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.
Possible causes and remedies:
Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
Symptoms: Fatigue Sweating Lassitude and eight other symptoms
Recommended formula: Er Xian Tang
Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency
Symptoms: Emaciation Night fever
Recommended formula: Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang
In Chinese Medicine, chronic pyelonephritis can be associated with two 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", as a matter of fact here chronic pyelonephritis can be caused by two different patterns.
To understand whether someone's chronic pyelonephritis might be caused by a given pattern, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from chronic pyelonephritis alone. For instance when chronic pyelonephritis is caused by the pattern Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang, patients also experience symptoms such as menopausal symptoms, hypertension, irregular menstruation and hot flushes.
We've listed below a description of the two patterns associated with chronic pyelonephritis so that you can start to get an understanding of the various possibilities 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 three formulas that can help treat the various patterns associated with chronic pyelonephritis, depending on which pattern fits your profile.
The Kidneys is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Kidneys in Chinese Medicine
Recommended herbal formula: Er Xian Tang
Symptoms: Fatigue Sweating Lassitude Depression Hot flushes Hypertension Irritability Palpitations Frequent urination Menopausal symptoms Irregular menstruation
Chronic pyelonephritis might be due to Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as menopausal symptoms, hypertension, irregular menstruation and hot flushes.
Read more about Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang here
Softshell Turtle Shells (Bie Jia) is the key herb for Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang, a formula used for Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency
Recommended herbal formula: Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang
Symptoms: Emaciation Night fever
Chronic pyelonephritis might be due to Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as night fever and emaciation.
The top herbs in Er Xian Tang are Curculigo Rhizomes (Xian Mao), Epimedium Herbs (Yin Yang Huo) and Morinda Roots (Ba Ji Tian)
Source date: 1950 AD
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Key actions: Nourishes Yin and tonifies Yang of the Kidneys. Clears Empty Heat. Regulates the Directing and Penetrating Vessels.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang, a pattern sometimes associated with chronic pyelonephritis. If it looks like you might suffer from Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang are Softshell Turtle Shells (Bie Jia), Sweet Wormwood Herbs (Qing Hao) and Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang)
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency, a pattern sometimes associated with chronic pyelonephritis. If it looks like you might suffer from Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Wan Dai Tang are Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu), Yam (Shan Yao) and Ginseng (Ren Shen)
Source date: 1826 AD
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Tonifies the Middle Burner. Removes Dampness. Stops vaginal discharge. Strengthens the Spleen.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with chronic pyelonephritis. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Menopausal symptoms Hypertension Irregular menstruation Hot flushes Sweating Irritability Fatigue Lassitude Depression Palpitations