Lupusaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Autoimmune Disorders, Chronic Inflammatory Conditions
What is Lupus?
Lupus, known scientifically as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs, leading to a wide range of symptoms from mild to life-threatening. The exact cause of lupus remains unknown, but it involves a combination of genetic, environmental, and possibly hormonal factors.
How does TCM view Lupus?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches lupus from a holistic perspective, seeing it as a manifestation of imbalance within the body's fundamental energies. TCM does not recognize lupus in the same way modern medicine does but understands it through the lens of symptom patterns and underlying imbalances such as Heat, Yin Deficiency, and Yang Deficiency. TCM emphasizes restoring harmony and balance, focusing on the individual's unique pattern of symptoms rather than the disease itself.
Root Causes of Lupus in TCM
In TCM, lupus is seen as a result of multiple patterns of disharmony, primarily involving Heat and Deficiencies of Yin and Yang. Excess-Heat can manifest as fever, flushed face, and skin eruptions, mirroring the inflammatory processes of lupus.
Yin Deficiency might present as night sweats, a sensation of heat in the palms and soles, and a red tongue, indicating a deep-seated dryness and heat. Yang Deficiency could lead to symptoms like cold extremities, edema, and fatigue, reflecting a profound depletion of the body's warming and activating energy. TCM seeks to identify and treat these underlying imbalances to alleviate the symptoms of lupus.
Explore below more details about what might cause Lupus according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Heat
- Yin Deficiency
- Yang Deficiency
- Spleen
- Kidney
Heat
In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more
Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Lupus
Common Symptoms: Red Skin Eruptions Irritability Fever Flushed Face Mottled Skin Thirst Arthritis Constipation
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Excess-Heat | lupus, sle, systemic lupus erythematosus, Fever, Flushed face, Red skin eruptions, Mottled skin, Irritability, Thirst, Arthritis, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine... see more | Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang |
| Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency | lupus, sle, systemic lupus erythematosus, Nighttime fever, Emaciation, Chronic pyelonephritis, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Renal tuberculosis, Tidal fever, Hot palms and soles, Red skin eruptions, Night sweats, Generalized fatigue... see more | Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang |
Yin Deficiency
Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more
Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Lupus
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency | lupus, sle, systemic lupus erythematosus, Nighttime fever, Emaciation, Chronic pyelonephritis, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Renal tuberculosis, Tidal fever, Hot palms and soles, Red skin eruptions, Night sweats, Generalized fatigue... see more | Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang |
Yang Deficiency
Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more
Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Lupus
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency | lupus, sle, systemic lupus erythematosus, Pale face, Facial edema, Oedema of limbs, Abdominal distention, Cold extremities, Shortness of breath, Diarrhea, Frequent urination... see more | Wu Ling San |
Spleen
In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more
Spleen Patterns That Can Lead to Lupus
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency | lupus, sle, systemic lupus erythematosus, Pale face, Facial edema, Oedema of limbs, Abdominal distention, Cold extremities, Shortness of breath, Diarrhea, Frequent urination... see more | Wu Ling San |
Kidney
In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more
Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Lupus
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency | lupus, sle, systemic lupus erythematosus, Pale face, Facial edema, Oedema of limbs, Abdominal distention, Cold extremities, Shortness of breath, Diarrhea, Frequent urination... see more | Wu Ling San |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Lupus
To address the complex patterns seen in lupus, TCM utilizes a variety of herbal formulas. For Excess-Heat and Heat in the Blood, formulas like Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang are used to cool the Blood and clear Heat, helping to reduce inflammation and skin eruptions.
For Yin Deficiency, Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang nourishes Yin and clears Empty-Heat, targeting the fever and heat sensations without substance. In cases of Yang Deficiency, Wu Ling San strengthens the Spleen and Kidney Yang, helping to eliminate edema and improve energy levels. These formulas, tailored to the individual's specific imbalances, are central to TCM's approach to managing lupus and restoring balance to the body.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address lupus, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Heat
- Yin Deficiency
- Yang Deficiency
- Formulas that clear nutritive-level heat
- Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
- Formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness
Top Formula for Heat:
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause lupus, such as Excess-Heat
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Lupus Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang | Excess-Heat |
| Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency |
Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang
Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause lupus, such as Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency
Learn more
Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Wu Ling San
Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause lupus, such as Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency
Learn moreFormulas that clear nutritive-level Heat
These formulas are suitable for some lupus-causing patterns like Excess-Heat.
One such formula is Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang, with water buffalo horn as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from Deficiency
These formulas are suitable for some lupus-causing patterns like Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang, with softshell turtle shell as a key herb.
Formulas that promote urination and leach out Dampness
These formulas are suitable for some lupus-causing patterns like Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency.
One such formula is Wu Ling San, with water plantain as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Lupus
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address lupus, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that drain dampness
Herbs that cool the Blood
Lupus can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for lupus, like Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang.
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Lupus 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 lupus, like Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Lupus 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 lupus, like Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Lupus can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Water Plantain (Ze Xie), a key herb in some formulas recommended for lupus, like Wu Ling San.