Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder
Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder
Educational content • Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment
Diagnostic Signs
Swollen tongue with yellow sticky coating
Slippery (Hua), Wiry (Xian)
Key Characteristic Symptoms
Other Associated Symptoms
Diagnostic Considerations
Key characteristic symptoms of this pattern are the Kidney stones or Gallstones.
Causes & Pathology
Common Causes
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.
Prolonged exposure to a hot and wet environment can cause this pattern.
Pathological Mechanism
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.
Treatment Approach
Treatment Principle
Remove Damp-Heat, resolve Phlegm, smooth the Liver, regulate Liver Qi
Recommended Herbal Formulas
Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations
Avoiding foods that is high in cholesterol such as animal guts.
Try eat more sour taste foods such as vinegar or lemon.
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