[Investigation on "gout" and comparison of disorder between Chinese and Western medicine in pre-Song-yuan dynasty]

Zhonghua Yi Shi Za Zhi. 2004 Oct;34(4):199-204.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

Before the Song-Yuan dynasties, it was claimed that "gout" is the result of heat in the blood plus invasion of wind, cold, or dampness, leading to coagulation of turbid dampness in the channel-collaterals, characterized by arthralgia, exacerbated in the nighttime. "Gout" was first seen in the Ming yi bie lu (Other Records of Famous Physicians) of the Liang dynasty. Before that, it was categorized under "bi" syndrome. No detailed description was given to "gout" during the period from the first appearance of the title "gout" to the Yuan dynasty. In fact, it was vaguely mentioned in "bi", "li jie", and "bai hu (white tiger)" disorders. The title of "gout" was named by Zhu Danxi, and appeared alternately with gouty arthritis. "li jie" and "bai hu" are titles of two different diseases which were jointly called "lijiebaihu" in the Song dynasty, both similar to gouty arthritis. The TCM title of gout was based on this condition which is specific and very proximate to gouty arthritis.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract
  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Arthritis, Gouty
  • China
  • Gout / history*
  • History, Medieval
  • Humans
  • Medicine, Chinese Traditional
  • Terminology as Topic