Gout: A TCM and Western Medicine Perspective

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Gout, known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as 痛风 (Tòng Fēng), is a painful condition caused by excess uric acid in the bloodstream, leading to the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints. It is considered a Bi-syndrome (Painful Obstruction Syndrome, 痹症 Bì Zhèng) in TCM, where pathogenic factors such as Dampness, Heat, and Blood Stagnation block the meridians, leading to swelling, redness, and severe joint pain.

This article explores gout from both Western medicine and TCM perspectives, along with effective natural remedies rooted in TCM wisdom.

Gout in Western Medicine

Causes of Gout (Why Does It Happen?)

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis. It occurs when the body produces too much uric acid or fails to eliminate it properly. Uric acid is a waste product from the breakdown of purines, which are found in many foods and naturally in the body.

Common Risk Factors:

  1. High-Purine Diet – Red meat, seafood, processed meats, organ meats, alcohol, and sugary drinks.
  2. Kidney Dysfunction – The kidneys struggle to excrete uric acid efficiently.
  3. Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome – Excess weight increases uric acid production.
  4. Dehydration – Lack of water concentrates uric acid in the blood.
  5. Genetics – A family history of gout increases susceptibility.
  6. Certain Medications – Diuretics, aspirin, and beta-blockers can trigger gout.
  7. Underlying Conditions – Diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease.

Symptoms of Gout

  • Severe joint pain, often in the big toe, ankle, knee, wrist, elbow or fingers.
  • Swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area.
  • Limited mobility due to stiffness and pain.
  • Sudden onset – Gout attacks often occur at night.

Western Approaches

  1. Prescription Medications
    • NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) – For pain relief.
    • Colchicine – Reduces inflammation.
    • Allopurinol & Febuxostat – Lower uric acid levels for chronic gout management.
  2. Natural Supplements
    • Vitamin C – Reduces uric acid levels.
    • Magnesium – Helps with inflammation and muscle relaxation.
    • Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Found in flaxseeds and walnuts, they help reduce joint inflammation.
  3. Weight Management and Exercise
    • Maintain a healthy weight to lower uric acid production.
    • Engage in low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, and Tai Chi.
    • Avoid high-intensity workouts that may temporarily spike uric acid.
  4. Stress Management
    • Stress increases inflammation and can trigger gout attacks.
    • Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and acupuncture can help

Gout in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

In TCM, gout falls under Bì Zhèng (Painful Obstruction Syndrome) and is mainly caused by Dampness, Heat, and Blood Stagnation affecting the joints.

TCM Patterns of Gout:

  1. Damp-Heat Accumulation (湿热蕴结型)
    • Symptoms: Red, swollen, and burning joints, severe pain, thirst, yellow urine, bitter taste in the mouth.
    • TCM Treatment:
      • Herbs: Huang Qin (黄芩, Scutellaria), Ze Xie (泽泻, Alisma), Yi Yi Ren (薏苡仁, Coix Seed)
      • Acupuncture points: SP9 (阴陵泉), LI11 (曲池), ST36 (足三里)
    • Diet: Avoid greasy foods and alcohol, drink chrysanthemum tea.
  2. Cold-Damp Obstruction (寒湿阻络型)
    • Symptoms: Joint pain that worsens in cold weather, stiffness, heavy sensation in the limbs.
    • TCM Treatment:
      • Herbs: Gui Zhi (桂枝, Cinnamon Twig), Du Zhong (杜仲, Eucommia), Rou Gui (肉桂, Cinnamon Bark)
      • Acupuncture points: BL23 (肾俞), Ren4 (关元), ST36 (足三里)
    • Diet: Warm foods like ginger soup, avoid raw and cold foods.
  3. Blood Stagnation (血瘀阻滞型)
    • Symptoms: Chronic gout with severe pain, dark-colored swelling, numbness.
    • TCM Treatment:
      • Herbs: Dan Shen (丹参, Salvia), Hong Hua (红花, Safflower), Chuan Xiong (川芎, Ligusticum)
      • Acupuncture points: LV3 (太冲), SP10 (血海), BL17 (膈俞)
    • Diet: Black sesame, walnuts, He Shou Wu tea.

