Biliary Stonesaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Biliary & Gallbladder Disorders
Did you mean? Choledocholithiasis Gallstones
What is Biliary Stones?
Biliary stones, commonly known as gallstones, are hardened deposits that form in the bile ducts or the gallbladder. These stones can range in size, from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball.
Biliary Stones are typically composed of cholesterol, bilirubin, and other components found in bile, a fluid produced by the liver for digestion. Their formation can lead to a variety of complications, including biliary colic, cholecystitis, and pancreatitis, especially when they obstruct the bile ducts.
How Does TCM View Biliary Stones?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), biliary stones are viewed through the lens of bodily imbalances and energy flow. TCM practitioners believe that gallstones result from disruptions in the Liver and gallbladder's Qi, the vital life energy. This disruption is often attributed to emotional stress, improper diet, or other lifestyle factors that lead to Qi imbalance.
TCM focuses on restoring the harmonious flow of Qi and addressing the underlying causes of energy imbalance, employing a holistic approach to treatment.
Causes of Biliary Stones According to TCM
From a TCM perspective, biliary Stones are often associated with two primary patterns. The first is the Stagnation of Liver Qi, which can be caused by emotional stress or an unhealthy diet. This stagnation leads to a disruption in the flow of bile, contributing to stone formation.
The second pattern involves Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder and Liver, where excessive Heat and moisture accumulate in the body, forming stones. TCM treatments for these conditions focus on restoring balance and clearing stagnation, with an emphasis on dietary changes and stress reduction.
TCM Herbs for Biliary Stones
In TCM, specific herbs are selected to target the underlying patterns causing biliary stones. Chicken Gizzard Skins (Ji nei jin) are sweet and neutral herb targets the Bladder, Spleen, Stomach, and Small intestine, helping to aid digestion.
For the treatment of Damp-Heat, Japanese Climbing Fern Spores (Hai Jin Sha) are used. This herb, known for its Sweet and Cold properties, targets the Bladder and Small intestine and is particularly effective in treating Damp-Heat in the Bladder as well as Stomach and Spleen. These herbs are part of a broader strategy in TCM to restore balance and address the root causes of gallstone formation.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that relieve food stagnation
- Herbs that drain dampness
Herbs that relieve Food Stagnation
Biliary stones can be treated by these herbs in cases of digestive disturbances due to overeating or consuming hard-to-digest foods, assisting in breaking down and moving food through the digestive system.
One such herb is Chicken Gizzard Skins (Ji nei jin), which is directly recommended for biliary stones.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Biliary stones can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Japanese Climbing Fern Spores (Hai Jin Sha), which is directly recommended for biliary stones.