Lupus in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different lupus patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Lupus, known scientifically as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs, leading to a wide range of symptoms from mild to life-threatening. The exact cause of lupus remains unknown, but it involves a combination of genetic, environmental, and possibly hormonal factors.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches lupus from a holistic perspective, seeing it as a manifestation of imbalance within the body's fundamental energies. TCM does not recognize lupus in the same way modern medicine does but understands it through the lens of symptom patterns and underlying imbalances such as Heat, Yin Deficiency, and Yang Deficiency. TCM emphasizes restoring harmony and balance, focusing on the individual's unique pattern of symptoms rather than the disease itself.
TCM Patterns for Lupus
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause lupus
Excess-Heat
Diagnostic signs
Rapid (Shu), Tight (Jin), Full (Shi)
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Deep (Chen), Weak (Ruo), Fine (Xi)
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Lupus
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address lupus