How traditional Chinese medicine treats polycystic kidney disease

Traditional Chinese medicine treats polycystic kidney mainly by means of syndrome differentiation combined with promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, tonifying the kidney and strengthening the spleen, etc. The commonly used methods include oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion, moxibustion and diet conditioning. Polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary kidney disease, which is believed to be related to factors such as congenital deficiency and blood stasis in traditional Chinese medicine. Treatment plans should be adjusted according to individual differences in patients.

1. Oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine

Commonly used formulas in traditional Chinese medicine for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, such as Guizhi Fuling Wan and Xuefu Zhuyu Tang, improve renal microcirculation, combined with Liuwei Dihuang Wan or Jinkui Shenqi Wan for tonifying kidney and nourishing qi. For damp heat syndrome types, Bazheng Powder can be used, while for those with spleen deficiency and excessive dampness, Shenling Baizhu Powder can be used. It should be noted that traditional Chinese medicine should be adjusted by a physician according to tongue and pulse conditions to avoid self medication.

2. acupuncture and moxibustion therapy

Acupuncture or warming acupuncture and moxibustion at Shenshu, Sanyinjiao, Zusanli and other points is helpful to regulate the movement of qi and blood in the kidney channel. For symptoms of lower back pain, the Weizhong acupoint can be added, and for those with obvious edema, the Yinlingquan acupoint can be used. The treatment is 2-3 times a week, 10 times is a course of treatment, which needs to be operated by a professional acupuncture and moxibustion.

3. Moxibustion conditioning

Warm and tonify kidney yang by moxibustion at acupoints such as Mingmen and Guanyuan with ginger, for 15-20 minutes each time. Individuals with a deficiency cold constitution can use Shenque acupoint moxibustion, but those with yin deficiency and excessive fire should use it with caution. Moxibustion can improve renal blood flow, but care should be taken to avoid burning the skin.

4. Dietary taboos

Limit high salt, high protein, and stimulating foods, and consume moderate amounts of kidney tonifying ingredients such as black beans, yam, and goji berries. Patients with damp heat syndrome should reduce greasy diet and can pair it with coix seed and adzuki beans to promote diuresis. The recommended daily water intake is between 1500-2000 milliliters.

5. Emotional regulation

Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes that emotions are related to the kidneys, and suggests using soothing exercises such as Ba Duan Jin and Tai Chi to relieve stress. Avoid excessive fatigue and emotional fluctuations, ensure sufficient sleep, and if necessary, use liver soothing and depression relieving formulas such as Xiaoyao San. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment for polycystic kidney disease requires long-term adherence, regular follow-up of kidney function and ultrasound. If hematuria, severe back pain, or rapid decline in kidney function occur, immediate Western medicine treatment should be combined. Pay attention to keeping warm in daily life, avoid intense exercise and waist injuries, and control blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg. It is recommended to implement a traditional Chinese medicine constitution identification and adjustment plan every 3-6 months, and record symptom changes during the treatment period for physicians' reference.