Arteriosclerosis according to Chinese Medicine
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
In Chinese Medicine, arteriosclerosis is sometimes associated with Kidney Yang Deficiency, a so-called "patterns of disharmony". Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted. It is not equivalent to the Western concept of "disease" because both concepts arise from totally different ways of seeing the human body.
To understand whether someone's arteriosclerosis might be caused by the pattern Kidney Yang Deficiency, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from arteriosclerosis alone. Indeed if arteriosclerosis is caused by Kidney Yang Deficiency, patients also experience symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the lower back, cold in the lower extremities, impotence and spermatorrhea.
We've listed below a more detailed description of Kidney Yang Deficiency so that you can have a better understanding of where arteriosclerosis might find its root according to Chinese Medicine.
Once identified, patterns are often treated using herbal formulas. Drinking herbal infusions is the most common remedy in Chinese Medicine, together with acupuncture. Here we detail below Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, a formula that can help treat Kidney Yang Deficiency.
Kidney Yang Deficiency, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with arteriosclerosis
The Kidneys is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Kidneys in Chinese Medicine
Kidney Yang Deficiency
Recommended herbal formula: Ba Wei Di Huang Wan
Symptoms: Asthma Dysuria Coughing Impotence Spermatorrhea Frequent urination Persistent diarrhea Prostatic hypertrophy Spasms of the lower abdomen Cold in the lower extremities Soreness and weakness in the lower back
Arteriosclerosis might be due to Kidney Yang Deficiency if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the lower back, cold in the lower extremities, impotence and spermatorrhea.
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, a herbal formula that might help with arteriosclerosis
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 8 herbs
Key actions: Tonifies Yang. Warms the Kidneys and lower extremities.
Why might Ba Wei Di Huang Wan help with arteriosclerosis?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Kidney Yang Deficiency, a pattern sometimes associated with arteriosclerosis. If it looks like you might suffer from Kidney Yang Deficiency, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Symptoms related to arteriosclerosis
Soreness and weakness in the lower back Cold in the lower extremities Impotence Spermatorrhea Frequent urination Prostatic hypertrophy Coughing Asthma Persistent diarrhea Dysuria
