Gout 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, gout is sometimes associated with Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, 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 gout might be caused by the pattern Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from gout alone. Indeed if gout is caused by Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, patients also experience symptoms such as scanty and yellow urine, lower back pain, weakness of the lower extremities and red and swollen feet.
We've listed below a more detailed description of Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner so that you can have a better understanding of where gout 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 three formulas that can help treat Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner.
Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with gout
The Triple Burner is a so-called "Fu" Organ. Learn more about the Triple Burner in Chinese Medicine
Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner
Tongue coating: Sticky coating
Recommended herbal formula: Er Miao San
Symptoms: Lower back pain Red and swollen feet Red and swollen knees Scanty and yellow urine Sores on the lower extremities Weakness of the lower extremities Thick yellow smelly vaginal discharge
Gout might be due to Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as scanty and yellow urine, lower back pain, weakness of the lower extremities and red and swollen feet.
The three herbal formulas that might help with gout
Er Miao San
Source date: 1481 AD
Number of ingredients: 2 herbs
Key actions: Expels Dampness from the Lower Burner. Drains Heat from the Lower Burner.
Why might Er Miao San help with gout?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, a pattern sometimes associated with gout. If it looks like you might suffer from Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang
Source date: 1587 AD
Number of ingredients: 16 herbs
Key actions: Expels Wind Damp from the Channels. Invigorates Blood. Unblocks the channels.
Why might Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang help with gout?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with gout. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Dang Gui Shao Yao San
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Nourishes the Liver Blood. Spreads the Liver Qi. Strengthens the Spleen. Resolves Dampness.
Why might Dang Gui Shao Yao San help with gout?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with gout. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
