Biliary tract infections according to Chinese Medicine
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
In Chinese Medicine, biliary tract infections is sometimes associated with Qi Stagnation, a so-called "patterns of disharmony". Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted. It is not equivalent to the Western concept of "disease" because both concepts arise from totally different ways of seeing the human body.
To understand whether someone's biliary tract infections might be caused by the pattern Qi Stagnation, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from biliary tract infections alone. Indeed if biliary tract infections is caused by Qi Stagnation, patients also experience symptoms such as stifling sensation in the chest and abdomen, fixed pain in the hypochondria, belching and vomiting. Similarly, patients with Qi Stagnation typically exhibit wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a normal (light red) tongue with thin white coating.
We've listed below a more detailed description of Qi Stagnation so that you can have a better understanding of where biliary tract infections might find its root according to Chinese Medicine.
Once identified, patterns are often treated using herbal formulas. Drinking herbal infusions is the most common remedy in Chinese Medicine, together with acupuncture. Here we detail below two formulas that can help treat Qi Stagnation.
Qi Stagnation, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with biliary tract infections
Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) is the key herb for Yue Ju Wan, a formula used for Qi Stagnation
Qi Stagnation
Pulse type(s): Wiry (Xian)
Tongue coating: Thin white coating
Tongue color: Normal (light red)
Recommended herbal formula: Yue Ju Wan
Symptoms: Belching Vomiting Acid reflux Indigestion Poor appetite Fixed pain in the hypochondria Mild coughing with copious sputum Stifling sensation in the chest and abdomen
Biliary tract infections might be due to Qi Stagnation if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as stifling sensation in the chest and abdomen, fixed pain in the hypochondria, belching and vomiting. Similarly, patients with Qi Stagnation typically exhibit wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a normal (light red) tongue with thin white coating.
The two herbal formulas that might help with biliary tract infections
Yue Ju Wan
Source date: 1481 AD
Number of ingredients: 5 herbs
Key actions: Promotes the movement of Qi. Releases all types of Stagnation (Qi, Blood, Phlegm, Fire, Food and Dampness).
Why might Yue Ju Wan help with biliary tract infections?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Qi Stagnation, a pattern sometimes associated with biliary tract infections. If it looks like you might suffer from Qi Stagnation, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Liang Ge San
Source date: 1107 AD
Number of ingredients: 8 herbs
Key actions: Drains Fire. Unblocks the bowels by clearing the Upper Burner. Draining the Middle Burner.
Why might Liang Ge San help with biliary tract infections?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with biliary tract infections. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Symptoms related to biliary tract infections
Stifling sensation in the chest and abdomen Fixed pain in the hypochondria Belching Vomiting Acid reflux Mild coughing with copious sputum Poor appetite Indigestion
