An Overlooked Condition in Western Medicine and the Important Role it Plays in Traditional Chinese Medicine
A recent New York Times article highlights a concerning women’s health issue: more than a third of women under 50 experience iron deficiency and many of these women go undiagnosed. Iron deficiency can be understood within the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis of blood deficiency.
In contrast to the holistic perspective of TCM, Western medicine tends to focus on individual symptoms and diseases, often overlooking the subtle manifestations of imbalances that blood deficiency presents. Furthermore the failure to acknowledge iron deficiency, “might come down to ‘the normalization of women’s disorders,’” said Dr. Malcolm Munro, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, in the NYT piece. “The associated symptoms — like feeling faint, fatigued or irritable — are often seen as a part of life as a woman, he added.”
TCM takes blood deficiency and its sometimes subtle or easily-dismissed symptoms with the utmost seriousness they deserves. Underlying health issues, the pressures of modern lifestyles, imbalanced diets, and environmental factors can disrupt the delicate equilibrium of blood health. This article explores the nuanced ways in which blood deficiency manifests in TCM and sheds light on why these symptoms are of vital importance and may be underappreciated in Western medical practices.
Symptoms of Blood Deficiency in TCM:
TCM perceives blood as a dynamic force that nourishes and supports various bodily functions. TCM views the body as an interconnected system where balance is key to optimal health. Blood, known as “Xue” in TCM, is considered a vital substance that nourishes the body, and any imbalance can lead to health issues. When there is an imbalance in blood, it can manifest in both physical, mental and emotional symptoms. Some common manifestations of blood deficiency in TCM include:
- Pale Complexion: Blood deficiency often presents itself through a pale or sallow complexion. TCM views the complexion as a reflection of the quality and quantity of blood circulating in the body.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Blood deficiency affects the body’s ability to supply vital nutrients and oxygen, leading to fatigue and weakness. Individuals may experience a lack of stamina and overall vitality.
- Dizziness, Vertigo, or Floaters: Insufficient blood circulation can impact the brain, resulting in dizziness, vertigo, and even those squiggly threads that seem to float in your eyes. TCM attributes these symptoms to a deficiency in the nourishing aspects of blood.
- Irregular Menstruation: Women may experience irregularities in their menstrual cycle, such as scanty or absent periods, as a manifestation of blood deficiency in TCM.
- Insomnia, Restlessness or Irritability: Blood deficiency can affect the Shen (spirit) in TCM, leading to insomnia, restlessness, difficulty concentrating and a sense of overwhelm that may show up as irritability and agitation.
- Frequent Colds and Low Immunity: With diminished blood nourishment, the body is unable to perform its normal protective functions like keeping the immune system strong and fighting colds and infections.
By themselves, these symptoms can be a cause of daily discomforts and annoyances but an underlying blood deficiency can also contribute to more serious health concerns such as infertility, many gynecological conditions and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Western Medicine’s Oversight of Blood Deficiency Symptoms:
While Western medicine may excel in treating specific diseases, it may sometimes overlook subtle and systemic imbalances like blood deficiency. This oversight can result from a reductionist approach that separates bodily systems, focusing on isolated symptoms rather than considering the interconnectedness of the body.
For instance, chronic fatigue, a common symptom of blood deficiency, may be attributed to various factors in Western medicine without recognizing the underlying blood deficiency. Similarly, pale complexion and irregular menstruation may be addressed as separate issues without considering their potential connection to blood health.
Causes and Treatment of Blood Deficiency in TCM:
Two primary causes of blood deficiency we often see in our clinic are poor nutrition and heavy menstruation. Make sure iron-rich, blood building foods such as grass-fed meats, eggs, leafy greens, oysters, and bone broth are part of a healthy diet. Chinese herbs such as goji berries, red dates, dong quai, and longgan fruit also tonify blood.
If periods are heavy, getting to the bottom of the cause and rebalancing the body can be extremely effective. TCM recognizes that women undergo unique physiological changes throughout their lives, such as menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. These transitions can impact blood health. TCM offers personalized approaches to address these fluctuations. Acupuncture, herbal remedies, and dietary recommendations are integral components of TCM that aim to restore balance and promote overall well-being.
Conclusion:
Traditional Chinese Medicine’s understanding of the intricate relationship between blood deficiency and women’s well-being offers valuable insights in the context of the prevalence of iron deficiency. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, embracing a holistic approach that considers traditional practices may pave the way for a more comprehensive and personalized approach to women’s health.
