Gout is a type of arthritis caused by metabolic & endocrine disorders. It is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints. Gout is commonest in middle age. Males and postmenopausal females are affected more.
Causes of gout:
• Alcoholism
• Rapid weight loss
• Unusual physical exercise
• Severe systemic illness
• Dietary excess
• Diuretic drugs.
All these factors cause increased concentration of uric acid in the body fluid resulting into gout.
Symptoms of gout:
• Acute gout
• Most affected joints are the joints of the big toe & thumb.
• Other joints involved are foot, ankle, knees, hands, wrists and elbows.
• Severe, stinging pain worse at night.
• Loss of appetite (occasionally)
• Fever
• General weakness
• Chronic gout
• Pain & stiffness is continuous.
• Irregular swelling
• Tophi (calcareous deposition) in ear cartilage, nose & eyes.
• White streaks on the palms, along the creases.
Acupressure treatment for gout:
For metabolic disorders –
GB 34, 40
TW 6
Liv 2, 14
UB 17, 18
For endocrine disorders:
• Points of CV & stomach channels in lower abdominal area.
• DU 20
Sp 6
K 3
Li 4, 11
• Local points of the affected joints.
Reflex points: local areas of the affected parts, brain, solar plexus, all glands.