Kidney Stones in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different kidney stones patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, or renal stones, are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. These stones can affect any part of the urinary tract, from the kidneys to the bladder.
Often, stones form when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together. Passing kidney stones can be quite painful, but they usually don't cause permanent damage if recognized and treated promptly. Symptoms may include severe pain, blood in the urine, and nausea or vomiting.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives kidney stones as a condition arising from imbalances and disharmonies within the body's natural systems. Contrasting Western medicine's focus on physical mineral deposits, TCM considers kidney stones a result of deeper issues like Stagnation, accumulation of Phlegm, and disharmony in the body's vital energies.
TCM emphasizes the importance of identifying the specific pattern of disharmony to effectively treat kidney stones, using a holistic approach that includes herbal medicine, acupuncture, and dietary therapy.
TCM Patterns for Kidney Stones
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause kidney stones
Diagnostic signs
Slippery (Hua), Wiry (Xian)
Swollen tongue with yellow sticky coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Exterior Cold invading the Interior
Diagnostic signs
Tight (Jin), Wiry (Xian)
Recommended herbal formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Deep (Chen), Slow (Chi)
Pale tongue
Recommended herbal formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Deep (Chen), Slow (Chi)
Pale tongue
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Kidney Stones
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address kidney stones