Oliguriaaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Urine Volume & Frequency Abnormalities
What is Oliguria?
Oliguria refers to a significant decrease in urine output. This condition is characterized by urinating less than normal, which could be a warning sign of fluid balance issues or kidney dysfunction. It's important to understand that oliguria is not a disease on its own but a clinical symptom that requires attention to underlying causes.
How does TCM View Oliguria?
Traditional Chinese Medicine interprets oliguria as a signal of internal imbalance, often related to the Kidney organ system. TCM doesn't just aim to increase urine output but seeks to restore harmony within the body's systems. Recognizing the specific pattern causing oliguria, whether it be due to a deficiency or an excess, is pivotal for successful treatment in TCM.
Root Causes of Oliguria in TCM
In TCM, oliguria is typically seen as a symptom of deeper imbalances. For instance, Kidney and Lung Yin Deficiency may manifest as scanty urination accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness and a dry throat.
On the other hand, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising can also present with oliguria, along with tremors and hypertension. These patterns are critical in TCM, as they guide practitioners to the most appropriate and individualized treatments.
Explore below more details about what might cause Oliguria according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Yin Deficiency
- Yang Excess
- Wind
- View More Causes
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 Oliguria
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney and Lung Yin Deficiency | Scanty urination, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Night dry coughing, Dry throat, Dry mouth, Emaciation, Exertional dyspnea, Lower back pain, Night sweats, Hearing loss, Oliguria... see more | Ba Xian Chang Shou Wan |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Oliguria
To address oliguria from a TCM perspective, formulas like Ba Xian Chang Shou Wan are used to nourish Yin and tonify, particularly when symptoms suggest a Kidney and Lung Yin Deficiency.
In the case of Yang Excess or Wind patterns, practitioners may turn to Liu Wei Di Huang Wan or Qi Ju Di Huang Wan, both of which nourish Yin but also aim to subdue the excess Yang or Wind, respectively. These formulas are selected based on a patient's unique presentation and are part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address oliguria, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Yin Deficiency
- Yang Excess
- Wind
- View More Causes
Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Ba Xian Chang Shou Wan
Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause oliguria, such as Kidney and Lung Yin Deficiency
Learn moreTCM Herbs for Oliguria
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address oliguria, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
Herbs that drain Dampness
Oliguria 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 Talc (Hua Shi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for oliguria, like Gui Ling Gan Lu Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for oliguria
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Talc (Hua Shi) | Gui Ling Gan Lu Yin |
| Water Plantain (Ze Xie) | Wei Ling Tang |
| Wax Gourd Peels (Dong Gua Pi) | Not applicable |
| Common Rush (Deng Xin Cao) | Not applicable |
| Corn Silk (Yu Mi Xu) | Not applicable |
| Job's Tears (Yi Yi Ren) | Not applicable |
| Polyporus (Zhu Ling) | Not applicable |
| Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling) | Not applicable |
| Red Poria (Chi Fu Ling) | Not applicable |
| Stachyurus Stem Piths (Xiao Tong Cao) | Not applicable |
| Tetrapanax Piths (Tong Cao) | Not applicable |
| Akebia Stems (Mu Tong) | Not applicable |
| Chinese Pink Herbs (Qu Mai) | Not applicable |
| Kochia Fruits (Di Fu Zi) | Not applicable |
| Plantain Grass (Che Qian Cao) | Not applicable |