Chronic Cerebral Circulatory Insufficiency: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Approaches

Chronic cerebral circulatory insufficiency refers to a condition caused by impaired blood circulation in the brain arteries, leading to a series of symptoms. Common manifestations include dizziness, headaches, numbness in the limbs, insomnia, and decreased memory. This condition is particularly prevalent among middle-aged and elderly individuals.

Understanding the Risks and Western Medical Treatments

This condition is often considered a precursor to cerebral infarction, making early prevention and treatment crucial. In Western medicine, the approach focuses on identifying and managing underlying causes while controlling risk factors associated with cerebrovascular diseases. These risk factors include hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes. Doctors often prescribe medications that stabilize arterial plaques, inhibit platelet aggregation, and dilate blood vessels to prevent the progression of atherosclerosis and arterial stenosis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective and Therapeutic Strategies

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), chronic cerebral insufficiency primarily affects the brain and is closely related to imbalances in the heart, liver, spleen, and kidneys. The root cause is often attributed to deficiencies in vital energy (Qi), blood, and marrow, which lead to insufficient nourishment of the brain. Additionally, pathological factors such as heat, phlegm, and blood stasis contribute to the condition, making it a complex pattern of both deficiency and excess.

TCM treatment typically emphasizes invigorating Qi, nourishing blood, and promoting blood circulation to restore normal function. Depending on the patient's specific symptoms, herbal formulations may also include ingredients that support liver and kidney function, resolve phlegm, clear heat, and calm internal wind. This holistic approach aims to treat both the root and the manifestation of the disease.

The Role of Blood Activating and Stasis-Resolving Herbs

One of the key pathological mechanisms in chronic cerebral insufficiency is the presence of blood stasis in the brain's meridians. As a result, blood-activating and stasis-resolving herbs are commonly used in TCM formulations. Examples include Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), Carthamus tinctorius (Honghua), Panax notoginseng (Sanqi), Pheretima (Dilong), and Ginkgo biloba leaf. These herbs are believed to improve microcirculation and enhance cerebral blood flow.

Scientific Evidence Supporting Herbal Treatments

Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that the above-mentioned herbs possess properties that enhance vascular function and improve blood circulation. Their ability to dilate blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and protect neural cells makes them valuable components in both traditional and integrative treatment protocols for cerebral insufficiency.