Oral ulcer
AliasOral Ulcer
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
Oral Ulcer (Kouchuan in Traditional Chinese Medicine), characterized by ulcerations occurring on the oral mucosa, is a disease in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known as "Kouchuan." According to the "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," oral ulcers are often caused by factors such as heat accumulation in the spleen and stomach, and excessive Yin deficiency with fire, manifesting as circular or elliptical ulcers on the oral mucosa with surrounding redness and swelling, accompanied by marked pain, and often accompanied by symptoms such as restlessness and thirst.
Oral ulcers are a common otolaryngological disease in clinical practice of TCM, with the core pathogenesis primarily related to heat accumulation in the spleen and stomach, as well as Yin deficiency with fire. Common precipitating factors include irregular diet, emotional disorders, and excessive fatigue. In the process of differentiation, attention should be paid to the following key points:
1. Cold and Heat, Deficiency and Excess: Heat accumulation in the spleen and stomach is characterized by pain in the ulcers, surrounding redness and swelling, restlessness, and thirst; while Yin deficiency with fire is characterized by recurrent ulcers, burning pain, and heat in the palms and soles.
2. Key Points for Differentiation: Observe the size, shape, color, and degree of pain of the ulcers, and make a comprehensive judgment based on the overall symptoms of the patient.
Overall Treatment Approach: In clinical practice of TCM, the treatment principle for oral ulcers is to clear heat and detoxify, nourish Yin and reduce fire, and reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Traditional TCM believes that appropriate adjustment methods should be adopted according to different patterns, such as clearing the heart and draining the spleen for heat accumulation in the heart and spleen, and nourishing Yin and reducing fire for Yin deficiency with fire, to restore the normal function of the oral mucosa.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Heart and spleen accumulation of heat syndrome
Main Manifestations: Painful mouth ulcers, surrounding redness and swelling, restlessness and thirst
Management Approach: Clear the heart and drain the spleen, reduce swelling and relieve pain
Yin deficiency with excessive fire
Main Manifestations: Recurrent aphthous ulcers, burning pain, heat in the palms and soles of the hands and feet
Management Approach: Nourish yin and reduce fire, guide fire back to its origin
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
In clinical practice, many patients with oral ulcers are accompanied by excessive heart fire, observed as a red tip of the tongue and thin yellow coating, often requiring the clearing of heart fire to treat the root of the problem.
— Fan Li Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner Assistant Physician
Related Popular Articles
Related TCM Treatment Programs
This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.
References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)