Gout is a disease where excessive uric acid accumulates in the body, leading to inflammation and pain when it crystallizes in the joints. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), it is classified as “Yeolbi (熱痺)” or “Seub-yeolbi (濕熱痺).” Below, we introduce effective acupuncture points and herbal decoctions for treating gout.
1. Effective Acupuncture Points (針穴) for Gout
Different points are selected for acute and chronic stages, with the primary focus on reducing heat and alleviating pain.
** (1) Acute Gout (Sudden pain and inflammation) **
- Haehae (血海, SP10): Located on the medial side above the knee, it clears “Blood Heat” and relieves pain.
- Pungnyung (豐隆, ST40): Located on the lateral side of the leg, it expels “Damp Heat” and helps regulate uric acid.
- Sam-eumgyo (三陰交, SP6): Located above the medial ankle, it regulates the functions of the Spleen, Liver, and Kidneys to expel toxins.
- Jok-samri (足三里, ST36): Strengthens immunity and improves digestive function to reduce gout-inducing factors.
- Tae-chung (太衝, LR3): Located on the top of the foot, it promotes the circulation of Liver Qi to relieve pain.
** (2) Chronic Gout (Recurrent pain and joint deformity) **
- Gwanwon (關元, CV4): Located 3 cun below the navel, it strengthens kidney function to promote uric acid excretion.
- Sin-yu (腎兪, BL23): Located on the waist, it tonifies the Kidney function.
- Gi-hae (氣海, CV6): Supplements “Original Qi” to improve metabolic function.
2. Traditional Herbal Decoctions (湯藥) for Gout
Gout treatment primarily uses prescriptions that reduce heat and remove dampness.
** (1) Acute Stage Prescriptions **
- Samultang (四物湯) + Hwangbaek (黃柏), Changchul (蒼朮), Uiyiin (薏苡仁): Improves blood circulation and has anti-inflammatory effects.
- (e.g., Adding 9g of Hwangbaek, 12g of Changchul, and 15g of Uiyiin to Samultang)
- Yongdam-sagantang (龍膽瀉肝湯): Effective for removing “Damp Heat” from the Liver and Gallbladder.
- Baekho-gagyegitang (白虎加桂枝湯): Used when joint heat and pain are severe.
** (2) Chronic and Preventive Prescriptions **
- Palmijihwang-hwan (八味地黃丸): Used for uric acid excretion problems due to weakened kidney function.
- Ijung-tang (二朮湯): Helps to remove “Dampness” and “Phlegm.”
- Cheongsang-bang (淸上防): Prevents chronic gout and joint deformity.
3. Lifestyle Management Tips
- Hydration: Drink more than 2L of water daily to help excrete uric acid.
- Diet: Avoid foods with high purine content (organ meats, seafood, beer).
- Weight Management: Obesity increases the risk of gout, so maintaining a healthy weight is important.
- Herbal Supplements: Herbs like Uiyiin (薏苡仁), Chajeonja (車前子), and Taeksa (澤瀉) promote uric acid excretion.
4. Precautions
- Acupuncture treatments may vary depending on symptoms and body constitution, so consultation with a TKM doctor is necessary.
- Herbal medicine prescriptions differ based on body heat or coldness, so self-medication should be avoided.
- Gout has a high possibility of recurrence, making consistent management essential. Combining TKM treatment with Western medicine (e.g., uric acid-lowering drugs) can also be effective.