Pancreatitisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Pancreatic Disorders
Sub-symptom(s): Acute Pancreatitis Chronic Pancreatitis
What is Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, is a condition presenting in two primary forms: acute and chronic. The pancreas, essential for digestion and blood sugar regulation, becomes inflamed, leading to symptoms like severe abdominal pain, nausea, and digestive disturbances.
Acute pancreatitis often results from gallstones or alcohol use, while chronic pancreatitis develops over time, impairing pancreatic function. Both types require careful management due to potential serious health complications.
How does TCM view Pancreatitis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches pancreatitis differently from Western medicine, focusing on energy balance and flow within the body. TCM sees pancreatitis as a symptom of underlying imbalances in Qi (energy), Yin and Yang, and organ harmony.
It emphasizes identifying specific disharmony patterns, as similar symptoms can emerge from various imbalances, necessitating tailored treatment strategies.
Causes of Pancreatitis According to TCM
In TCM, pancreatitis is often linked to specific disharmony patterns. One significant cause is the presence of Cold in the Middle Burner, affecting the pancreas and other digestive organs. This Coldness can lead to impaired organ function and inflammation. Another important factor is the accumulation of Phlegm and Heat, directly impacting the pancreas.
Additionally, TCM recognizes that Blood Stagnation can also contribute to the condition. This stagnation can lead to pain and further exacerbate pancreatic inflammation. These patterns illustrate a disruption in the body's natural energy balance, which TCM aims to correct.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Pancreatitis
To address pancreatitis, TCM employs specific formulas and herbs based on the identified disharmonies. For issues related to Cold in the Middle Burner, Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang, with Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), and Da Jian Zhong Tang, featuring Sichuan pepper (Hua Jiao), are used for their warming effects.
In cases involving Blood Stagnation, formulas like Dan Shen Yin, containing Red Sage Roots (Dan Shen), are prescribed to invigorate blood and dispel stagnation. These treatments are part of a comprehensive TCM approach that aims not only to alleviate symptoms but also to restore overall balance and ensure the smooth flow of energy throughout the body.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address pancreatitis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that purge heat accumulation
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform stagnation
- Formulas that release the exterior and purge the interior
- Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
- Formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm
- Formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness
Formulas that purge Heat accumulation
Pancreatitis can be treated by these formulas if it arises from an excess of internal heat, needing actions that clear heat and reduce its intensity.
One such formula is Da Cheng Qi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that purge heat accumulation" recommended for pancreatitis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Da Cheng Qi Tang | Rhubarb (Da Huang) |
| Xiao Cheng Qi Tang |
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
Pancreatitis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold in the middle jiao (digestive region), necessitating warming and cold-dispelling actions.
One such formula is Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold" recommended for pancreatitis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang | Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), Maltose (Yi Tang) |
| Da Jian Zhong Tang | Sichuan Pepper (Hua Jiao) |
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Pancreatitis can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Dan Shen Yin, with red sage root as a key herb.
Formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform Stagnation
Pancreatitis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to the accumulation of undigested food and stagnation in the digestive system.
One such formula is Bao He Wan, with hawthorn berry as a key herb.
Formulas that release the Exterior and purge the Interior
Pancreatitis can be treated by these formulas if it is due to external pathogens combined with internal accumulation, needing actions that address both aspects.
One such formula is Da Chai Hu Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen
Pancreatitis can be treated by these formulas when there's an imbalance between the Liver and Spleen systems, often manifesting as digestive disturbances and emotional fluctuations.
One such formula is Si Ni San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
Pancreatitis can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.
One such formula is Xiao Chai Hu Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm
Pancreatitis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm if it is linked to heat leading to phlegm accumulation.
One such formula is Xiao Xian Xiong Tang, with snake gourd as a key herb.
Formulas that enrich Yin and moisten Dryness
Pancreatitis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to a deficiency in Yin leading to dryness, calling for nourishing Yin and moistening actions.
One such formula is Zeng Ye Tang, with ningpo figwort root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Pancreatitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address pancreatitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that relieve food stagnation
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Pancreatitis can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pancreatitis, like Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for pancreatitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang |
| Maltose (Yi Tang) | Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang |
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Pancreatitis can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Red Sage Roots (Dan Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pancreatitis, like Dan Shen Yin.
Herbs that relieve Food Stagnation
Pancreatitis 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 Hawthorn Berries (Shan Zha), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pancreatitis, like Bao He Wan.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Pancreatitis can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pancreatitis, like Da Chai Hu Tang.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Pancreatitis can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pancreatitis, like Da Chai Hu Tang.
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Pancreatitis can be treated by these herbs when it is related to heat-phlegm accumulation, aiding in dissolving phlegm and soothing the respiratory system.
One such herb is Snake Gourds (Gua Lou), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pancreatitis, like Xiao Xian Xiong Tang.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Pancreatitis can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Ningpo Figwort Roots (Xuan Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pancreatitis, like Zeng Ye Tang.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Pancreatitis can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Sichuan Pepper (Hua Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pancreatitis, like Da Jian Zhong Tang.