What is Jaundice?

Jaundice, also known as icterus, is a medical condition marked by a yellowish discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and the whites of the eyes. This symptom arises from elevated levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream, which can result from various underlying causes such as liver diseases, blockages of the bile duct, or hemolysis. Jaundice can manifest in different forms, including damp heat jaundice, newborn jaundice, and acute jaundice, each presenting unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment. The condition is not only a sign of compromised liver function but also a clue to broader systemic issues.

How does TCM view Jaundice?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a distinctive perspective on jaundice, viewing it as an external manifestation of internal disharmony. Unlike the Western approach that largely focuses on physiological dysfunction, TCM interprets jaundice through patterns of disharmony such as Dampness, Heat, and Qi Stagnation.

This holistic framework underscores the importance of identifying the specific pattern affecting the individual to effectively address the root cause of jaundice. TCM's approach highlights the interconnectedness of the body's systems and the external environment, aiming to restore balance and health through personalized treatment plans.

Root Causes of Jaundice in TCM

In TCM, jaundice is primarily attributed to imbalances involving Dampness and Heat. Damp-Heat in the Liver is one such pattern, presenting symptoms like hypochondrial fullness, a feeling of warmth that eases with relief, a bitter or sticky taste in the mouth, lack of appetite, nausea, and a sensation of heaviness.

Another related condition is Dampness in the Gallbladder, characterized by a dull yellow complexion, yellowing of the eyes, pain and fullness in the hypochondriac region, nausea or vomiting, and fat malabsorption. These patterns reflect the accumulation and stagnation of dampness and heat within the body, disrupting the normal functioning of the liver and gallbladder and leading to jaundice.

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Dampness
  • Heat
Detailed description of the cause

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 Jaundice

Common Symptoms: Hypochondrial Fullness And Distention With Pain Alleviated By Warmth Sticky Taste In The Mouth Feeling Of Heaviness Abdominal Fullness Lower Abdominal Fullness Bitter Taste In The Mouth Lack Of Appetite Nausea

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Liver Jaundice, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Lack of appetite, Nausea, Feeling of heaviness, Yellow vaginal discharge, Vaginal itching, Vulvar eczema, Vulvar sores, Bleeding between periods, Midcycle bleeding pain, Red and swollen scrotum, Red and swelling genital, Papules, Itchy vesicular rashes, Urinary dysfunction, Urinary burning, Dark urine... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Yin Chen Hao Tang
Dampness in the Gallbladder 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 Jaundice

To combat jaundice, TCM utilizes an array of formulas and herbs tailored to address the underlying patterns of disharmony. For Damp-Heat in the Liver, the formula Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, featuring Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao), is commonly prescribed. This formula belongs to the category of Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs and is specifically designed to clear Heat and dry Dampness, targeting the Liver and Gallbladder.

Similarly, for issues stemming from Dampness in the Gallbladder, San Ren Tang is recommended. This formula falls under the Formulas that clear Heat and expel Dampness category, using Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren) among other herbs to relieve symptoms and restore balance.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Dampness
  • Heat

All Formulas Recommended for Jaundice Caused by Dampness

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Damp-Heat in the Liver
Yin Chen Hao Tang Damp-Heat in the Liver
San Ren Tang Dampness in the Gallbladder

Acupoints for Jaundice

TCM also incorporates acupuncture as a key component of jaundice treatment, focusing on specific acupoints to regulate Qi, resolve Dampness, and clear Heat. Points along the Bladder Channel, such as Danshu BL-19 and Ganshu BL-18, are targeted to address Damp-Heat in the Liver and Gallbladder, supporting liver function and easing digestive symptoms.

Additional acupoints like Jizhong DU-6 on the Governing Vessel and Riyue GB-24 on the Gall Bladder Channel are utilized for their effectiveness in strengthening the Spleen, expelling Dampness, and alleviating Qi Stagnation. This integrative approach, combining herbal medicine with acupuncture, exemplifies TCM's holistic strategy in treating jaundice, aiming to harmonize the body's internal environment and promote natural healing.

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

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
  • Governing Vessel
  • Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN)
Ganshu BL-18

Ganshu BL-18

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9).

Danshu BL-19

Danshu BL-19

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra (T10).

Pishu BL-20

Pishu BL-20

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra (T11).

Weishu BL-21

Weishu BL-21

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 12th thoracic vertebra (T12).

Yanggang BL-48

Yanggang BL-48

3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra (T10).

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