Gout: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Lower Limbs / Joints

Overview

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints and surrounding tissues, triggered by elevated serum uric acid levels (hyperuricemia). It affects approximately 3–4% of adults in developed countries, with incidence rising alongside obesity, metabolic syndrome, and dietary changes. Acute gout attacks produce sudden, intense joint pain—most commonly in the big toe (podagra)—accompanied by redness, swelling, heat, and extreme tenderness that can make even the weight of a bedsheet unbearable.