Clinical Case Report on Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Sjogren’s Syndrome

Alvin Wong Lok Yan TCM Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Clinic (Harpenden)

Registered TCM Practitioner, Registered Acupuncturist

Member of the British Acupuncture Council | Member of the Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key WordsSjogren’s Syndrome, Autoimmune Diseases, Alvin Wong

1. Introduction

Sjogren’s syndrome (pronounced SHOW-grins) is a common autoimmune disease characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth. This condition is often associated with other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. The pathophysiology primarily involves the immune system abnormally attacking the body’s exocrine glands, leading to a decrease in the secretion of tears and saliva. This case report aims to discuss a patient whose symptoms improved significantly after 3 months of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment, with improvements also reflected in blood test markers.

2. Overview of Sjogren’s Syndrome

Primary Symptoms: Dry eyes: burning sensation, foreign body sensation, itching Dry mouth: difficulty swallowing and speaking, cotton mouth

Associated Symptoms: Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness Swelling of the salivary glands Dry skin or rashes Vaginal dryness Persistent dry cough Chronic fatigue

Pathogenesis: This disease is an autoimmune disorder that can affect the joints, thyroid, kidneys, liver, lungs, skin, and nervous system. Genetic susceptibility and environmental infections (viruses or bacteria) are considered major triggers.

3. Case Data

Patient Background: Female, 40 years old, Married with children. First Consultation Date: November 4, 2024 Diagnosis: Diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome by a rheumatology specialist Main Symptoms: Fatigue, hair loss, dry mouth, vaginal dryness, cheek redness Past Medical History: Uterine fibroids (4.6 cm)

Blood Test Results: 

Western Medicine Treatment Plan: Hydroxychloroquine was recommended, but the patient could not tolerate the side effects and turned to TCM treatment.

4. TCM Diagnosis and Treatment Plan

TCM Diagnosis: Pulse: Deep, replete, moderate Syndrome Differentiation: Kidney yin vacuity, liver yin vacuity, lung yin vacuity, leading to insufficient body fluids and internal dryness caused by yin deficiency and internal heat.

Treatment Principles: Nourish yin, supplement qi, nourish blood, and engender liquids. Clear vacuity heat, moisten dryness, and allay thirst.

5. TCM Treatment Plan

Prescription Composition: Base Formula: Pulse-Engendering Beverage (Shēng Mài Yǐn) 5g, Lophatherum and Gypsum Decoction (Zhú Yè Shí Gāo Tāng) 5g, Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill (Liù Wèi Dì Huáng Wán) 5g Single Herbs Added: Lycium berries (gǒu qǐ zǐ) 2g, Lily bulbs (bǎi hé) 2g, Dendrobium (shí hú) 2g, Glehnia root (běi shā shēn) 2g, Solomon’s seal root (yù zhú) 2g, Silk tree flower (hé huān huā) 1g, Platycodon root (jié gěng) 2g, Polygonatum root (huáng jīng) 1g.

Herbal Formula Interpretation: Pulse-Engendering Beverage (Shēng Mài Yǐn): Supplements Qi and nourishes yin, engenders liquids and constrains sweat, restores the pulse, and clears vacuity heat. Lophatherum and Gypsum Decoction (Zhú Yè Shí Gāo Tāng): Clears heat, engenders liquids, supplements qi and harmonizes the stomach, improving dry mouth due to damage to liquids. Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill (Liù Wèi Dì Huáng Wán): Nourishes the liver and kidneys, regulates yin and yang, and suppresses upflaming vacuity fire.

6. Treatment Process and Results

After taking the formula continuously for 3 months (until February 4, 2025), the patient showed the following improvements:

1. Blood Test: ANA changed from strongly positive to weakly positive
2. ESR: Improved from 32 mm/h to normal 14 mm/h
3. Uterine Fibroids: Completely disappeared, confirmed by gynecological ultrasound
4. Hair Loss: Improved, with new hair growth
5. Energy Levels: Increased, no longer dependent on coffee for energy
6. Dry Mouth: Significant relief of symptoms The patient expressed a high level of satisfaction with the treatment outcomes.

7. Discussion

This case illustrates that when TCM is applied reasonably using pattern differentiation as the basis for determining treatment, it can effectively improve symptoms and systemic issues related to autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome. By nourishing yin, engendering liquids, and clearing vacuity heat, the treatment helped restore the body’s internal environment and promote overall systemic improvement. Additionally, this case suggests that TCM might play a role in managing secondary complications, such as uterine fibroids.

8. Summary

Autoimmune diseases are not necessarily incurable or uncontrollable. Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, psoriasis, and lupus can be managed effectively by controlling and reducing the immune system’s attack on the body. TCM offers another important adjunctive therapy, while Western medicine’s blood tests provide crucial insights and confirmation of post-treatment results, helping in the management of autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome. The integration of both TCM and Western medicine brings the greatest benefits to patients.

9. Conclusion

Traditional Chinese Medicine provides a viable adjunctive therapy to aid in the management of autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome. Further clinical research and controlled trials are needed to validate these findings.

References Mayo Clinic: Overview of Sjogren’s Syndrome Journal of the Chinese Medicine Association Ma Kuang Chinese Medicine Health Column