In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), chronic kidney disease (CKD) is typically understood as a manifestation of kidney qi deficiency, which can be further categorized into different patterns based on the accompanying symptoms and signs.
Kidney Qi Deficiency: This pattern is characterized by fatigue, weakness, lassitude, lower back pain, frequent urination, and a pale tongue with a white coating.
Kidney Yin Deficiency: This pattern is characterized by dry mouth and throat, night sweats, dizziness, tinnitus, hot flashes, and a red tongue with little or no coating.
Kidney Yang Deficiency: This pattern is characterized by cold limbs, aversion to cold, edema, frequent urination, and a pale tongue with a white coating.
Kidney Essence Deficiency: This pattern is characterized by infertility, premature ejaculation, impotence, hair loss, and a thin or weak constitution.
Damp-Heat in the Kidney: This pattern is characterized by a burning sensation when urinating, dark and turbid urine, lower back pain, and a yellow or greasy tongue coating.
Treatment in TCM for CKD usually involves a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary and lifestyle modifications. Acupuncture can help to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms and promote circulation and energy flow. Herbal medicine can be used to tonify and nourish the kidneys, while also addressing any accompanying symptoms and signs. Dietary and lifestyle modifications may involve reducing salt intake, increasing fluid intake, and avoiding overwork and stress.
chronic kidney disease from TCM perspective
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), chronic kidney disease (CKD) is typically understood as a manifestation of kidney qi deficiency, which can be further categorized into different patterns based on the accompanying symptoms and signs.
Kidney Qi Deficiency: This pattern is characterized by fatigue, weakness, lassitude, lower back pain, frequent urination, and a pale tongue with a white coating.
Kidney Yin Deficiency: This pattern is characterized by dry mouth and throat, night sweats, dizziness, tinnitus, hot flashes, and a red tongue with little or no coating.
Kidney Yang Deficiency: This pattern is characterized by cold limbs, aversion to cold, edema, frequent urination, and a pale tongue with a white coating.
Kidney Essence Deficiency: This pattern is characterized by infertility, premature ejaculation, impotence, hair loss, and a thin or weak constitution.
- Damp-Heat in the Kidney: This pattern is characterized by a burning sensation when urinating, dark and turbid urine, lower back pain, and a yellow or greasy tongue coating.
Treatment in TCM for CKD usually involves a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary and lifestyle modifications. Acupuncture can help to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms and promote circulation and energy flow. Herbal medicine can be used to tonify and nourish the kidneys, while also addressing any accompanying symptoms and signs. Dietary and lifestyle modifications may involve reducing salt intake, increasing fluid intake, and avoiding overwork and stress.
Acupuncture points for increased creatinine and protein
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the selection of acupuncture points for increased creatinine and protein levels in the urine would depend on the underlying pattern diagnosis. Here are some acupuncture points that may be useful for treating different patterns that can lead to increased creatinine and protein levels:
- Kidney Qi Deficiency: Acupuncture points that can tonify the kidney qi and promote circulation may include:
- Kidney 3 (Taixi): This point is located on the medial side of the foot, in the depression between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon. It is a primary point for tonifying the kidney qi and promoting circulation.
- Bladder 23 (Shenshu): This point is located on the lower back, 1.5 inches lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra. It is a primary point for tonifying the kidney qi and strengthening the lower back.
- Stomach 36 (Zusanli): This point is located on the lower leg, four finger widths below the knee on the outer side of the tibia. It can tonify the spleen and stomach qi, which supports the kidney qi.
- Kidney Yin Deficiency: Acupuncture points that can nourish the kidney yin and calm the mind may include:
- Kidney 6 (Zhaohai): This point is located on the medial ankle, two finger widths above the tip of the medial malleolus. It can nourish the kidney yin and calm the mind.
- Pericardium 6 (Neiguan): This point is located on the inner arm, two finger widths above the wrist crease, between the tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscles. It can nourish the yin and blood, and calm the mind.
