Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang: Promoting Blood Flow and Clearing Blockages

Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang, a formula from the book Yilin Gaicuo (Corrections of Errors in Medicine) by the renowned Qing Dynasty physician Wang Qingren, is a classic remedy. Like many of Wang’s other formulas for promoting blood flow and resolving stasis, Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang was developed through his deep study of blood stasis conditions combined with his clinical experience.

In Yilin Gaicuo, Wang Qingren argued that blood stasis in the head and face is a key cause of various disorders, such as hair loss, deafness, and rosacea. He emphasized the importance of promoting blood flow and clearing blockages, leading to the creation of Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang, specifically designed to treat conditions caused by blood stasis in the head and face.

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Formula Explanation of Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang

Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang is carefully crafted with multiple herbs that work together to promote blood flow, clear blockages, resolve stasis, and relieve pain:

• She Xiang (Main Herb): Opens orifices, revives the mind, promotes blood flow, and clears channels.

• Tao Ren, Hong Hua, Chi Shao, Chuan Xiong (Supporting Herbs): Promote blood flow, resolve stasis, and relieve pain.

• Lao Cong, Sheng Jiang (Assistant Herbs): Pungent and warm, they promote yang, enhance blood flow, and guide the formula to the head.

• Da Zao (Assistant Herb): Tonifies qi, nourishes blood, and harmonizes the formula.

• Huang Jiu (Medicinal Guide): Promotes blood flow, clears channels, and enhances the formula’s effects.

Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang addresses blood stasis by promoting blood flow, clearing blockages, and relieving pain.

She Xiang, with its penetrating aroma, opens orifices and clears channels, guiding the formula to the head. Tao Ren, Hong Hua, Chi Shao, and Chuan Xiong promote blood flow and resolve stasis, improving local circulation. Lao Cong and Sheng Jiang, being pungent and warm, enhance the formula’s ability to reach the head and face while promoting yang and dispersing stagnation. Da Zao tonifies qi and nourishes blood, harmonizing the formula and supporting overall vitality. Huang Jiu boosts blood flow and enhances the formula’s potency.

Together, these ingredients promote blood flow, clear blockages, resolve stasis, and relieve pain, restoring smooth circulation in the head and face to alleviate various symptoms.

Pathogenesis of Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang

Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang targets the core pathogenesis of “blood stasis obstructing the head and face.”

Trauma, emotional stress, or exposure to wind-cold can impair blood flow in the head and face, leading to blood stasis and blocked channels. The head, considered the meeting point of all yang, and the face, rich in channels, are particularly susceptible. When blood stasis obstructs these areas, it triggers various head and face disorders.

Blood stasis in the head and face causes multiple pathological changes. Stagnant blood prevents qi and blood from nourishing the head and face, leading to hair loss and a dull complexion.

Blocked channels impair the functions of the ears, nose, and eyes, causing deafness, nasal congestion, or eye pain. Locally, blood stasis in blood vessels can lead to skin conditions like rosacea or purplish vitiligo.

Applicable Symptoms of Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang

Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang is primarily used for blood stasis obstructing the head and face, with symptoms including:

• Hair loss

• Eye pain with redness and swelling

• Rosacea

• Chronic deafness

• Purplish vitiligo

• Tooth and gum ulcers

• Menstrual disorders due to blood deficiency and stasis in women

• Malnutrition in children

These symptoms point to the core issue: blood stasis obstructing the head and face. Stasis prevents qi and blood from nourishing the head, causing hair loss and eye pain; it impairs local circulation, leading to rosacea, purplish vitiligo, and gum ulcers; and it blocks channels, resulting in deafness.

Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang’s main effects are promoting blood flow, clearing blockages, resolving stasis, and relieving pain.

By promoting blood flow, it clears stasis in the head and face, improving circulation. By clearing blockages, it opens channels, enhancing hearing and vision. By resolving stasis and relieving pain, it alleviates head and face discomfort.

Specifically, Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang offers:

• Promoting Blood Flow and Resolving Stasis: Clears head and face stasis, improving circulation.

• Clearing Blockages and Opening Orifices: Opens channels, enhancing hearing and vision.

• Resolving Stasis and Relieving Pain: Alleviates pain and discomfort in the head and face.

• Promoting Hair Growth: Improves scalp circulation, supporting hair growth.

• Enhancing Complexion: Improves facial circulation, restoring a healthy glow.

Modern Applications

Modern research shows Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang has various pharmacological effects, making it useful for treating multiple conditions:

• Post-Concussion Syndrome: Improves brain circulation, relieving headaches, dizziness, and insomnia.

• Migraine: Dilates blood vessels, improves brain circulation, and reduces migraine attacks.

• Sudden Deafness: Enhances ear circulation, promoting hearing recovery.

• Tinnitus: Improves ear circulation, alleviating tinnitus symptoms.

• Alopecia Areata: Enhances scalp circulation, promoting hair growth.

Precautions

Despite its benefits, Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang requires careful use:

• Pattern Differentiation: It is specific to head and face blood stasis. Consult a Chinese medicine practitioner for proper diagnosis.

• Caution in Bleeding Disorders: Its strong blood-promoting effects may worsen bleeding, so use cautiously in bleeding disorders.

• Contains She Xiang: She Xiang has a strong aroma, which may cause discomfort.

Conclusion

Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang is a gem in the treasury of Chinese medicine. With its carefully crafted formula and remarkable effects, it brings health and hope. In modern life, stress often leads to blood stasis in the head and face. Proper use of Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang can promote blood flow, clear blockages, and relieve discomfort. Always consult a Chinese medicine practitioner before use to ensure safety and efficacy.