TCM Remedies for Gout

  1. Herbal Remedies
    • He Shou Wu (何首乌, Fo-Ti) – Nourishes Kidney and Liver, detoxifies uric acid.
    • Yi Yi Ren (薏苡仁, Coix Seed) – Removes Dampness and relieves joint swelling.
    • Chuan Niu Xi (川牛膝, Cyathula) – Improves blood circulation and reduces joint pain.
    • Fang Feng (防风, Saposhnikovia Root) – Expels Wind-Dampness, easing joint discomfort.
  2. TCM Dietary Therapy
    • Foods to Eat (Recommended for Gout Relief)
      • Cherries (especially Tart Cherry), Berries, Celery & Cucumber – Reduce uric acid and inflammation.
      • Roselle Tea & Celery Seed Tea/Extract – Helps alkalize the body.
      • Broccoli Sprouts & Radish Sprouts – Reduce acidity in the body.
      • Turmeric & Ginger – Powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
    • Foods to Avoid (Aggravates Gout in TCM)
      • Alcohol (especially beer & spirits) – Creates excessive Damp-Heat.
      • Tomatoes, Mushroom, Asparagus, Spinach, Cauliflower, Beans & Nuts – Aggravates Gout.
      • Red Meat & Shellfish – High in purines, worsen Heat accumulation.
      • Spicy & Fried Foods – Increases Heat and Blood Stagnation.
  3. Acupressure & Acupuncture
    • SP6 (三阴交) – Regulates the Spleen and promotes fluid balance.
    • ST36 (足三里) – Improves digestion and metabolism.
    • LV3 (太冲) – Clears Liver Heat and detoxifies the blood.
  4. TCM Lifestyle Adjustments
    • Tai Chi & Qigong – Promote circulation and flexibility.
    • Foot Soaks with TCM Herbs – Warm foot baths with Dong Quai (当归, Angelica) and Ai Ye (艾叶, Mugwort) improve circulation.
    • Adequate Sleep – Supports Kidney function and reduces inflammation.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Managing Gout

If left unmanaged, gout can lead to chronic joint damage and kidney problems. By integrating Western medicine’s understanding of uric acid metabolism with TCM’s focus on balancing the body’s Qi, Blood, and organ functions, gout can be managed effectively.

  • For acute gout attacks, cooling herbs and anti-inflammatory strategies work best.
  • For chronic gout, supporting Kidney function and removing Dampness through diet and lifestyle changes is key.

TCM Herbal Tea Recipe for Gout Relief

This herbal tea helps clear Damp-Heat, reduce uric acid, and promote kidney function to relieve gout symptoms.

Ingredients:

  • He Shou Wu (何首乌, Fo-Ti) – 10g (Nourishes the Liver and Kidneys, supports detoxification)
  • Yi Yi Ren (薏苡仁, Coix Seed) – 15g (Removes Dampness, reduces swelling)
  • Huang Qi (黄芪, Astragalus) – 10g (Strengthens Qi and promotes metabolism)
  • Chuan Niu Xi (川牛膝, Cyathula) – 10g (Promotes blood circulation and reduces joint pain)
  • Chrysanthemum Buds (菊花) – 5g (Clears Heat and inflammation)
  • Goji Berries (枸杞) – 5g (Nourishes the Liver and improves circulation)

Instructions:

  1. Rinse all the herbs with water.
  2. In a pot, add 1 liter of water and bring to a boil.
  3. Add all ingredients and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
  4. Strain and drink warm. Drink it daily.

Best Time to Drink:

  • Morning or afternoon (Avoid late at night as it promotes detoxification).
  • Drink consistently over 2–4 weeks for best results.

nadi
Author: nadi

Helping others look and feel their best as a cosmetic acupuncturist, naturopath, and writer with a love for holistic wellness—flowing with ancient wisdom to inspire natural beauty and well-being.

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