Acute Kidney Infectionsaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Urinary Tract Infections and Inflammations
Parent symptom: Kidney Infection
What is Acute Kidney Infections?
Acute kidney infections, medically termed acute pyelonephritis, are serious infections that involve one or both kidneys. These infections often start as a urinary tract infection that ascends to the renal pelvis of the kidney, leading to inflammation, fever, back pain, and in severe cases, can cause kidney damage. Prompt medical attention is critical, as these infections can swiftly escalate, affecting kidney function and overall health.
How Does TCM View Acute Kidney Infections?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets acute kidney infections as a disharmony within the body’s organ systems. Unlike Western medicine, which attributes such infections to bacteria, TCM considers environmental factors and internal imbalances that may contribute to the body’s vulnerability to disease.
Symptoms of kidney infections are seen as signs of underlying patterns of disharmony, such as Damp-Heat or Toxic-Heat, which disrupt the natural balance of Yin and Yang. Identifying these patterns is a critical step in TCM for determining the appropriate treatment strategy.
Causes of Acute Kidney Infections According to TCM
Within TCM, acute kidney infections are often linked to patterns of Excess Heat, particularly Damp-Heat in the Kidney or Toxic-Heat. These patterns signify an accumulation of Heat and Dampness that can inflame the Kidneys, disrupt their function, and lead to symptoms like pain and fever.
Treatment in TCM aims to expel Dampness, clear Heat, and restore the flow of Qi, thereby addressing both the symptoms and the root cause of the infection.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Acute Kidney Infections
To combat acute kidney infections, TCM practitioners might prescribe formulas that specifically target the identified patterns of disharmony. For Toxic-Heat, a formula such as Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin, which includes Honeysuckle flowers, can be effective. This formula aims to clear Heat and resolve Toxicity.
In cases involving Damp-Heat in the Liver, Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, containing Chinese Gentian, may be used to purge Damp-Heat from the organ systems. These treatments are selected based on a patient’s unique TCM diagnosis, reflecting the holistic approach of this medical system.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address acute kidney infections, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
Acute kidney infections can be treated by formulas that clear external abscesses and sores if it is due to localized infections or inflammations on the skin.
One such formula is Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin, with honeysuckle flowers as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
Acute kidney infections can be treated by these formulas if it stems from an excess heat condition in specific organs, leading to internal disharmony.
One such formula is Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, with chinese gentian as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Acute Kidney Infections
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address acute kidney infections, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Acute kidney infections can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua), a key herb in some formulas recommended for acute kidney infections, like Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Acute kidney infections can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for acute kidney infections, like Long Dan Xie Gan Tang.