Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder
Educational content • Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment
Diagnostic Signs
Thick sticky yellow coating, either bilateral in two strips or unilateral.
Rapid (Shu), Slippery (Hua), Wiry (Xian)
Key Characteristic Symptoms
Diagnostic Considerations
Hypochondrial fullness, bitter taste in the mouth and thick sticky yellow coating on the right side of the tongue are enough in and of themselves to diagnose Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder.
Causes & Pathology
Common Causes
Exterior Dampness, typically from overexposure to humid and damp environments, may lead to retention of Dampness in the Gallbladder. Dampness can then easily combine with Heat. Alternatively, Exterior Damp-Heat may directly invade the body if one lives in a hot and humid environment.
The excessive consumption of fried and fatty foods or dairy products is the most common cause of this pattern.
Feelings of anger, resentment or frustration over a long period of time (or very intense in a short period of time) can cause Liver Qi Stagnation which might transform into Heat and lead to this pattern.
Pathological Mechanism
Dampness in the Gallbladder is typically paired with an underlying Spleen Qi Deficiency which makes the Spleen unable to transform Fluids.
As such the whole Middle Burner is typically affected, hence the symptoms of nausea and vomiting: the obstruction caused by Dampness prevent Stomach Qi from descending and it therefore rebels upwards.
Dampness also interferes with the smooth flow of Liver Qi, which stagnates and may cause hypochondrial distension and pain.
The sticky taste in the mouth and turbid urine are also classic signs of Dampness. The feeling of fullness in the hypochondrium and a general feeling of heaviness are much more specific to dampness in the Gallbladder.
As far as Heat is concerned it leads to symptoms such as bitter taste in the mouth, fever, dark urine and thirst.
In Western Medicine this pattern sometimes leads to cholelithiasis (stones in the gallbladder). Stones are an extreme form of Dampness and Phlegm that form over a long period of time under the action of Heat, which dries and solidifies Dampness.
Treatment Approach
Treatment Principle
Resolve Dampness, clear Heat in Gallbladder, stimulate the smooth flow of Liver Qi.
Recommended Herbal Formulas
Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations
Stay away from fat, fried and greasy foods and favor a light diet.
Try to avoid too much exposure to damp, hot and humid environments. You might consider purchasing a dehumidifier if your home or office space is affected.
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