Chronic Appendicitisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Appendicitis Conditions
Parent symptom: Appendicitis
What is Chronic Appendicitis?
Chronic appendicitis, a less common form of appendicitis, involves long-term inflammation of the appendix that can persist for weeks, months, or even years. Unlike its acute counterpart, which demands swift surgical intervention, chronic appendicitis presents with milder, recurrent episodes of abdominal pain.
This condition, also known as long-term or recurrent appendicitis, challenges the conventional urgency associated with appendicitis, leading to a more nuanced approach in both diagnosis and treatment.
How does TCM view Chronic Appendicitis?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), chronic appendicitis is seen through a lens that considers the whole system's harmony and balance. TCM does not isolate the appendix as a singular point of failure but interprets its inflammation as a sign of underlying disharmony within the body's energetic pathways.
Symptoms like persistent abdominal pain are indicators of Qi Stagnation, Damp-Heat accumulation, or Blood Stasis, reflecting a deeper imbalance that TCM seeks to address through holistic healing practices.
Causes of Chronic Appendicitis According to TCM
TCM identifies several patterns that may lead to chronic appendicitis, with Damp-Heat and Blood Stasis in the Lower Burner being primary contributors.
Damp-Heat can accumulate in the intestines, causing inflammation and pain, while Blood Stasis refers to the obstruction of blood flow, further exacerbating the condition. These insights offer a nuanced understanding of chronic appendicitis, emphasizing the importance of restoring balance and flow within the body to alleviate the condition.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Chronic Appendicitis
For treating chronic appendicitis, TCM turns to formulas designed to clear internal abscesses, soothe inflammation, and restore harmony. A notable recommendation is Yi Yi Fu Zi Bai Jiang San, a formula incorporating Job's tears (Yi Yi Ren) for its sweet and cooling properties.
This formula is particularly suited for patterns like Damp-Heat and Blood Stasis in the Lower Jiao, targeting the root causes of chronic appendicitis according to TCM principles.
See more details below about Yi Yi Fu Zi Bai Jiang San, a herbal formula used to address chronic appendicitis.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
Chronic appendicitis 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.
Acupoints for Chronic Appendicitis
TCM also advocates for acupuncture as a complementary treatment strategy, with specific acupoints like Lanwei EX-LE-7 being highlighted for their effectiveness in managing chronic appendicitis. Located on the Stomach Channel of the right leg, this point is instrumental in promoting Qi and Blood circulation in the Large Intestine and clearing Heat and Toxin-Heat, directly addressing the underlying imbalances contributing to chronic appendicitis. This approach underscores TCM's integrated treatment methodology, combining herbal medicine with acupuncture to achieve holistic healing.
See more details below about Lanwei EX-LE-7, an acupoint used to address chronic appendicitis.
- By Meridian
- Extra Points: Lower Extremities (EX-LE)
Lanwei EX-LE-7
On the Stomach Channel of the right leg, Lanwei EX-LE-7 is about 2 cun distal to Zusanli ST-36, in the most tender point of that area.
TCM Herbs for Chronic Appendicitis
See more details below about Job's Tears (Yi Yi Ren), a herb used to address chronic appendicitis.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that drain dampness
Herbs that drain Dampness
Chronic appendicitis 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 appendicitis, like Yi Yi Fu Zi Bai Jiang San.