Deep Vein Thrombosis
Gǔ zhǒng (thigh swelling) refers to abnormal clot formation in the deep veins, leading to venous obstruction and impaired blood return. Its four main manifestations are limb swelling, pain, increased local skin temperature, and distended superficial veins. It most commonly affects the iliac and femoral veins and the femoral and popliteal veins of the lower limbs. It may be complicated by pulmonary embolism or pulmonary infarction, which can be life-threatening. It corresponds to lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis in Western medicine and was formerly called thrombophlebitis of the deep veins.
TCM Pattern Differentiation and Medication Reference
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Onset is relatively acute, with marked swelling of the lower limb, local warmth and redness, pain, and restricted movement. The tongue is red with a yellow, greasy coating, and the pulse is wiry and slippery.
In plain language:
- Symptoms develop relatively quickly and come on suddenly.
- The lower limb is noticeably swollen and looks enlarged.
- The affected area is warm and red, and feels hot to the touch.
- There is noticeable pain.
- Movement of the joint or limb is restricted.
- The tongue appears red.
- The tongue coating is yellow and greasy.
- The pulse feels taut and smooth when palpated.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Clear heat and drain dampness; invigorate blood and resolve stasis.
In plain language:
- Traditionally intended to clear internal heat and promote the elimination of dampness, potentially easing symptoms such as feeling hot, thirst, a heavy sensation in the body, or difficulty urinating.
- Traditionally intended to promote blood circulation and resolve stasis, potentially easing symptoms such as pain, bruising, or menstrual irregularity.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Swelling of the lower limb, dusky-purple skin, localized tenderness on pressure, and distended superficial veins. The tongue is dark or has stasis spots, with a white coating; the pulse is wiry.
In plain language:
- The lower limb is noticeably swollen, with a feeling of fullness and discomfort that may worsen with walking or prolonged standing.
- The skin looks dusky or purplish, with a dark discoloration.
- Pressure causes pain at a specific spot, and the pain does not move around.
- Superficial veins on the limb are visibly raised and distended.
- The tongue appears dark, and purple spots or patches may be visible on its surface.
- The tongue coating is white, evenly distributed, and not thick.
- The pulse feels taut and strong when palpated, like a stretched string.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Invigorate blood and resolve stasis; unblock the collaterals and relieve pain.
In plain language:
- Traditionally intended to promote blood circulation and resolve stasis, potentially easing symptoms such as bruising, lumps, or menstrual irregularity.
- Traditionally intended to unblock the channels and collaterals and relieve pain, potentially easing discomfort such as numbness, tingling, or aching pain.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Long-standing swelling of the lower limb that is milder in the morning and worse in the evening. It worsens after activity and improves with rest and elevation of the leg. The skin is slightly dusky, with tortuous superficial veins. Fatigue and weakness may occur. The tongue is pale with teeth marks along the edges, the coating is thin and white, and the pulse is deep.
In plain language:
- Lower-limb swelling persists for a long time. It is milder in the morning and worse in the evening, worsens after activity, and improves with rest and leg elevation.
- The skin is slightly dark, and the superficial veins appear noticeably twisted.
- You may feel tired and weak.
- The tongue appears pale, with teeth marks along its edges.
- The tongue coating is thin and white.
- The pulse feels deep.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Tonify qi and strengthen the spleen; dispel dampness and unblock the collaterals.
In plain language:
- Traditionally intended to support qi and strengthen digestive function, potentially easing discomfort such as poor appetite, fatigue, abdominal bloating, or loose stools.
- Traditionally intended to dispel dampness and unblock the channels and collaterals, potentially easing symptoms such as a heavy sensation in the body, limb numbness, or aching joints.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
References
- Liu Zheng, Liu Ming, Cheng Zhixin. Professor Hou Yufen’s experience with stage-based external treatment for lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis[J]. Global Chinese Medicine, 2013(1): 45–46.
- Liu Yingying, Zhu Jing, Ma Lizhong. Clinical observation of warm-needle acupuncture combined with low-molecular-weight heparin calcium for lower-extremity venous thrombosis after spinal cord injury[J]. Zhejiang Journal of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, 2015(4): 390–392.