Acute Cholecystitisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Biliary & Gallbladder Disorders
Parent symptom: Cholecystitis
Did you mean? Gallstones
What is Acute Cholecystitis?
Acute cholecystitis refers to the sudden inflammation of the gallbladder, often associated with gallstones. This condition typically presents with severe pain in the upper right abdomen, fever, and nausea. Recognized as a serious medical condition, it demands immediate attention and care.
How Does TCM View Acute Cholecystitis?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acute cholecystitis is seen as a disturbance in the body's natural balance. Unlike Western medicine, which focuses on localized inflammation, TCM considers the flow of Qi (energy), the harmony of Yin and Yang, and lifestyle factors.
It interprets the symptoms as indicators of deeper systemic imbalances and aims to restore equilibrium through holistic treatment.
Causes of Acute Cholecystitis According to TCM
In TCM, the primary cause of acute cholecystitis is seen as a combination of Heat and Dampness accumulation in the Gallbladder and Liver, leading to inflammation and pain.
The imbalance is characterized by sharp abdominal pain, fever, and nausea, mirroring the symptoms recognized in conventional medicine but interpreted through the principles of energy and elemental balance.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Acute Cholecystitis
To address acute cholecystitis, TCM recommends several herbal formulas. Huang Lian Jie Du Tang, containing Goldthread Rhizomes, is employed to clear Heat and Dampness, particularly from the Gallbladder and Liver. It helps reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of heat accumulation.
Another formula, Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, which includes Chinese Gentian, targets the Liver and Gallbladder directly, aiming to cool and soothe these organs by dispelling excess Heat.
For more severe cases with significant Heat build-up, San Wu Bei Ji Wan, which contains the potent Croton Fruits, is used as a strong purgative to expel the accumulated Heat rapidly. These formulas are part of a holistic approach in TCM, focusing on restoring balance and ensuring the smooth flow of Qi and bodily fluids to promote healing.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address acute cholecystitis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that warm and purge
- Formulas that purge heat accumulation
- Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity
Acute cholecystitis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity if it arises from heat toxins affecting the body.
One such formula is Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity" recommended for acute cholecystitis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang | Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) |
| Huang Lian Jie Du Tang | Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) |
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
Acute cholecystitis can be treated by these formulas if it stems from an excess heat condition in specific organs, leading to internal disharmony.
One such formula is Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, with chinese gentian as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and purge
Acute cholecystitis can be treated by these formulas if it stems from cold accumulation coupled with excess conditions, necessitating warming and purging actions.
One such formula is San Wu Bei Ji Wan, with croton fruit as a key herb.
Formulas that purge Heat accumulation
Acute cholecystitis 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
Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
Acute 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 Acute Cholecystitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address acute cholecystitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Cathartic herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that drain dampness
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Acute 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 acute cholecystitis, like Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for acute cholecystitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) | Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang | Huang Lian Jie Du Tang |
| Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao) | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang |
Cathartic herbs that drain downward
Acute cholecystitis can be treated by these herbs when due to excess accumulation in the intestines and stomach, aiding in eliminating waste and toxins through purgation.
One such herb is Croton Fruits (Ba Dou), a key herb in some formulas recommended for acute cholecystitis, like San Wu Bei Ji Wan.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Acute 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 acute cholecystitis, like Yi Yi Fu Zi Bai Jiang San.