Corpulmonale 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, corpulmonale is sometimes associated with Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire, 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 corpulmonale might be caused by the pattern Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from corpulmonale alone. Indeed if corpulmonale is caused by Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire, patients also experience symptoms such as coughing with blood-streaked sputum, wheezing, dry throat and hot palms and soles. Similarly, patients with Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire typically exhibit fine (Xi) or rapid (Shu) pulses as well as a red tongue with partial absence of coating.
We've listed below a more detailed description of Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire so that you can have a better understanding of where corpulmonale 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 Bai He Gu Jin Tang, a formula that can help treat Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire.
Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with corpulmonale
The Kidneys is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Kidneys in Chinese Medicine
Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire
Pulse type(s): Fine (Xi), Rapid (Shu)
Tongue coating: Partial absence of coating
Tongue color: Red
Recommended herbal formula: Bai He Gu Jin Tang
Symptoms: Wheezing Dry throat Night sweats Hot palms and soles Coughing with blood-streaked sputum
Corpulmonale might be due to Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as coughing with blood-streaked sputum, wheezing, dry throat and hot palms and soles. Similarly, patients with Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire typically exhibit fine (Xi) or rapid (Shu) pulses as well as a red tongue with partial absence of coating.
Read more about Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire here
Bai He Gu Jin Tang, a herbal formula that might help with corpulmonale
Bai He Gu Jin Tang
Source date: 1573 AD
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Nourishes Lung and Kidney Yin. Lubricates the Lung and clears phlegm.
Why might Bai He Gu Jin Tang help with corpulmonale?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire, a pattern sometimes associated with corpulmonale. If it looks like you might suffer from Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Symptoms related to corpulmonale
Coughing with blood-streaked sputum Wheezing Dry throat Hot palms and soles Night sweats
