Cholecystitis in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different cholecystitis patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Cholecystitis, commonly known as gallbladder inflammation, is a medical condition characterized by the swelling and irritation of the gallbladder. This inflammation often leads to severe pain in the upper right abdomen, potentially radiating to other areas. Cholecystitis can manifest in two forms: Chronic Cholecystitis, which develops slowly, and Acute Cholecystitis, marked by sudden, intense pain.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches cholecystitis differently from Western medicine. TCM views it not just as a localized inflammation but as a symptom of imbalance within the body's systems.
According to TCM theory, cholecystitis is often related to imbalances in the Liver and Gallbladder's functions, specifically the accumulation of Heat. TCM practitioners aim to restore balance and proper energy flow within the body, using a combination of herbal remedies, acupuncture, and dietary adjustments.
Herbal Formulas for Cholecystitis
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address cholecystitis
Bao He Wan
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Reduces food stagnation
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Harmonizes and releases the Lesser Yang
- Removes Stagnation
- Warms the Interior
- Dispels Cold
Da Chai Hu Tang
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Harmonizes and releases the Lesser Yang
- Drains internal clumping due to Heat
Da Cheng Qi Tang
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Purges Heat from the Stomach and Intestines
- Relieves constipation
Dan Shen Yin
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Invigorates the Blood and removes Blood Stagnation
- Promote Qi movement
- Relieves pain
Dang Gui Shao Yao San
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Liver Blood
- Spreads the Liver Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Resolves Dampness
Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Resolves Dampness and transforms turbidity
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and relieves acute conditions of the Gallbladder
- Relieves acute Damp-Heat syndromes
- Resolves Phlegm
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Huang Lian Tang
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Regulates Cold and Heat
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Clears Hot Phlegm
- Clears Gallbladder Heat
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Jin Ling Zi San
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Moves Liver Blood and Liver Qi
- Drains Liver Heat or Fire
- Stops pain
Si Ni San
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Regulates Liver and Spleen
- Eliminates Internal Heat
Wen Dan Tang
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Clears Phlegm
- Clears Gallbladder
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Wu Mei Wan
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Warms the Organs
- Drains Heat
- Calms roundworms
- Drains the Liver
- Calms the Stomach
Wu Zhu Yu Tang
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Liver and Stomach
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
- Stops vomiting
Xiao Xian Xiong Tang
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Transforms Phlegm
- Expands the chest
- Dissipates clumps
Xiao Yao San
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen
- Relieves Liver Qi stagnation
- Nourishes the Blood
Yue Ju Wan
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Releases all types of Stagnation (Qi, Blood, Phlegm, Fire, Food and Dampness)
Zhi Zi Chi Tang
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Alleviates restlessness and irritability
Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Reverses the flow of Rebellious Stomach Qi
- Relieves both Heat and Cold Stagnation in the gastrointestinal tract
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood
- Alleviates pain
- Harmonizes Blood
Da Jian Zhong Tang
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies Middle Burner Deficiency
- Directs rebellious Qi downward
- Relieves pain
Gui Zhi Ren Shen Tang
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior
- Warms the Interior
- Augments the Qi
- Eliminates focal distention
Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Augments the Qi
- Raises the Yang
- Releases Dampness
Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Treats the Lesser Yang Channels (Gallbladder and Triple Warmer)
- Regulates the Liver and Spleen functions
- Addresses combined Yin-Yang symptoms of External and Internal, Excess and Deficiency, and Hot and Cold
Yi Yi Fu Zi Bai Jiang San
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Expels pus and reduces abscesses
- Warms the Yang
- Disperses clumping
Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Drains Fire
- Resolves Toxicity
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Drains Fire
- Resolves Toxin
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Fire from the Liver and Gallbladder
- Clears and drains Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner
San Wu Bei Ji Wan
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Clear Cold Stagnation
Xiao Cheng Qi Tang
Traditional formula for cholecystitis
Main Actions
- Moderately purges Heat accumulation
- Circulates Qi in the Middle