Polycystic kidneys 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, polycystic kidneys is sometimes associated with Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang, 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 polycystic kidneys might be caused by the pattern Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from polycystic kidneys alone. Indeed if polycystic kidneys is caused by Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang, patients also experience symptoms such as menopausal symptoms, hypertension, irregular menstruation and hot flushes.
We've listed below a more detailed description of Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang so that you can have a better understanding of where polycystic kidneys 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 Er Xian Tang, a formula that can help treat Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang.
Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with polycystic kidneys
The Kidneys is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Kidneys in Chinese Medicine
Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
Recommended herbal formula: Er Xian Tang
Symptoms: Fatigue Sweating Lassitude Depression Hot flushes Hypertension Irritability Palpitations Frequent urination Menopausal symptoms Irregular menstruation
Polycystic kidneys might be due to Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as menopausal symptoms, hypertension, irregular menstruation and hot flushes.
Read more about Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang here
Er Xian Tang, a herbal formula that might help with polycystic kidneys
Er Xian Tang
Source date: 1950 AD
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Key actions: Nourishes Yin and tonifies Yang of the Kidneys. Clears Empty Heat. Regulates the Directing and Penetrating Vessels.
Why might Er Xian Tang help with polycystic kidneys?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang, a pattern sometimes associated with polycystic kidneys. If it looks like you might suffer from Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Symptoms related to polycystic kidneys
Menopausal symptoms Hypertension Irregular menstruation Hot flushes Sweating Irritability Fatigue Lassitude Depression Palpitations
