Pancreatitis in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different pancreatitis patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
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.
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.
TCM Patterns for Pancreatitis
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause pancreatitis
Heat in Yang brightness Organs
Diagnostic signs
Full (Shi)
Recommended herbal formulas
Yang Excess
Recommended herbal formulas
Lung Qi Deficiency and Liver Qi Stagnation
Diagnostic signs
Empty (Xu), Tight (Jin)
Recommended herbal formulas
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Diagnostic signs
Rapid (Shu), Slippery (Hua)
Red swollen tongue with a sticky yellow coating
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Pancreatitis
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address pancreatitis