04/11/2025
Spotlight On Gout
Gout occurs when urate crystals build up in the joints, causing sudden pain, swelling, and inflammation.
These crystals form when there are high levels of uric acid in the blood — a substance produced when the body breaks down purines, which are found in the body and in foods like red meat, organ meats, and certain seafood (e.g. sardines, mussels, tuna). Alcohol (especially beer) and fructose-sweetened drinks can also raise uric acid levels. Normally, uric acid is filtered by the kidneys and excreted in urine. But if too much is produced or too little is excreted, it accumulates and forms sharp crystals in the joints, triggering a gout attack.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, gout is seen as more than just a buildup of uric acid — it reflects a deeper imbalance in the body’s internal systems. Gout is classified under “Bi Syndrome” (痹症), which means “obstruction syndrome.” This occurs when external factors such as Wind, Damp, Cold, or Heat invade the joints and block the normal flow of Qi and Blood. At the same time, internal weaknesses such as Spleen deficiency, Liver Qi stagnation, or Kidney deficiency make the body more susceptible to these external influences.
A weak Spleen fails to properly transform and transport fluids, leading to the accumulation of dampness. Over time, this dampness can combine with internal heat and stagnation, forming damp-heat that causes redness, swelling, and pain in the joints. If the Kidney essence is deficient, it cannot nourish the bones and joints adequately, resulting in chronic, recurrent gout attacks. TCM aims to treat both the symptoms and the root cause, restoring harmony and preventing flare-ups.
TCM doesn’t just chase the uric acid—it looks at the pattern behind your symptoms. Identifying your unique syndrome is the first step to long-lasting relief.
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