Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis. It is a purine metabolic disorder caused by uric acid crystals building p in the body. You may not know when you have gout until your big toes become red and swollen. That’s how gout usually starts. As gout progresses, the frequent attacks will lead to kidney damage and urinary stones. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that there is a distribution network for the fundamental substances like qi, blood and body fluid throughout the body. This network is called the Meridian System. It links organs, limbs, joints, bones, tendons, tissues and skin, and provides communication between the body's interior and exterior. According to TCM viewpoint, gout is considered a "bi-syndrome" due to wind, cold and damp heat. It is caused by poor lifestyles including alcohol, fatty food, unhealthy eating and drinking. Treatment of bi-syndrome in TCM involves the use of a combination of therapies.
Five therapeutic methods for gout in TCM
Obstruction of Damp Heat in the Meridians
Therapeutic Methods: To clear away heat, eliminate dampness, and remove obstruction in the collaterals
Invasion of the Collaterals by Cold and Dampness
Therapeutic Methods: To warm the meridians, eliminate cold, remove dampness and activate the collaterals.
Phlegm Stagnation Blending with Blood Stasis
Therapeutic Methods: To resolve phlegm, eliminate stagnation, activate blood circulation to dissipate stasis.
Retained Damp Heat in the Urinary Bladder
Therapeutic Methods: To clear away heat, promote diuresis, relieve stranguria and expel stones.
Deficiency of Spleen Yang and Kidney Yang
Therapeutic Methods: To invigorate the spleen, replenish qi, nourish the kidney and warm kidney yang.