Chronic Pancreatitisaccording to TCM

What is Chronic Pancreatitis?

Chronic pancreatitis is a prolonged inflammatory condition of the pancreas, an organ pivotal in digestion and blood sugar regulation. This form of pancreatitis evolves over time, leading to a gradual impairment of pancreatic function.

Characterized by recurring bouts of abdominal pain, chronic pancreatitis often results from long-term alcohol abuse or gallstone disease. It can lead to complications like malnutrition, diabetes, and increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Unlike acute pancreatitis, which is a sudden inflammation, chronic pancreatitis denotes a long-term, progressive illness that requires ongoing management.

How does TCM view Chronic Pancreatitis?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives chronic pancreatitis not just as an isolated organ inflammation but as a manifestation of deeper imbalances within the body's systems. TCM focuses on the holistic balance of Qi (life energy), Blood, Yin and Bang, and the harmony of internal organs.

Symptoms like those seen in chronic pancreatitis are believed to be caused by various patterns of disharmony. Identifying these unique patterns is crucial in TCM, as it guides the personalized treatment approach, differing significantly from the organ-specific perspective of Western medicine.

Causes of Chronic Pancreatitis According to TCM

In TCM, chronic pancreatitis is often attributed to a couple of primary patterns of disharmony. One significant cause is Yin Deficiency, leading to an imbalance that manifests as internal Dryness affecting the pancreas. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as dry mouth, thirst, and constipation.

Another common cause in TCM is the Cold in the Middle Burner (the area encompassing the stomach and spleen), which can lead to digestive disturbances and abdominal pain. These patterns reflect TCM's view of disease as an imbalance in the body's natural harmony, requiring a holistic approach to restore balance and promote healing.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Chronic Pancreatitis

To address chronic pancreatitis, TCM employs various formulas and herbs tailored to the specific disharmonies identified in the patient. Formulas that enrich Yin and Moisten dryness, such as Zeng Ye Tang with Ningpo Figwort Roots (Xuan Shen), are often used to counteract the internal Heat and Dryness.

In cases of Cold affecting the Middle Burner, warming formulas like Da Jian Zhong Tang, which includes Sichuan pepper (Hua Jiao), are prescribed to restore the balance of warmth in the digestive system. These TCM treatments are designed not just to alleviate symptoms but to target the root cause of the disharmony, promoting overall wellbeing and balance within the body.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address chronic pancreatitis, organized by formula type.

TCM Herbs for Chronic Pancreatitis

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address chronic pancreatitis, organized by herb category.