- Governing Vessel 20 (Baihui): This point is located on the top of the head, midway between the apexes of the ears. It can tonify the kidney yin and calm the mind.
- Kidney Yang Deficiency: Acupuncture points that can tonify the kidney yang and promote circulation may include:
- Kidney 7 (Fuliu): This point is located on the medial ankle, in the depression posterior and inferior to the medial malleolus. It can tonify the kidney yang and promote circulation.
- Bladder 23 (Shenshu): This point can also tonify the kidney yang.
- Du Mai 4 (Mingmen): This point is located on the lower back, in the depression below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra. It can tonify the kidney yang and promote circulation.
- Damp-Heat in the Kidney: Acupuncture points that can clear damp-heat and promote diuresis may include:
- Bladder 40 (Weizhong): This point is located on the back of the leg, in the middle of the crease behind the knee. It can clear damp-heat and promote diuresis.
- Spleen 9 (Yinlingquan): This point is located on the lower leg, on the medial side of the tibia, three finger widths above the medial malleolus. It can clear damp-heat and promote diuresis.
- Kidney 2 (Rangu): This point is located on the medial side of the foot, between the second and third toes, in the depression distal and inferior to the second metatarsal-phalangeal joint. It can clear damp-heat and promote diuresis
Acupoints for Kidney Qi Deficiency
Kidney Qi Deficiency is a condition in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that occurs when the energy (or “Qi”) of the Kidney meridian is weak or depleted. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as fatigue, weak digestion, frequent urination, and lower back pain.
Here are 10 acupoints that are commonly used in TCM to treat Kidney Qi Deficiency:
Kidney 3 (Taixi): Located in the depression between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon. This point tonifies Kidney Qi and strengthens the lower back.
Kidney 7 (Fuliu): Located 2 cun above the tip of the medial malleolus, in a depression between the posterior border of the tibia and the Achilles tendon. This point tonifies Kidney Yin and clears heat.
Kidney 10 (Yingu): Located 0.5 cun posterior to the midpoint of the line connecting the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon. This point tonifies Kidney Qi and Yin and benefits the lower back.
Bladder 23 (Shenshu): Located 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra. This point tonifies Kidney Qi and strengthens the lower back.
Bladder 52 (Zhiyin): Located 1 cun below Bladder 40, in the depression between the Achilles tendon and the lateral malleolus. This point tonifies Kidney Qi and benefits the ankle joint.
Ren 4 (Guanyuan): Located on the midline of the lower abdomen, 3 cun below the umbilicus. This point tonifies Kidney Qi and nourishes Yin.
Stomach 36 (Zusanli): Located 3 cun below the lateral eye of the knee, one finger-breadth from the anterior crest of the tibia. This point tonifies Qi and Blood, and strengthens the Spleen and Stomach.
Spleen 6 (Sanyinjiao): Located 3 cun above the medial malleolus, in the depression posterior to the tibia. This point tonifies Spleen Qi, nourishes Blood, and regulates the menstrual cycle.
Du 4 (Mingmen): Located on the midline of the lower back, at the level of the second lumbar vertebra. This point tonifies Kidney Yang and benefits the lower back.
Governing Vessel 20 (Baihui): Located at the top of the head, midway between the apexes of the ears. This point tonifies Qi and nourishes the Brain and Mind.
It is important to note that the selection of acupoints for Kidney Qi Deficiency should be tailored to the individual’s specific symptoms and overall constitution. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a licensed acupuncturist for a personalized treatment plan.
Acupoints for Kidney Yin Deficiency
Kidney Yin Deficiency is a common condition in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which can lead to various symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, tinnitus, dry mouth and throat, and dizziness. Acupuncture is an effective treatment for this condition, and there are several acupoints that can help balance the Yin energy of the Kidneys.
Here are 10 acupoints that can be used for Kidney Yin Deficiency, along with their details:
Kidney 3 (Taixi): Located in the depression between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon, this acupoint can tonify Kidney Yin and nourish the essence.
