Urinary Tract Calculiaccording to TCM

What is Urinary Tract Calculi?

Urinary tract calculi, commonly known as urinary stones, are hardened mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and can travel down to other parts of the urinary tract. These stones can cause severe pain, urinary obstruction, and infections.

Symptoms often include sharp pain in the back or lower abdomen, hematuria (blood in urine), and sometimes nausea or vomiting. The formation of stones can be influenced by dietary factors, hydration status, and genetic predisposition.

How Does TCM View Urinary Tract Calculi?

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), urinary tract calculi are seen as a physical manifestation of an underlying imbalance in the body's natural energies. TCM identifies various disharmonious patterns that may contribute to the formation of calculi, such as a concentration of Damp-Heat or a Stagnation of the body's Qi and Blood.

The diagnosis and treatment in TCM, therefore, are focused not just on the stones themselves but on rectifying the patterns of imbalance that have led to their formation.

Causes of Urinary Tract Calculi According to TCM

TCM recognizes multiple etiological factors for urinary tract calculi, often attributing their formation to an accumulation of Damp-Heat in the Bladder, which can congeal and manifest as stones.

Additionally, a deficiency in the Spleen and Liver's Blood can lead to Qi Stagnation and the inability of the body to properly metabolize minerals, thus contributing to stone formation. These patterns underscore the importance of not only treating the stones themselves but also addressing the disharmony within the body's organ systems to prevent recurrence.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Urinary Tract Calculi

In the realm of TCM, treatment for urinary tract calculi involves formulas that address the underlying patterns associated with stone formation. Ba Zheng San is a classic formula used to clear Damp-Heat from the Bladder, which can help alleviate the conditions conducive to stone formation.

Another important formula is Dang Gui Shao Yao San, which harmonizes the Spleen and Liver, invigorates the Blood, and dispels Stagnation. These formulas, often containing herbs like Chinese Pink Herbs and White Peony Roots, are tailored to individual patterns and aim to not only dissolve and expel stones but also to prevent their recurrence by restoring internal balance.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address urinary tract calculi, organized by formula type.

TCM Herbs for Urinary Tract Calculi

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address urinary tract calculi, organized by herb category.