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Symptom family: Urinary Tract Infections and Inflammations
Parent symptom: Nephrotic Syndrome
Proteinuria is the presence of an abnormal amount of protein in the urine, often indicative of kidney damage or disease. This condition can be transient or persistent, with varying degrees of severity. While low levels of protein excretion can be normal, particularly after vigorous exercise, higher levels require medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause.
Proteinuria is not only a sign of kidney stress but can also be associated with risks of cardiovascular disease, making early detection and management essential for long-term health.
In contrast to Western medicine's focus on the kidneys' filtration mechanisms, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sees proteinuria as a symptom of underlying imbalances in the body's vital energies. TCM holds that the Kidney system, which governs the body's foundational Yin and Yang, is crucial for maintaining the balance of Body Fluids and Qi.
Proteinuria, therefore, might indicate a disharmony in Kidney function or an imbalance between Yin and Yang. Diagnosing the specific TCM pattern causing proteinuria is crucial to developing an effective treatment strategy.
TCM recognizes several patterns that may contribute to proteinuria, particularly Kidney Yin Deficiency and Kidney Yang Deficiency. A Yin Deficiency can lead to insufficient nourishment of the body's tissues and organs, manifesting as protein leakage into the urine.
Yang Deficiency, characterized by a decline in the warming and functional activities of the body, can result in an inability to contain the essence within the kidneys. These patterns underscore the TCM perspective that addressing the deeper energetic deficiencies is as important as treating the physical symptom.
Addressing proteinuria in TCM involves formulas that nourish Yin and Yang, aiming to restore balance and kidney health. Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, featuring Prepared rehmannia, is commonly prescribed for its nourishing properties, beneficial for both Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiencies.
For conditions where Damp-Phlegm is a contributing factor, Wan Dai Tang, with Atractylodes Rhizomes, may be utilized to strengthen the Spleen and resolve Dampness, thereby reducing protein leakage. These formulas are selected based on individual diagnosis, reflecting TCM’s customized approach to healing.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address proteinuria, organized by formula type.
Proteinuria 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 Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Proteinuria 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.
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address proteinuria, organized by herb category.
Proteinuria 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 proteinuria, like Wan Dai Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Wan Dai Tang |
Yam (Shan Yao) | Wan Dai Tang |
Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Not applicable |
Proteinuria 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 proteinuria, like Ba Wei Di Huang Wan.