Kidney 6 (Zhaohai): Located 1.5 cun directly above the medial malleolus, this acupoint can tonify Kidney Yin and nourish the essence. It is also commonly used for treating insomnia and anxiety.
Spleen 6 (Sanyinjiao): Located 3 cun above the medial malleolus, this acupoint can tonify Spleen Qi and nourish Yin. It is also commonly used for treating menstrual disorders.
Pericardium 6 (Neiguan): Located on the inner forearm, two cun above the wrist crease, this acupoint can nourish Yin and calm the mind. It is also commonly used for treating nausea and vomiting.
Heart 7 (Shenmen): Located on the ulnar side of the wrist, in the depression at the base of the pisiform bone, this acupoint can calm the mind and nourish Yin.
Lung 9 (Taiyuan): Located on the radial side of the wrist, in the depression at the base of the radial styloid process, this acupoint can tonify Lung Qi and nourish Yin.
Governing Vessel 20 (Baihui): Located on the top of the head, midway between the apexes of the ears, this acupoint can nourish Yin and tonify Qi. It is also commonly used for treating headaches and dizziness.
Conception Vessel 4 (Guanyuan): Located four finger widths below the navel, this acupoint can tonify Kidney Yin and nourish essence. It is also commonly used for treating menstrual disorders.
Bladder 23 (Shenshu): Located 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra, this acupoint can tonify Kidney Yin and nourish essence.
Bladder 52 (Zhibian): Located 1 cun inferior to the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra, this acupoint can tonify Kidney Yin and nourish essence. It is also commonly used for treating lower back pain.
Note: The acupoints mentioned above should be treated by a licensed acupuncturist after proper diagnosis and consultation.
10 Acupuncture points for Kidney Yang Deficiency with details
Kidney Yang Deficiency is a condition in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that occurs when the kidney system is weakened, leading to symptoms such as cold extremities, frequent urination, low libido, and fatigue. Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for this condition. Here are 10 acupuncture points that are commonly used for Kidney Yang Deficiency:
Guan yuan (CV4) – Located on the midline of the lower abdomen, about three finger-widths below the belly button. This point tonifies the kidney and warms the lower abdomen.
Ming men (GV4) – Located on the midline of the lower back, in the depression below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra. This point tonifies the kidney and strengthens the lower back.
Shenshu (BL23) – Located on the lower back, on either side of the spine, at the level of the second lumbar vertebra. This point tonifies the kidney and benefits the lower back.
Zusanli (ST36) – Located on the lower leg, four finger-widths below the kneecap and one finger-width to the outside of the shinbone. This point tonifies the kidney and strengthens the body.
Taixi (KI3) – Located on the inside of the ankle, in the depression between the Achilles tendon and the ankle bone. This point tonifies the kidney and benefits the essence.
Guanyuan Shu (BL26) – Located on the lower back, two finger-widths to either side of the midline, at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. This point tonifies the kidney and strengthens the lower back.
Pangguangshu (BL28) – Located on the lower back, three finger-widths to either side of the midline, at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra. This point tonifies the kidney and benefits the bladder.
Qihai (CV6) – Located on the midline of the lower abdomen, about one and a half finger-widths below the belly button. This point tonifies the kidney and benefits the Qi.
Baihui (GV20) – Located on the top of the head, at the midpoint of the line connecting the apexes of the ears. This point tonifies the kidney and benefits the brain.
Zhiyang (GV9) – Located on the midline of the occiput, in the depression between the two tendons. This point tonifies the kidney and benefits the Yang.
Acupuncture treatment for Kidney Yang Deficiency typically involves selecting a combination of these points, based on the individual’s symptoms and constitution, and stimulating them with needles or other modalities such as moxibustion. It is important to seek treatment from a licensed and qualified acupuncturist who can tailor the treatment to your specific needs.
10 acupoints for Kidney Essence Deficiency with details
Kidney Essence Deficiency is a condition in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that occurs when the essence, or Jing, of the kidneys is weakened, leading to symptoms such as infertility, premature aging, memory loss, and low energy. Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for this condition. Here are 10 acupuncture points that are commonly used for Kidney Essence Deficiency:
Shenshu (BL23) – Located on the lower back, on either side of the spine, at the level of the second lumbar vertebra. This point tonifies the kidney and benefits essence.
