Chronic Cholecystitisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Biliary & Gallbladder Disorders
Parent symptom: Cholecystitis
What is Cholecystitis?
Cholecystitis, commonly known as gallbladder inflammation, is a medical condition characterized by the swelling and irritation of the gallbladder. This inflammation often leads to severe pain in the upper right abdomen, potentially radiating to other areas. Cholecystitis can manifest in two forms: Chronic Cholecystitis, which develops slowly, and Acute Cholecystitis, marked by sudden, intense pain.
How does TCM view Chronic Cholecystitis?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), chronic cholecystitis is interpreted through a lens focused on energy, balance, and the flow within the body's systems.
TCM considers this condition as a result of imbalances, particularly affecting the Gallbladder and Liver. This perspective underscores the significance of identifying specific patterns of disharmony unique to each individual, guiding personalized treatments to restore balance.
Causes of Chronic Cholecystitis According to TCM
In TCM, chronic cholecystitis is often attributed to Cold in the Middle Burner, affecting the digestive system and leading to impaired energy flow and inflammation in the Gallbladder.
Another common cause is Qi Stagnation, where the flow of energy is obstructed, causing pain and inflammation. These patterns reflect a complex interplay of environmental, physical, and emotional factors that TCM seeks to address holistically.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Chronic Cholecystitis
TCM recommends various formulas and herbs to treat chronic cholecystitis, based on the specific pattern of disharmony. For example, Da Jian Zhong Tang, which includes Sichuan pepper, is used to warm the Middle Burner and dispel Cold.
Similarly, Wu Zhu Yu Tang, containing Evodia Fruits, is employed for its warming properties.
In cases of stomach and intestine disharmony, Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang, with Goldthread Rhizomes, is chosen for its ability to clear Heat and dry Dampness. These formulas exemplify the TCM approach of using tailored herbal remedies to address the underlying causes and restore balance in the body.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address chronic cholecystitis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
- Formulas that harmonize stomach-Intestines
- Formulas that promote qi movement
- Formulas that release the exterior and warm the interior
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
- Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
Chronic cholecystitis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold in the middle jiao (digestive region), necessitating warming and cold-dispelling actions.
One such formula is Da Jian Zhong Tang, with sichuan pepper as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold" recommended for chronic cholecystitis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Da Jian Zhong Tang | Sichuan Pepper (Hua Jiao) |
| Wu Zhu Yu Tang | Evodia Fruits (Wu Zhu Yu) |
Formulas that harmonize Stomach-Intestines
Chronic cholecystitis can be treated by these formulas when the symptom arises from disharmony between the stomach and intestines, often leading to digestive issues.
One such formula is Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that promote Qi movement
Chronic cholecystitis can be treated by these formulas if it stems from stagnation or imbalance in the flow of Qi, the vital life energy, within the body.
One such formula is Chai Hu Shu Gan San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that Release the Exterior and Warm the Interior
Chronic cholecystitis can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external cold invasion affecting the body, requiring treatments that expel cold and warm the interior.
One such formula is Gui Zhi Ren Shen Tang, with cinnamon twigs as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi
Chronic cholecystitis can be treated by these formulas if it results from Qi deficiency, necessitating treatments that boost the body's vital energy.
One such formula is Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
Chronic cholecystitis can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.
One such formula is Xiao Chai Hu Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
Chronic cholecystitis can be treated by these formulas if it is related to internal heat causing abscesses and sores.
One such formula is Yi Yi Fu Zi Bai Jiang San, with job's tears as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Chronic Cholecystitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address chronic cholecystitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that drain dampness
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Chronic cholecystitis can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Sichuan Pepper (Hua Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic cholecystitis, like Da Jian Zhong Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for chronic cholecystitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Sichuan Pepper (Hua Jiao) | Da Jian Zhong Tang |
| Evodia Fruits (Wu Zhu Yu) | Wu Zhu Yu Tang |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Chronic cholecystitis can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic cholecystitis, like Gui Zhi Ren Shen Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for chronic cholecystitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Gui Zhi Ren Shen Tang |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Chronic cholecystitis can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic cholecystitis, like Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Chronic cholecystitis 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 chronic cholecystitis, like Chai Hu Shu Gan San.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Chronic cholecystitis can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic cholecystitis, like Gui Zhi Ren Shen Tang.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Chronic cholecystitis can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Job's Tears (Yi Yi Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic cholecystitis, like Yi Yi Fu Zi Bai Jiang San.