Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
At a glance
Preliminary reading: What is a pattern? The concept of Phlegm The Kidneys in Chinese Medicine The Gallbladder in Chinese Medicine The concept of Damp-Heat
Key attributes
Chinese name: 在肾或胆之痰 Pinyin name: Zài Shèn Huò Dǎn Zhī Tán
Pattern nature: Full
Causes
Precursor patterns: Liver Qi Stagnation Spleen Qi Deficiency
Common causes: 1. Emotional stress, 2. External Damp and Heat
Diagnosis
Common symptoms: Bloody urine Urinary difficulty Frequent and urgent urination
Pulse type(s): Slippery (Hua), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue description: Swollen tongue with yellow sticky coating
Treatment
Treatment principle: Remove Damp-Heat, resolve Phlegm, smooth the Liver, regulate Liver Qi
Common formulas: Si Ni San Pai Shi Tang
Pathology
According to Chinese medicine, gallstones or Kidney stones are a form of Phlegm. It is the consequence of Phlegm left untreated in the Gallbladder and the Kidneys.
Over a long period of time, stagnant Dampness can give rise to a large amount of Heat which then dries up Body Fluids and solidify Phlegm, resulting in the formation of stones.
In the same time, there will be urination related symptoms. The patients might also suffer from back or abdomen pain as the Phlegm disturbs the normal circulation of Blood and Qi.
Causes
Precursor patterns: Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder can derive from Liver Qi Stagnation Spleen Qi Deficiency
Emotional stress : Oppressed emotional stress can give rise to Liver Qi Stagnation, which then cause the Damp-Heat in the Kidneys and the Gallbladder. The Liver and the Gallbladder have the direct relationship and influence each other.
External Damp and Heat: Prolonged exposure to a hot and wet environment can cause this pattern.
Diagnosing Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder
Diagnosing a pattern in Chinese Medicine is no easy feat and should be left to professional practitioners. In particular one has to know how to differentiate between different types of pulses and tongue coatings, shapes and colors as well as learn to read from a long list of seemingly unrelated symptoms.
Pulse type(s): Slippery (Hua) or wiry (Xian)
Tongue description: Swollen tongue with yellow sticky coating
Main symptoms: Bloody urine Urinary difficulty Frequent and urgent urination
Diagnosis commentary: Key characteristic symptoms of this pattern are the Kidney stones or Gallstones.
Treating Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder
Treatment principle
Remove Damp-Heat, resolve Phlegm, smooth the Liver, regulate Liver Qi
Herbal formulas used to treat Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder
Si Ni San
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 4 herbs
Key actions: Regulates Liver and Spleen. Eliminates Internal Heat.
Formula summary
Si Ni San is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula. Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen.
Besides Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder, Si Ni San is also used to treat Rebellious Qi or Rebellious Liver Qi.
Pai Shi Tang
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Discharge Gallstones. Clear Damp-Heat. Facilitate urination.
Formula summary
Pai Shi Tang is a 10-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula. It belongs to the category of formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness.
Diet recommendations
Avoiding foods that is high in cholesterol such as animal guts.
Try eat more sour taste foods such as vinegar or lemon.