Kidney rock

A sore on or close to the yīn head (glans penis) that begins either as a hard painful itchy node exuding watery fluid and subsequently rupturing to form a flat open sore, or grows into a cauliflower shape; in either case in advanced stage, it is accompanied by a stone-like hard swelling in the groin. General signs include lethargic body and torpid spirit. In severe cases, the penis rots away and the patient’s life is threatened. It is attributed to binding depression of the fire that arises when liver-kidney depletion or excessive anxiety, thought, depression and anger give rise to exuberant ministerial fire and liver channel blood dryness.

Biomedical correspondence: carcinoma of the penis.

Medicinal therapy: In the initial stage, treat by enriching yīn and downbearing fire, and supplementing the liver and kidney with formulas such as Anemarrhena and Phellodendron Eight-Ingredient Pill (知柏八味丸 zhī bǎi bā wèi wán) or Major Yīn Supplementation Pill (大补阴丸 dà bǔ yīn wán). In advanced stages, characterized by dual depletion of qì and blood, treat by supplementing qì and nourishing the blood. Peach Blossom Powder (桃花散 táo huā sǎn) may be applied topically. See rock.

Etymology

Chin 肾 shèn, kidney; 言 yán, rock.