GALLSTONES

Formation of stone in any part of the biliary system is called as gallstones. It is also named cholelithiasis, those clinical manifestations are based on whether infection of biliary tract of obstruction of bile tract is evoked as well as on the position and degree of the obstruction.

Pain in the hypochondrium which refers to the back, no appetite for greasy food,

Ultrasound is a main diagnostic method of Gallstones.

Gallstones are successfully treated by TCM’s treatment approach. It may take about one or two months as a treatment cycle.

Common Syndromes and Treatments in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

This ailment, according to TCM, has different syndromes.

Damp-Heat in the Liver and Gallbladder

Alternate attacks of fever and chills, fullness and discomfort in the chest and hypochondrium, of pain in the hypochondrium which refers to the back, no appetite for greasy food, dark yellow urine or jaundice, abdominal distension, constipation, yellow greasy tongue coating, and taut slippery pulse.

Stagnation of the Liver-Qi and Weakness of the Spleen

Poor appetite, abdominal distension, vague pain in the hypochondrium, lassitude, acratia, thin and loose stools, enlarged and light-red tongue with toothmark, and deep slow pulse.

ACUPUNCTURE and GALLSTONES

There are a substantial number of therapeutic approaches to be used in combination. These include:

1. A diet and exercise program that emphasizes a low fat, high fiber diet and regular daily exercise. For obese patients, a carefully monitored diet with appropriate caloric controls should have a goal of gradual weight loss of not more than 2 pounds per week on average. A digestive enzyme preparation that includes ox bile and lipase may be used to help treat symptoms of poor fat digestion.

2. A regular meal schedule that encourages the gallbladder to fill completely between meals. This means minimizing snacking (which is an approach contrary to some dietary recommendations for managing eating disorders and some other health problems).

3. Daily consumption of stone dissolving substances, including the "three golds" and, if possible, bile salts.

4. Consumption of moderate amounts of coffee (with or without caffeine) and/or other herbs that promote bile flow.

5. Acupuncture therapy to regulate circulation of qi, purge the gallbladder, and alleviate pain in the gallbladder region.

6. A gallstone purging therapy to eliminate stones that have a diameter of less than 1 cm.