Guan yuan (CV4) – Located on the midline of the lower abdomen, about three finger-widths below the belly button. This point tonifies the kidney and nourishes the essence.
Taixi (KI3) – Located on the inside of the ankle, in the depression between the Achilles tendon and the ankle bone. This point tonifies the kidney and nourishes the essence.
Qihai (CV6) – Located on the midline of the lower abdomen, about one and a half finger-widths below the belly button. This point tonifies the kidney and benefits the essence.
Yinlingquan (SP9) – Located on the inside of the lower leg, three finger-widths above the ankle bone. This point tonifies the spleen and benefits the essence.
Ming men (GV4) – Located on the midline of the lower back, in the depression below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra. This point tonifies the kidney and benefits essence.
Sanyinjiao (SP6) – Located on the inside of the lower leg, three finger-widths above the ankle bone, on the border of the tibia. This point tonifies the spleen and benefits the essence.
Zusanli (ST36) – Located on the lower leg, four finger-widths below the kneecap and one finger-width to the outside of the shinbone. This point tonifies the stomach and benefits the essence.
Baihui (GV20) – Located on the top of the head, at the midpoint of the line connecting the apexes of the ears. This point tonifies the kidney and benefits the brain.
Xuehai (SP10) – Located on the inside of the knee, two finger-widths above the kneecap, in the depression between the two bones. This point tonifies the spleen and benefits the essence.
Acupuncture treatment for Kidney Essence Deficiency typically involves selecting a combination of these points, based on the individual’s symptoms and constitution, and stimulating them with needles or other modalities such as moxibustion. It is important to seek treatment from a licensed and qualified acupuncturist who can tailor the treatment to your specific needs.
10 acupoints for Damp-Heat in the Kidney with details
Damp-Heat in the Kidney is a condition in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that occurs when the kidneys are overloaded with dampness and heat, leading to symptoms such as frequent urination, painful urination, and low back pain. Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for this condition. Here are 10 acupuncture points that are commonly used for Damp-Heat in the Kidney:
Shenshu (BL23) – Located on the lower back, on either side of the spine, at the level of the second lumbar vertebra. This point clears heat and dampness from the kidney.
Zhongji (CV3) – Located on the midline of the lower abdomen, about four finger-widths below the belly button. This point clears damp-heat from the lower burner.
Guanyuan (CV4) – Located on the midline of the lower abdomen, about three finger-widths below the belly button. This point clears damp-heat from the bladder and uterus.
Taixi (KI3) – Located on the inside of the ankle, in the depression between the Achilles tendon and the ankle bone. This point clears dampness and regulates the water passages.
Yinlingquan (SP9) – Located on the inside of the lower leg, three finger-widths above the ankle bone. This point clears dampness and heat from the spleen and kidney.
Yanglingquan (GB34) – Located on the lateral side of the lower leg, in the depression anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula. This point clears damp-heat from the liver and gallbladder.
Sanyinjiao (SP6) – Located on the inside of the lower leg, three finger-widths above the ankle bone, on the border of the tibia. This point clears damp-heat from the liver, spleen, and kidney.
Weizhong (BL40) – Located on the back of the leg, in the middle of the crease behind the knee joint. This point clears damp-heat from the bladder and kidney.
Taichong (LV3) – Located on the top of the foot, in the depression between the first and second toe bones. This point clears damp-heat from the liver and gallbladder.
Quchi (LI11) – Located on the outer side of the elbow, at the end of the elbow crease when the arm is bent. This point clears heat and dampness from the large intestine.
Acupuncture treatment for Damp-Heat in the Kidney typically involves selecting a combination of these points, based on the individual’s symptoms and constitution, and stimulating them with needles or other modalities such as moxibustion. It is important to seek treatment from a licensed and qualified acupuncturist who can tailor the treatment to your specific needs.
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