Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common sexual disorders in middle-aged and older men. It is defined as the inability to achieve an erection or maintain one long enough for vaginal penetration and intercourse, or loss of erection during intercourse that prevents ejaculation, persisting or recurring for more than 3 months. TCM Pattern…
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in older men. Histologically, it is characterized by proliferation of the stromal and glandular components of the prostate; anatomically, it involves enlargement of the prostate. Its main clinical manifestations are lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and urodynamic bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Prostate volume is not directly proportional…
According to the WHO, infertility due to male factors is defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after having regular sexual intercourse for more than one year without using any contraception. In TCM, this condition falls under the categories of “difficult conception” and “childlessness.” TCM Pattern Differentiation and Treatment Reference References
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…
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is a neurosis-like syndrome involving physical symptoms caused by dysfunction of organs or systems regulated by the autonomic nervous system, such as the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems. In addition to symptoms of autonomic arousal (such as palpitations, sweating, flushing, and tremor), patients experience nonspecific symptoms that are more individual and…
Tuoju (gangrene of the extremities) is a chronic peripheral vascular disease affecting the ends of the limbs. In severe cases, the toes or fingers become gangrenous and slough off. It is also known as tuogu ju (bone-detaching gangrene). It typically affects the ends of the limbs, most often the lower extremities. Early symptoms may include…
Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease caused by multiple factors. Obesity not attributable to an endocrine disorder or another specific cause that may lead to obesity is known as simple obesity.People with obesity have excessive visceral fat accumulation and/or an abnormal fat distribution, usually accompanied by increased body weight. When excess fat is concentrated mainly…
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which overactivity of the thyroid gland itself increases the synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones, resulting in thyrotoxicosis. Excess thyroid hormone in the circulation can increase the excitability of the nervous, circulatory, and digestive systems and accelerate metabolism. It is a common endocrine disorder in clinical practice. TCM Pattern Differentiation…
Hypothyroidism (hereafter referred to as “hypothyroidism”) is a systemic hypometabolic syndrome caused by insufficient thyroid hormone synthesis, secretion, or biological activity due to various causes. In severe cases, it presents as myxedema. In TCM, primary hypothyroidism is generally classified under “edema,” “deficiency taxation,” and “overflowing fluid.” The prevalence of this condition in the general population…
Schizophrenia is a group of severe mental disorders of unknown cause. It typically begins gradually or subacutely in young and middle-aged adults. Clinically, it often presents as a syndrome with varied symptoms, involving disturbances in perception, thought, emotion, and behavior, as well as a lack of coordination in mental activity. The condition may follow a…
Dementia is a syndrome characterized by memory and cognitive impairment (aphasia, apraxia, agnosia, or executive dysfunction, or a marked decline in memory and cognitive abilities compared with the person’s previous level) severe enough to interfere with occupational and social activities. Etiologically, dementia includes Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and other conditions. TCM Pattern Differentiation and Medication…
Anxiety disorders are conditions characterized primarily by pervasive and persistent anxiety or recurrent episodes of panic and distress, often accompanied by autonomic dysfunction and motor restlessness. Clinically, they are mainly classified into generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this condition falls within the categories of “yu bing” (depression syndrome), “zheng…
Depression is a type of mood disorder characterized primarily by markedly and persistently low mood, reduced activity, and slowed thinking and cognitive function. It is a mental disorder with high rates of incidence, recurrence, and suicide. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this condition falls within the categories of “yu bing” (depression), “bai he bing” (lily…
