Nephroptosisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Kidney and Nephritic Disorders
What is Nephroptosis?
Nephroptosis, commonly known as kidney prolapse or renal ptosis, is a medical condition where the kidney descends more than two vertebral bodies (or over 5 centimeters) when a person moves from a lying to an upright position.
This abnormal mobility of the kidney can cause various symptoms, including pain, urinary tract infections, and hydronephrosis. Nephroptosis is more frequently diagnosed in women than men and typically affects the right kidney. The condition can range from asymptomatic to causing significant discomfort and complications, depending on the severity of the descent.
How does TCM view Nephroptosis?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), nephroptosis is viewed through the framework of internal disharmonies and energy imbalances. TCM interprets this condition as a manifestation of 'Qi Sinking' or ‘Qi Collapsing’, where the vital energy or Qi of the body weakens and descends rebelliously, leading to the prolapse of organs.
This perspective contrasts with the anatomical focus of Western medicine, emphasizing the need to identify and correct the underlying patterns of disharmony affecting Qi. TCM aims to restore and strengthen the body's Qi to address nephroptosis, highlighting its holistic approach to treatment.
Root Causes of Nephroptosis in TCM
In TCM, the primary causes of nephroptosis are rooted in the concepts of Qi Sinking or Qi Collapsing. This condition is characterized by the weakening of Qi, the vital energy that holds the organs in place, leading to the prolapse of the Kidneys and potentially other organs.
Symptoms associated with Qi Sinking include a bearing down sensation in the abdomen, chronic diarrhea, and hemorrhoids, in addition to kidney prolapse. Addressing Qi Sinking and its resultant effects is central to TCM's approach to treating nephroptosis. The goal is to strengthen and uplift the body's Qi, thereby alleviating the symptoms and preventing further organ descent.
Explore below more details about what might cause Nephroptosis according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- Qi Sinking
Qi Sinking
Qi Sinking is a pattern of disharmony in TCM where the body's energy, or Qi, is thought to "sink" or drop down. Imagine a balloon slowly deflating and falling; that's similar to what happens with Qi Sinking. This can lead to feelings of heaviness, fatigue, and even physical symptoms like prolapse of organs or frequent urination. It's as if the body's energy, which usually supports and holds things in place, isn't able to do its job properly. TCM views this as an imbalance where the uplifting and supporting qualities of Qi are weakened.... see more
Qi Sinking Patterns That Can Lead to Nephroptosis
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking | Kidney prolapse, Uterine prolapse, Prolapsed bladder, Stomach prolapse, Nephroptosis, Anus prolapse, Bearing down sensation in abdomen, Hemorrhoids, Chronic diarrhea, Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary incontinence, Generalized fatigue, Low energy, Intestines prolapse, Vaginal prolapse... see more | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Du Shen Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Nephroptosis
TCM employs specific formulas and herbs to treat nephroptosis, focusing on enhancing Qi and correcting its sinking. Formulas like Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, which includes Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), are used to tonify Qi and counteract its Deficiency.
This formula belongs to the category of Formulas that tonify Qi and is specifically designed to strengthen the body's vital energy.
Another recommended formula is Du Shen Tang, containing Ginseng (Ren Shen), known for its potent Qi-boosting properties. These treatments are indicative of TCM’s strategy to not only treat the symptoms of nephroptosis but to address the deeper issue of Qi imbalance, promoting overall health and organ stability.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address nephroptosis, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Qi Sinking
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that rescue devastated yang
Top Formula for Qi Sinking:
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Suitable for Qi Sinking patterns that may cause nephroptosis, such as Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Nephroptosis Caused by Qi Sinking
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking |
| Du Shen Tang | Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking |
Formulas that tonify Qi
These formulas are suitable for some nephroptosis-causing patterns like Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking.
One such formula is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that rescue devastated Yang
These formulas are suitable for some nephroptosis-causing patterns like Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking.
One such formula is Du Shen Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Nephroptosis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address nephroptosis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Nephroptosis 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 Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for nephroptosis, like Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for nephroptosis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang |
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Du Shen Tang |