Silicosis according to Chinese Medicine

In Chinese Medicine, silicosis is sometimes associated with Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire, 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 silicosis might be caused by the pattern Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from silicosis alone. Indeed if silicosis is caused by Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire, patients also experience symptoms such as coughing with blood-streaked sputum, wheezing, dry throat and hot palms and soles. Similarly, patients with Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire typically exhibit fine (Xi) or rapid (Shu) pulses as well as a red tongue with partial absence of coating.

We've listed below a more detailed description of Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire so that you can have a better understanding of where silicosis 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 Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire.

Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with silicosis

The Kidneys is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Kidneys in Chinese Medicine

Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire

Pulse type(s): Fine (Xi), Rapid (Shu)

Tongue coating: Partial absence of coating

Tongue color: Red

Recommended herbal formula: Bai He Gu Jin Tang

Symptoms: Wheezing Dry throat Night sweats Hot palms and soles Coughing with blood-streaked sputum

Silicosis might be due to Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as coughing with blood-streaked sputum, wheezing, dry throat and hot palms and soles. Similarly, patients with Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire typically exhibit fine (Xi) or rapid (Shu) pulses as well as a red tongue with partial absence of coating.

Read more about Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire here

The two herbal formulas that might help with silicosis

Bai He Gu Jin Tang

Source date: 1573 AD

Number of ingredients: 10 herbs

Key actions: Nourishes Lung and Kidney Yin. Lubricates the Lung and clears phlegm.

Why might Bai He Gu Jin Tang help with silicosis?

Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire, a pattern sometimes associated with silicosis. If it looks like you might suffer from Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).

Read more about Bai He Gu Jin Tang here

Jiu Xian San

Source date: Yuan dynasty

Number of ingredients: 9 herbs

Key actions: Secures the Lungs. Stops coughing. Augments Qi . Nourishes Yin.

Why might Jiu Xian San help with silicosis?

Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with silicosis. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).

Read more about Jiu Xian San here