Osteoporosis 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, osteoporosis 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 osteoporosis 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 osteoporosis alone. Indeed if osteoporosis 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 osteoporosis 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 two formulas that can help treat Kidney Yang Deficiency.
Kidney Yang Deficiency, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with osteoporosis
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
Osteoporosis 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 two herbal formulas that might help with osteoporosis
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 osteoporosis?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Kidney Yang Deficiency, a pattern sometimes associated with osteoporosis. If it looks like you might suffer from Kidney Yang Deficiency, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang
Source date: 1830
Number of ingredients: 12 herbs
Key actions: Invigorates Blood. Unblocks painful obstruction. Relieves pain. Invigorate Qi. Dispels Blood Stagnation. Unblock Channels.
Why might Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang help with osteoporosis?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with osteoporosis. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
