Angelica sinensis (Danggui), Lycium fruit (Gouqizi), and Rehmannia root (Shudihuang) may be used. Patients are also advised to engage in moderate exercise to strengthen their constitution.
2. Liver Stagnation with Blood Stasis Type
Patients with this type commonly suffer from emotional instability, irritability, dizziness, and menstrual irregularities. TCM believes these symptoms arise from emotional stress causing liver qi stagnation, which leads to impaired qi flow and blood stasis. Treatment aims to soothe the liver, relieve depression, invigorate blood circulation, and remove blood stasis. Commonly used herbs include Bupleurum (Chaihu), Immature Bitter Orange (Zhishi), Ligusticum (Chuanxiong), and Safflower (Honghua). Patients are encouraged to maintain a cheerful mood and avoid emotional fluctuations.
3. Spleen Deficiency with Excessive Dampness Type
This type is often accompanied by poor appetite, diarrhea, and heaviness in the limbs. TCM considers this condition to result from spleen and stomach dysfunction leading to internal generation of dampness. Treatment focuses on strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness. Recommended herbs include Codonopsis (Dangshen), Poria (Fuling), Atractylodes (Baizhu), and Tangerine Peel (Chenpi). Patients should pay attention to dietary habits and avoid greasy, raw, or cold foods.
4. Kidney Essence Deficiency Type
Patients with this type frequently experience soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, and reduced sexual function. TCM holds that this results from insufficient kidney essence leading to imbalance of yin and yang in the body. Treatment emphasizes tonifying the kidneys and enriching essence. Herbs such as Lycium fruit (Gouqizi), Cuscuta seed (Tusizi), Epimedium (Yinyanghuo), and Cistanche (Roucongrong) are commonly prescribed. Patients are advised to maintain regular daily routines and avoid excessive fatigue.
In summary, TCM treatment of vitiligo requires personalized therapeutic plans based on each patient's specific condition. Throughout treatment, TCM emphasizes addressing the root cause—by regulating the body’s internal environment and enhancing the body’s immune system—to achieve both therapeutic effects and prevention of recurrence. Moreover, TCM stresses individualized treatment, tailoring approaches to different patients to achieve optimal outcomes.
