Ascites Due To Liver Cirrhosisaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Cirrhosis and Related Symptoms, Ascites, Alcohol-Related Conditions
Parent symptom: Ascites
What is Ascites due to Liver Cirrhosis?
Ascites due to liver cirrhosis is a medical condition where fluid accumulates in the abdomen as a result of chronic liver damage. This buildup of fluid, typically associated with advanced liver disease, leads to abdominal swelling and discomfort.
Liver cirrhosis, which signifies long-term scarring and dysfunction of the liver, often results from chronic alcohol abuse, hepatitis infections, or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Ascites is one of the most serious complications of cirrhosis, indicating a significant decline in liver function.
How does TCM view Ascites due to Liver Cirrhosis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives ascites due to liver cirrhosis as an imbalance in the body's vital energies, primarily concerning the liver and spleen. TCM theory suggests that Liver dysfunction disrupts the flow of Qi and Blood, while a weakened spleen contributes to poor fluid management.
This imbalance results in fluid accumulation and the manifestation of ascites. TCM approaches focus on restoring harmony to the Qi and enhancing organ functionality.
Causes of Ascites due to Liver Cirrhosis according to TCM
TCM attributes ascites in liver cirrhosis to patterns like Oedema and Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium. The impairment in Liver function leads to a Stagnation of Qi and Blood, creating a conducive environment for Dampness and Phlegm to accumulate. This accumulation, coupled with the Spleen's inability to regulate fluids effectively, leads to Oedema and ascites. TCM interventions aim to expel this excess Dampness and strengthen the liver and spleen to address the root cause.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Ascites Due To Liver Cirrhosis
To manage ascites in liver cirrhosis, TCM utilizes specific formulas targeting the underlying patterns. Formulas such as Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan and Shi Zao Tang are employed to drive out excess water and address Phlegm-Fluids. These formulas incorporate herbs like Stephania Roots and Kansui Roots, noted for their efficacy in treating fluid accumulation.
Additionally, Wu Pi Yin, a formula that promotes urination and leaches out Dampness, and Zhen Wu Tang, which warms and transforms water and Dampness, are used. These are formulated with herbs like Poria-Cocos Mushrooms and Prepared aconite, selected for their properties that align with correcting Qi imbalances and reinforcing spleen and liver functions.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address ascites due to liver cirrhosis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that drive out excess water
- Formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness
- Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
Formulas that drive out excess water
Ascites due to liver cirrhosis can be treated by these formulas when it is a consequence of accumulated excess water or fluid in the body, demanding diuretic actions to promote its expulsion.
One such formula is Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan, with stephania root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that drive out excess water" recommended for ascites due to liver cirrhosis
Formulas that promote urination and leach out Dampness
Ascites due to liver cirrhosis can be treated by these formulas when it is caused by an accumulation of dampness in the body, requiring diuretic actions to promote fluid balance.
One such formula is Wu Pi Yin, with poria-cocos mushroom as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness
Ascites due to liver cirrhosis can be treated by these formulas if it is due to cold-dampness obstructing the body's functions, requiring warming and damp-transforming actions.
One such formula is Zhen Wu Tang, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Ascites Due To Liver Cirrhosis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address ascites due to liver cirrhosis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Cathartic herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Laxative herbs that drain downward
Cathartic herbs that drain downward
Ascites due to liver cirrhosis 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 Kansui Roots (Gan Sui), a key herb in some formulas recommended for ascites due to liver cirrhosis, like Shi Zao Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cathartic herbs that drain downward" recommended for ascites due to liver cirrhosis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Kansui Roots (Gan Sui) | Shi Zao Tang | Zhou Che Wan |
| Genkwa Flowers (Yuan Hua) | Shi Zao Tang | Zhou Che Wan |
| Morning Glory Seeds (Qian Niu Zi) | Yu Gong San |
Herbs that drain Dampness
Ascites due to liver cirrhosis 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 Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), a key herb in some formulas recommended for ascites due to liver cirrhosis, like Wu Pi Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for ascites due to liver cirrhosis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling) | Wu Pi Yin |
| Ginger Peel (Sheng Jiang Pi) | Wu Pi Yin |
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Ascites due to liver cirrhosis can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Selanginella Herbs (Shi shang Bai), which is directly recommended for ascites due to liver cirrhosis.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Ascites due to liver cirrhosis can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Barbat Skullcap Herb (Ban Zhi Lian), which is directly recommended for ascites due to liver cirrhosis.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Ascites due to liver cirrhosis can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Mulberry Bark (Sang Bai Pi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for ascites due to liver cirrhosis, like Wu Pi Yin.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Ascites due to liver cirrhosis 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 Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for ascites due to liver cirrhosis, like Zhen Wu Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Ascites due to liver cirrhosis 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 Stephania Roots (Fang Ji), a key herb in some formulas recommended for ascites due to liver cirrhosis, like Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan.
Laxative herbs that drain downward
Ascites due to liver cirrhosis can be treated by these herbs when there's a need for a milder form of bowel movement to alleviate constipation and regulate digestion.
One such herb is Peking Spurge Roots (Jing Da Ji), a key herb in some formulas recommended for ascites due to liver cirrhosis, like Shi Zao Tang.