Chronic Pyelonephritisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Kidney and Nephritic Disorders
Parent symptom: Chronic Nephritis
Did you mean? Chronic Nephritis
What is Chronic Pyelonephritis?
Chronic pyelonephritis is a long-standing infection and inflammation of the kidneys, primarily affecting the renal pelvis and the surrounding tissues. This condition typically results from recurring urinary tract infections, leading to persistent kidney damage.
Symptoms may include persistent lower back pain, fever, and urinary issues. Over time, chronic pyelonephritis can lead to scarring and impaired kidney function, raising the risk of chronic kidney disease. It requires careful management to prevent progression and preserve renal health.
How does TCM view Chronic Pyelonephritis?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), chronic pyelonephritis is perceived as a complex result of imbalances in the body's fundamental energies. TCM suggests that this condition stems from disharmonies in Yin, Yang, Blood and Qi (vital energy), affecting the Kidneys and related organs.
The symptoms of chronic pyelonephritis are seen as manifestations of these deeper imbalances. TCM emphasizes identifying the specific pattern of disharmony, which is crucial for determining an effective treatment strategy, thus diverging from the more symptom-focused approach of Western medicine.
Causes of Chronic Pyelonephritis According to TCM
In TCM, chronic pyelonephritis is often linked to specific patterns of disharmony within the body. One primary cause is the Deficiency of Yin and Yang, leading to an imbalance that can manifest as kidney dysfunction. This Deficiency might be accompanied by a disruption in the body's fluid metabolism, contributing to urinary issues and inflammation.
Another common cause in TCM is Empty Heat from Yin Deficiency, where an internal Heat imbalance leads to symptoms like fever and back pain. Addressing these root causes is essential in TCM's approach to treating chronic pyelonephritis, focusing on restoring the natural harmony of the body's energies.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Chronic Pyelonephritis
To treat chronic pyelonephritis, TCM employs a variety of formulas and herbs tailored to the specific disharmonies identified in each patient. Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang, such as Er Xian Tang, are commonly used to balance these fundamental forces in the body.
Additionally, formulas like Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang and Wan Dai Tang are prescribed to address Empty Heat from Yin Deficiency and secure the body's natural processes, respectively.
These TCM treatments are indicative of a holistic approach, aiming not just to alleviate the symptoms but to address the underlying imbalances, promoting overall Kidney health and restoring the body's natural balance.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address chronic pyelonephritis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
- Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
- Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
Chronic pyelonephritis 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.
Formulas that clear Heat from Deficiency
Chronic pyelonephritis can be treated by these formulas if it is due to an imbalance where yin deficiency leads to a false heat syndrome.
One such formula is Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang, with softshell turtle shell as a key herb.
Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
Chronic pyelonephritis can be treated by these formulas when it arises from disharmony in the female reproductive system, resulting in symptoms like irregular bleeding or abnormal discharge.
One such formula is Wan Dai Tang, with atractylodes rhizome as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Chronic Pyelonephritis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address chronic pyelonephritis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Chronic pyelonephritis 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 pyelonephritis, like Er Xian Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency" recommended for chronic pyelonephritis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Curculigo Rhizomes (Xian Mao) | Er Xian Tang |
| Epimedium Herbs (Yin Yang Huo) | Er Xian Tang |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Chronic pyelonephritis can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic pyelonephritis, like Wan Dai Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for chronic pyelonephritis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Wan Dai Tang |
| Yam (Shan Yao) | Wan Dai Tang |
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Chronic pyelonephritis can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Softshell Turtle Shells (Bie Jia), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic pyelonephritis, like Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Chronic pyelonephritis can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Sweet Wormwood Herbs (Qing Hao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic pyelonephritis, like Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang.