Chronic Glomerulonephritisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Kidney and Nephritic Disorders
Parent symptom: Glomerulonephritis
What is Chronic Glomerulonephritis?
Chronic glomerulonephritis is a prolonged inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units in the kidneys. This condition, evolving over years, can lead to gradual and irreversible damage to the kidneys, affecting their ability to filter waste and fluids.
Symptoms may develop slowly and can include proteinuria, hematuria, high blood pressure, and edema. Chronic glomerulonephritis can progress to chronic kidney disease, necessitating early detection and management to slow its progression and preserve kidney function.
How does TCM view Chronic Glomerulonephritis?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), chronic glomerulonephritis is viewed as a complex condition caused by imbalances in the body's fundamental energies. Unlike Western medicine, which focuses on the inflammation of the glomeruli, TCM considers this condition as a result of disharmony in the body's Yin and Yang, and Qi (vital energy) flow.
TCM emphasizes that symptoms of chronic glomerulonephritis arise from various patterns of disharmony, making it crucial to identify the right pattern for effective treatment. This approach underlines TCM’s holistic view of health, where bodily systems are interconnected and mutually influential.
Causes of Chronic Glomerulonephritis According to TCM
TCM attributes chronic glomerulonephritis to several causes, reflecting its complex understanding of bodily disharmonies. One significant cause is the imbalance of Yin and Yang within the body, particularly involving the Kidney and Liver systems. This imbalance can lead to a Deficiency in vital substances like Qi or Blood, contributing to Kidney dysfunction.
Another TCM perspective involves the accumulation of Dampness and Phlegm, which can obstruct the smooth flow of Qi and Blood in the Kidneys. Addressing these root causes is essential in TCM's approach to treating chronic glomerulonephritis, focusing on restoring balance and enhancing the body's natural healing abilities.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Chronic Glomerulonephritis
In managing chronic glomerulonephritis, TCM employs a variety of herbal formulas, each addressing specific patterns of disharmony. Formulas like Shen Qi Wan and Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, which focus on warming Yang and nourishing Yin, respectively, are commonly used. These formulas aim to restore the balance of Yin and Yang in the body, particularly targeting the Kidney and Liver.
Additionally, formulas such as Zhen Wu Tang and Er Xian Tang are utilized to transform Dampness and strengthen both Yin and Yang. These treatments are indicative of TCM’s holistic approach, emphasizing not just symptom relief but also the correction of underlying imbalances to promote overall kidney health and function.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address chronic glomerulonephritis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that warm yang and tonify
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
Formulas that warm Yang and tonify
Chronic glomerulonephritis can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a depletion of Yang energy, requiring actions that warm and strengthen Yang.
One such formula is Shen Qi Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
Chronic glomerulonephritis can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a deficiency in Yin energy, needing nourishment and strengthening of the body's vital essence.
One such formula is Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness
Chronic glomerulonephritis can be treated by these formulas if it is due to cold-dampness obstructing the body's functions, requiring warming and damp-transforming actions.
One such formula is Zhen Wu Tang, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
Chronic glomerulonephritis can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a deficiency in both Yin and Yang energies, necessitating a balanced approach to tonification.
One such formula is Er Xian Tang, with curculigo rhizome as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Chronic Glomerulonephritis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address chronic glomerulonephritis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Chronic glomerulonephritis can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Curculigo Rhizomes (Xian Mao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic glomerulonephritis, like Er Xian Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency" recommended for chronic glomerulonephritis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Curculigo Rhizomes (Xian Mao) | Er Xian Tang |
| Epimedium Herbs (Yin Yang Huo) | Er Xian Tang |
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Chronic glomerulonephritis can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic glomerulonephritis, like Shen Qi Wan.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Chronic glomerulonephritis can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic glomerulonephritis, like Shen Qi Wan.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Chronic glomerulonephritis can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic glomerulonephritis, like Liu Wei Di Huang Wan.