Leukopenia 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, leukopenia 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 leukopenia 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 leukopenia alone. Indeed if leukopenia is caused by Kidney Yang Deficiency, patients also experience symptoms such as exhaustion from long-term illness, aversion to cold, cold extremities and impotence. Similarly, patients with Kidney Yang Deficiency typically exhibit deep (Chen), slow (Chi) or weak (Ruo) pulses as well as a pale tongue.
We've listed below a more detailed description of Kidney Yang Deficiency so that you can have a better understanding of where leukopenia 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 Kidney Yang Deficiency.
Kidney Yang Deficiency, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with leukopenia
The Kidneys is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Kidneys in Chinese Medicine
Kidney Yang Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Deep (Chen), Slow (Chi), Weak (Ruo)
Tongue color: Pale
Recommended herbal formula: You Gui Wan
Symptoms: Impotence Incontinence Spermatorrhea Aversion to cold Cold extremities Edema of the lower extremities Weakness and aching in the knees Exhaustion from long-term illness Soreness and weakness in the lower back
Leukopenia might be due to Kidney Yang Deficiency if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as exhaustion from long-term illness, aversion to cold, cold extremities and impotence. Similarly, patients with Kidney Yang Deficiency typically exhibit deep (Chen), slow (Chi) or weak (Ruo) pulses as well as a pale tongue.
The three herbal formulas that might help with leukopenia
You Gui Wan
Source date: 1624 AD
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang. Replenishes the Essence. Tonifies the Blood.
Why might You Gui Wan help with leukopenia?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Kidney Yang Deficiency, a pattern sometimes associated with leukopenia. If it looks like you might suffer from Kidney Yang Deficiency, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Warms and tonifies the Middle Burner (Spleen and Stomach). Tonifies Qi. Relieves spasmodic pain.
Why might Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang help with leukopenia?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with leukopenia. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang
Why might Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang help with leukopenia?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with leukopenia. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
