Acute Pancreatitisaccording to TCM

What is Acute Pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas, a critical organ in digestion and glucose regulation. This abrupt onset of inflammation can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The condition is often triggered by gallstones or excessive alcohol consumption, leading to digestive enzymes becoming active inside the pancreas and attacking its tissues.

Acute pancreatitis requires immediate medical attention due to its potential severity, and its symptoms can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening complications.

How does TCM view Acute Pancreatitis?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acute pancreatitis is seen through a unique lens that differs significantly from Western medicine. TCM interprets this condition as an imbalance or disruption in the body's energy flow, known as Qi, and the harmony of internal organ systems.

Rather than focusing solely on the physical inflammation of the pancreas, TCM considers acute pancreatitis a manifestation of underlying disharmonies. Identifying the specific pattern of disharmony is crucial in TCM, as it dictates the personalized treatment approach, recognizing that various different patterns can cause similar symptoms.

Causes of Acute Pancreatitis According to TCM

TCM attributes acute pancreatitis to several patterns of disharmony. A common cause is the accumulation of Heat in the body, particularly in the digestive system, leading to inflammation and disrupting the pancreas's function. This Heat can stem from an imbalance in diet, emotional stress, or external factors.

Another TCM perspective involves Dampness within the body, which can coalesce with Heat, creating an environment conducive to inflammation and organ distress. These causes reflect TCM's holistic approach, where the focus is on restoring the body's natural balance and addressing the root causes of the condition.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Acute Pancreatitis

In treating acute pancreatitis, TCM utilizes a variety of formulas and herbs tailored to the individual's pattern of disharmony. One key formula is Xiao Cheng Qi Tang, which is used to purge Heat accumulation in the body, especially in the digestive system.

This formula aligns with the TCM principle of removing excessive Heat to alleviate inflammation and restore balance. The selection of specific herbs and formulas in TCM is a strategic process aimed not just at symptom relief but at addressing the deeper disharmonies and promoting the body's natural healing processes.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address acute pancreatitis, organized by formula type.

By Formula Type

Formulas that release the exterior and purge the interior
Formulas that purge heat accumulation

Formulas that release the Exterior and purge the Interior

Acute pancreatitis can be treated by these formulas if it is due to external pathogens combined with internal accumulation, needing actions that address both aspects.

One such formula is Da Chai Hu Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.

Formulas that purge Heat accumulation

Acute pancreatitis can be treated by these formulas if it arises from an excess of internal heat, needing actions that clear heat and reduce its intensity.

One such formula is Xiao Cheng Qi Tang

TCM Herbs for Acute Pancreatitis

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address acute pancreatitis, organized by herb category.

By Herb Category

Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Purgative herbs that drain downward

Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior

Acute pancreatitis can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.

One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for acute pancreatitis, like Da Chai Hu Tang.

Purgative herbs that drain downward

Acute pancreatitis can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.

One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for acute pancreatitis, like Da Chai Hu Tang.