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One of the most common questions I am asked is “How does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach the treatment of gout”?
So as a follow-up to my previous blog, where I shared how common arthritic diseases that impair movement and cause pain such as lupus and Fibromyalgia, can be treated with Qi Gong exercises, I thought I would focus on “What are the dietary recommendations for managing gout according to TCM?” Covering which foods and acupressure bring relief to the painful arthritic condition of Gout.
In Chinese medicine, the same disease can be treated differently depending on the genetics, lifestyle choices, and even emotions of the person presenting. The flip side of this is that we can also treat different diseases with the same protocol. So even though this blog will cover the solutions for gout, these can also be applied to all conditions that affect mobility and cause pain in the body such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue. “Improving flexibility and Reducing pain” for everybody will be our focus for June in Chi Flow with Jo.
“What causes Gout?”
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by excessive levels of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a normally occurring substance in the body that is excreted by the kidneys in urine. But if there is too much of it, uric acid crystals can collect in the joints, causing intense pain, redness, and swelling in the joints, tendons, and surrounding tissues.
If untreated, gout can cause irreversible joint damage, chronic pain issues, as well as joint deformity. Unfortunately, people are less inclined to move when in pain, and this leads to increased issues with lack of mobility, muscle weakness, and stiffness of the joints – so begins a never-ending cycle.
What is the significance of liver weakness in gout?
Liver weakness according to TCM, is often caused by a rich diet of red meat, fried food, excessive dairy, alcohol, ready meals, and eating late at night, which reduces the metabolism and breakdown of uric acid. This makes problems with gout more significant. The overindulgence of foods gives gout the nickname, “the disease of kings." Weak Liver energy impairs blood flow which creates stiffness and pain.
The goal in Traditional Chinese Medicine is to bring the body back to balance and harmony by strengthening not only the Liver/ Gallbladder system but also the Kidney/ Bladder system, which as you can see in the diagram below is the mother of the Liver. Supporting these will help to clear heat, and internal dampness and improve blood circulation which will improve mobility and reduce pain.
What are the dietary recommendations for managing gout, arthritis, and joint pain according to TCM?
We can do this by avoiding foods that weaken the liver such as excessive fats, red meat, and alcohol. Instead use foods that enhance liver function. By following the 5-element chart you can see that these are green in color and sour in flavor: For example, spinach, kale, broccoli, avocado lemons, limes, and grapefruit.
Avoid foods that weaken the kidney such as oversalted crisps, chips, refined sugar, and high fructose corn syrup found in fizzy drinks. Instead drink more water to help the elimination of Uric acid. Add a squirt of lemon to help the liver.
Try this recipe for Barley Water from a previous blog, it’s great for reducing painful acidic conditions in the body.
How can acupressure help with gout pain?
Exercising more and working on a healthy diet will help reduce uric acid levels, reduce inflammation, maintain weight and mobility, improve insulin resistance, and even extend lifespan. But it’s hard when exercise can make the pain worse, so start gently with daily Qi Gong. Combine this with self-shiatsu acupressure and you have a well-balanced treatment protocol.
Studies show “that acupuncture is better in improving clinical effective rate, decreasing uric acid, and VAS score compared with western medicine. The overall incidence of adverse events in the acupuncture group was lower than that in the western medicine group.”
Spleen 6
Spleen 6 is a fantastic acupressure point for moving blood and reducing pain around the body. It is so powerful it is contraindicated in pregnancy.
This acupoint is also known as Three Yin Crossing because this is where the three Yin meridians of the Spleen, Kidney, and Liver intersect. It is especially good for moving Qi/Chi/Energy and blood. It also helps clear dampness and benefits Kidney energy. You may find the point painful at first but use it consistently, on both legs every day and you will notice a difference.
Find by measuring four fingers up from the ankle bone on the midline of the inner leg. Press, massage, and hold on both legs for anywhere between 30 seconds and 3 minutes.
Is there a specific exercise regimen or protocol for managing gout in TCM?
Qi Gong, with its focus on gentle movements, breath control, and energy flow, offers holistic benefits for overall health. While it may not directly “fight” gout, incorporating Chi Gong into your day can support general well-being. Combining it with a comprehensive gout management plan, including lifestyle changes, can contribute to a life filled with ease and joy.
Health professionals working with people who have chronic arthritis can safely recommend these exercises to most adults with this condition with the expectation they will heighten the life quality of the individual while reducing pain and depression in adults with this condition.
However, one point alone does not create a long-term treatment plan. If you suffer from painful joints and would like to increase your flexibility, mobility, energy levels, and joy of life, join us in Chi Flow with Jo where we cover diet, acupressure, and qi gong. There’s even a free class to try before you buy.
Note: This article was originally published on May 8, 2024, on https://joannefaulkner.ie/ .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joanne Faulkner is a Qi Gong teacher – Chi Flow with Jo – teaching live daily online Qi Gong classes to hundreds of people; a Shiatsu practitioner specializing in the energy of food in Traditional Chinese Medicine and a published Author. Her residential and day Wellness Retreats focus on Chi Gong, self-Shiatsu & Conscious Cooking Demonstrations, and are extremely popular.
Joanne is currently the Irish representative to the European Shiatsu Federation and until recently was the Chairperson of the Shiatsu Society Ireland.
“Good Food: Better Sex” and “Shiatsu & the Art of Conscious Cooking”, both written and published by Joanne, are modern cookbooks full of delicious recipes, Traditional Chinese Medicine plus acupressure points for health and well-being.
Chi Flow with Jo uses natural and easy Qi Gong movements, self-acupressure point massage, breathwork, and food medicine every weekday morning to nourish the blood, clear the Liver, support the Kidney, and calm your nervous system.
Website: https://joannefaulkner.ie/
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