Fat Malabsorptionaccording to TCM

What is Fat Malabsorption?

Fat malabsorption is a condition where the body struggles to break down and assimilate dietary fats effectively. This can lead to various digestive problems and nutritional deficiencies, as fats are crucial for the absorption of certain vitamins and providing energy.

Common symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, and fatty stools. This condition might stem from issues in the gallbladder, pancreas, or intestine, where the enzymes and processes for fat digestion are located.

How does TCM view Fat Malabsorption?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches fat malabsorption differently from Western medicine. TCM views this condition as an imbalance in the body's energy systems, particularly concerning the Gallbladder and Spleen.

In TCM, the Gallbladder is responsible for the emulsification of fats, and its dysfunction can lead to fat malabsorption. The Spleen, which is central to digestion in TCM, when weakened, can also contribute to this condition. TCM treatments focus on restoring balance and strengthening these organs' functionality.

Root Causes of Fat Malabsorption in TCM

In TCM, fat malabsorption is often linked to two primary patterns: Damp-Heat and Dampness in the Gallbladder. Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder manifests with symptoms like hypochondriac pain, nausea, a yellow complexion, and difficulty digesting fats. The excessive Dampness and Heat hinder the Gallbladder's ability to process fats.

The second pattern, Dampness in the Gallbladder, is characterized by jaundice, a dull yellow complexion, and hypochondriac fullness. This pattern suggests an accumulation of dampness obstructing the gallbladder's function. TCM therapies aim to clear this dampness and heat, thereby improving fat digestion.

Explore below more details about what might cause Fat malabsorption according to TCM.

Dampness

"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more

Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Fat Malabsorption

Common Symptoms: Hypochondriac Pain Nausea Or Vomiting Dull Yellow Complexion Feeling Of Heaviness Yellow Sclera Hypochondriac Distention Scanty And Dark Urine Fever

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder	Inability to digest fats, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Dull yellow complexion, Scanty and dark urine, Fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Bitter taste in the mouth, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Irritability, Feeling of heaviness, Limb numbness, Foot edema, Alternating diarrhea and constipation, Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Yellow sclera... see more	Yin Chen Hao Tang
Dampness in the Gallbladder	Inability to digest fats, Jaundice, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow eyes, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Yellow sclera, Cloudy urine, Absence of thirst, Sticky taste in the mouth, Dull headache, Feeling of heaviness... see more	San Ren Tang

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Fat Malabsorption

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder	Inability to digest fats, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Dull yellow complexion, Scanty and dark urine, Fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Bitter taste in the mouth, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Irritability, Feeling of heaviness, Limb numbness, Foot edema, Alternating diarrhea and constipation, Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Yellow sclera... see more	Yin Chen Hao Tang

Gallbladder

In TCM the Gallbladder has a unique role in storing and excreting bile, but more importantly, it's seen as crucial for decision-making and courage. It's closely connected to the Liver, assisting in the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) and supporting the Liver's role in maintaining emotional balance. When the Gallbladder malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to physical symptoms like gallstones, jaundice, or a bitter taste in the mouth. There might also be digestive disturbances, particularly related to fat metabolism. On an emotional level, a Gallbladder disorder can manifest as indecisiveness, timidity, or a tendency to easily succumb to stress. These symptoms highlight the TCM view of the Gallbladder as integral to both physical processes and emotional resilience.... see more

Gallbladder Patterns That Can Lead to Fat Malabsorption

Common Symptoms: Hypochondriac Pain Nausea Or Vomiting Dull Yellow Complexion Feeling Of Heaviness Yellow Sclera Hypochondriac Distention Scanty And Dark Urine Fever

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder	Inability to digest fats, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Dull yellow complexion, Scanty and dark urine, Fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Bitter taste in the mouth, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Irritability, Feeling of heaviness, Limb numbness, Foot edema, Alternating diarrhea and constipation, Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Yellow sclera... see more	Yin Chen Hao Tang
Dampness in the Gallbladder	Inability to digest fats, Jaundice, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow eyes, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Yellow sclera, Cloudy urine, Absence of thirst, Sticky taste in the mouth, Dull headache, Feeling of heaviness... see more	San Ren Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Fat Malabsorption

For Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder, the TCM formula Yin Chen Hao Tang is recommended. It contains key herbs like Virgate wormwood (Yin Chen) that specifically target dampness and assist in clearing heat from the liver and gallbladder.

For Dampness in the Gallbladder, San Ren Tang is advisable, with Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren) as a pivotal ingredient. This formula works to expel dampness and restore the gallbladder's functionality, thus aiding in fat digestion.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address fat malabsorption, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Dampness:
Yin Chen Hao Tang

Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause fat malabsorption, such as Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Fat Malabsorption Caused by Dampness

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Yin Chen Hao Tang	Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder
San Ren Tang	Dampness in the Gallbladder

Top Formula for Heat:
Yin Chen Hao Tang

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause fat malabsorption, such as Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder

Learn more

Acupoints for Fat Malabsorption

In TCM, specific acupoints along the Gall Bladder Channel can be stimulated to address fat malabsorption. Riyue GB-24, located near the ribcage, is used to resolve damp-heat and alleviate liver Qi Stagnation. Another significant point, Yanglingquan GB-34, found near the fibula, is employed to address liver qi stagnation and resolve damp-heat in the liver and Gallbladder, which are crucial for improving fat digestion and absorption. These acupoints are targeted to harmonize the gallbladder's function and assist in the efficient metabolism of dietary fats.

Explore below some acupoints used to address fat malabsorption, organized by meridian.

Riyue GB-24

On the mamillary line which is 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline, in the 7th intercostal space, 1 intercostal space below Qimen LIV-14.

Yanglingquan GB-34

In the depression anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula.