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, 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.
The Kidneys is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Kidneys in Chinese Medicine
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 top herbs in Bai He Gu Jin Tang are Lily Bulbs (Bai He), Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) and Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang)
Source date: 1573 AD
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Nourishes Lung and Kidney Yin. Lubricates the Lung and clears phlegm.
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).
The top herbs in Jiu Xian San are Poppy Capsules (Ying Su Ke), Chinese Plums (Wu Mei) and Schisandra Berries (Wu Wei Zi)
Source date: Yuan dynasty
Number of ingredients: 9 herbs
Key actions: Secures the Lungs. Stops coughing. Augments Qi . Nourishes Yin.
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).
Coughing with blood-streaked sputum Wheezing Dry throat Hot palms and soles Night sweats