How to treat gout in elderly people with traditional Chinese medicine

The traditional Chinese medicine treatment of gout in the elderly mainly focuses on clearing away heat and removing dampness, promoting blood circulation and unblocking collaterals. The common methods include oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion and massage, external application, diet conditioning and exercise regimen.

1. Oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine:

For damp heat accumulation type, Si Miao San can be modified with Huangbai, Cangzhu, Achyranthes, and Coix seed. For phlegm stasis blocking type, Taohong Siwu Tang combined with Erchen Tang can be selected. For liver and kidney deficiency type, Duhuo Parasitic Decoction is often used as the basic formula. In the acute phase, emphasis should be placed on clearing heat and detoxifying, while in the chronic phase, emphasis should be placed on strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidneys. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners should prescribe prescriptions based on syndrome differentiation and avoid self medication.

2. acupuncture and moxibustion therapy:

The acupoints selected are mainly Zusanli, Yinlingquan, Sanyinjiao and other spleen strengthening and dampness removing acupoints, together with local Ashi points. During the acute attack period, catharsis acupuncture was used, and during the remission period, warm acupuncture and moxibustion or electroacupuncture were used. Clinical research shows that acupuncture and moxibustion can reduce the level of blood uric acid. Each treatment is 20-30 minutes, and 10 times is a course of treatment.

3. External treatment therapy:

In the acute phase, apply Jinhuang San vinegar externally to swollen joints, and in the chronic phase, use moxa sticks to moxibustion acupoints such as Guanyuan and Qihai. Soaking 30g of honeysuckle vine, paulownia bark, and Clematis chinensis in the affected area daily can significantly alleviate joint pain. Cupping therapy at the Wei Zhong acupoint can help eliminate dampness and turbidity.

4. Dietary conditioning:

It is recommended that 50g of coix seed Congee+100g of japonica rice be used to strengthen the spleen and damp, and 30g of plantain tea and fresh plantain decoction be used to promote uric acid excretion. Strictly limit high purine foods such as animal organs and thick meat soup, and drink no less than 2000 milliliters of water per day. Moderate consumption of light bamboo leaf tea or corn whisker tea is recommended.

5. Exercise and Health Preservation:

During the relief period, practicing the Eight Section Brocade "Regulating the Spleen and Stomach, Single Lifting" style and Tai Chi Cloud Hand movements can improve joint mobility. To avoid joint injuries caused by intense exercise, it is recommended to take a 30 minute walk daily in conjunction with foot massage. Qigong breathing exercises help regulate metabolic function, mainly through abdominal breathing.

Elderly gout patients should adhere to a low purine diet for a long time, with a daily protein intake controlled at 0.8-1.0 grams per kilogram of body weight, and prioritize high-quality protein such as eggs, milk, and soy products. Moderate consumption of alkaline foods such as cherries and celery can help alkalize urine. Exercise should avoid the peak period of uric acid in the morning, pay attention to keeping joints warm, and avoid dampness, cold, and stimulation. Regularly monitor blood uric acid levels, adjust prescriptions every 2 weeks during traditional Chinese medicine treatment, and cooperate with modern medical treatment for severe joint deformities. Develop the habit of soaking feet in warm water before bedtime. Add 20 grams of mugwort leaves and 20 grams of saffron each to the water to promote blood circulation.