Leptospirosis 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, leptospirosis is sometimes associated with Heat in Gall Bladder, 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 leptospirosis might be caused by the pattern Heat in Gall Bladder, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from leptospirosis alone. Indeed if leptospirosis is caused by Heat in Gall Bladder, patients also experience symptoms such as mild chills alternating with pronounced fever, bitter taste in the mouth, stifling sensation in the chest and spitting up bitter or sour fluids. Similarly, patients with Heat in Gall Bladder typically exhibit rapid (Shu) or wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a red tongue with thick coating, yellow coating.
We've listed below a more detailed description of Heat in Gall Bladder so that you can have a better understanding of where leptospirosis 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 Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang, a formula that can help treat Heat in Gall Bladder.
Heat in Gall Bladder, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with leptospirosis
The Bladder is a so-called "Fu" Organ. Learn more about the Bladder in Chinese Medicine
Heat in Gall Bladder
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue coating: Thick coating, Yellow coating
Tongue color: Red
Recommended herbal formula: Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang
Symptoms: Thirst Nausea Epigastrium fullness Bitter taste in the mouth Stifling sensation in the chest Spitting up bitter or sour fluids Mild chills alternating with pronounced fever Distention and pain in the chest and hypochondria
Leptospirosis might be due to Heat in Gall Bladder if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as mild chills alternating with pronounced fever, bitter taste in the mouth, stifling sensation in the chest and spitting up bitter or sour fluids. Similarly, patients with Heat in Gall Bladder typically exhibit rapid (Shu) or wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a red tongue with thick coating, yellow coating.
Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang, a herbal formula that might help with leptospirosis
Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang
Source date: Qing Dynasty
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Clears Heat and relieves acute conditions of the Gallbladder. Relieves acute Damp-Heat syndromes. Resolves Phlegm. Harmonizes the Stomach.
Why might Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang help with leptospirosis?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Heat in Gall Bladder, a pattern sometimes associated with leptospirosis. If it looks like you might suffer from Heat in Gall Bladder, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
