According to the National Center for Health Statistics, nearly 5 million Americans suffer from hernias – a medical condition in which an organ or fatty tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Western medicine treatment for a hernia includes monitoring the condition or surgery, leaving millions of people with extremely limited options.
Fortunately, Chinese medicine is able to effectively heal hernias by warming up both the middle and lower jiao. Taking a closer look at the different types of hernias and their location, TCM practitioners can efficiently identify the formulas needed.
Inguinal, Umbilical and Femoral Hernias
Inguinal, umbilical and femoral hernias are most commonly due to lower jiao coldness in TCM theory. Although based on Western medicine practice, there is no apparent cause that can be found in many cases.
Inguinal hernias are the most common type that occurs in the groin. In an inguinal hernia, the intestine or bladder pushes through the abdominal wall. Some inguinal hernias may occur from increased pressure within the abdomen, a pre-existing weak spot, straining during bowel movements, strenuous activity, pregnancy, or chronic coughing. In men, large hernias can extend into the scrotum, causing pain and swelling.
A femoral hernia occurs when the intestine enters into the canal with the femoral artery into the upper thigh or groin. Unlike inguinal hernias, femoral hernias occur more frequently in women due to the wider shape of the female pelvis. Some of these hernias can occur due to straining during a bowel movement.
An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the small intestine passes through the abdominal wall, near the navel. Although umbilical hernias are most common in newborns, adults can also be affected. The cause in adults is increased pressure in the abdomen from obesity, multiple pregnancies or previous abdominal surgery.
Cause and Correction
Lower Jiao Coldness
Muscle weakness plays a large part in most, if not all, hernias. In TCM, lower jiao coldness is the cause of the condition. The coldness is usually accompanied by reduced blood flow, leading to muscle weakness.
Treatments that strengthen and nourish the muscles in these areas are important to help heal the hernia and prevent future hernias from occurring. This is accomplished by using Chinese medicine that warms up the affected area and improves blood flow.
Utilizing transdermal patches on top of the hernia, containing herbal ingredients such as myrrh and Radix angelica sinesis, has been shown to assist in recovery and strengthen the surrounding muscle by opening up the capillaries to enhance blood flow.1-2
Internal formulas are also needed to further warm up the lower jiao. Rhizoma zingiberis, for example has been shown to increase production of nitric oxide, a known vasodilator, rapidly and in large amounts within the GI tract.3 This further warms up what was once a cold area, and provides the necessary nutrients to strengthen the muscles and connective tissue and accelerate the healing of the hernia.
Middle Jiao Coldness
In TCM theory, a hiatal hernia is due to middle jiao coldness, although the cause is often unknown in Western medicine practice. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach pushes through the hiatus, an opening in the diaphragm. It may occur due to poor blood circulation and muscle weakness in the surrounding area. Small hiatal hernias may not cause any symptoms, but once large enough, can allow acid backup into the esophagus, causing acid reflux ad heartburn that is worse when bending over or lying down.
For this type of hernia, Chinese medicine that warms up the middle Jiao will be the most successful. Internal herbal formulas have been successfully utilized for the treatment of hiatal hernias by enhancing blood circulation to the area, as well as strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter.
Herbs such as Common Yam Rhizome contains compounds that boost the structure and function of cellular membranes to accelerate the growth of healthy tissue.4 This can help to strengthen both the lower esophageal sphincter and the hiatus, where the hernia is located.
Radix ophiopogonis has been shown to form microvessels in ischemic (lacking blood flow) zones.5 Providing the area with the needed blood supply further strengthens the weak muscle and connective tissue zones.
Selected Case Study
Decrease in Umbilical Hernia Size by Over 5.5 inches — Robert Tank, LAc
A patient had been dealing with an umbilical hernia for several years and even had a mesh installed to resolve the issue. Unfortunately, the hernia returned and got up to 7 inches in diameter. It was rather frustrating for the patient, who didn–t want to get surgery again.
They instead chose to utilize herbal patches and an herbal intake formula containing myrrh, Radix angelica sinesis, Rhizoma zingiberis, and 17 other TCM herbs to resolve the digestive pressure and heal the abdominal wall. With the use of the two herbal solutions, each month the hernia decreased by about 25 percent in size and after three months is down to only 1.25 inches in diameter. The patient is extremely satisfied and continues to use the herbal solutions at a low dose.
References
Wu Y-C, Hsieh CL. Pharmacological effects of Radix Angelica Sinensis (Danggui) on cerebral infarction. Chinese Med, 2011;6:32.
Chung JW, Kim JJ, Kim SJ. Antioxidative effects of cinnamomi cortex: a potential role of iNOS and COX-II. Pharmacognosy Mag, 2011;7(28):314-319.
Liao H. Effects of shengjiang (Zingiberis rhizoma recens) and its processed products on nitric oxide production in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Evid-Based Compl Alt Med: eCAM, 2015:828156.
Sanders LM, Zeisel SH. Choline: dietary requirements and role in brain development. Nutrition Today, 2007;42(4):181-186.
Wang L, Yao C, Wu F, et al. Targeting delivery of Radix ophiopogonis polysaccharide to ischemic/reperfused rat myocardium by long-circulating macromolecular and liposomal carriers. Int J Nanomed, 2015;10:5729-5737.
As modern medical standardization continues, the field of traditional Chinese medicine has the advantage of comprehensive personalization. For rare or complex cases, deeper consideration of constitution is invaluable. Proper constitutional assessment, especially with first-time clients, can guide desirable and predictable outcomes. This leads to a higher rate of return, and greater trust between you and your patient.
Though the creation of a financially sustainable, health-promoting model feels far away today, we are casting a vision for a full return on health, believing that this compels us to keep one foot firmly rooted in caring for the sick and the other foot firmly founded in maintaining health. Shifting from a fee-for-service model to value-based care using a phased approach is paramount.
Traditional Chinese medicine and the Vedic traditions both offer rich frameworks for understanding human health, emphasizing the balance of physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. The concept of "souls" or spiritual components in TCM, namely Hun, Po, Shen, Yi, and Zhi, bears significant similarities to the yogic concept of koshas. Their similarities and differences provide insights into how these systems contribute to holistic health practices.
