Chronic Kidney Diseaseaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Kidney and Nephritic Disorders
Did you mean? Kidney Failure
What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), also known as chronic renal disease, is a long-term condition characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function. Over time, the kidneys ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood diminishes, leading to various complications. If left unchecked, CKD can progress to end-stage renal disease, requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Symptoms of CKD develop slowly and can include fatigue, swelling, and changes in urination. Common causes include diabetes, hypertension, and other conditions that cause lasting damage to the kidneys.
How does TCM view Chronic Kidney Disease?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets Chronic Kidney Disease through the lens of energy imbalances within the body. TCM identifies CKD as a symptom of deeper disharmonies, often involving the bodys vital energy, or Qi.
Unlike Western medicine, which primarily targets the symptoms and complications of CKD, TCM seeks to identify and rectify the underlying patterns of disharmony. This approach emphasizes restoring equilibrium to the bodys Qi, Yin, and Yang, providing a more holistic treatment for CKD.
Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease According to TCM
In TCM, chronic kidney disease is often attributed to an Interior Cold condition, commonly due to a Deficiency in Yang Qi. This Deficiency leads to a weakened metabolic fire, which is essential for maintaining internal warmth and proper organ function, including the Kidneys.
The lack of Yang Qi results in the bodys inability to transform and transport fluids effectively, contributing to the symptoms of CKD. Addressing this Yang Qi Deficiency is central to the TCM approach to treating CKD, focusing on restoring the bodys internal warmth and enhancing overall kidney function.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Chronic Kidney Disease
TCM practitioners utilize specific herbal formulas to counteract the Interior Cold caused by Yang Qi Deficiency in chronic kidney disease. Wen Pi Tang, containing Prepared aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), is a frequently recommended formula.
This herb is part of the Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold category, targeting the Heart, Kidney, and Spleen. By administering such formulas, TCM aims to replenish the Yang Qi, thus restoring the balance of internal energies and improving kidney function. This personalized approach is a hallmark of TCM, addressing each individuals unique pattern of disharmony.
See more details below about Wen Pi Tang, a herbal formula used to address chronic kidney disease.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that warm and purge
Formulas that warm and purge
Chronic kidney disease can be treated by these formulas if it stems from cold accumulation coupled with excess conditions, necessitating warming and purging actions.
One such formula is Wen Pi Tang, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Chronic Kidney Disease
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address chronic kidney disease, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Chronic kidney disease can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic kidney disease, like Wen Pi Tang.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Chronic kidney disease can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic kidney disease, like Wen Pi Tang.