Can traditional Chinese medicine really eliminate gallstones

Traditional Chinese medicine treatment for gallstones may help to eliminate some small stones, but the effect varies from person to person and has limitations. The treatment of gallstones mainly includes Chinese medicine stone dissolving, acupuncture and moxibustion and moxibustion conditioning, diet intervention, sports assistance and surgical stone removal. It is recommended to comprehensively evaluate the size and physical condition of the stones under the guidance of a doctor and choose an appropriate plan.

1. Traditional Chinese Medicine for Stone Dissolution

Some traditional Chinese medicines such as goldenrod and chicken internal gold may help dissolve small cholesterol stones by promoting bile secretion. Suitable for stones with a diameter less than 5 millimeters, often accompanied by symptoms such as bloating and postprandial pain. Attention should be paid to the long treatment period of traditional Chinese medicine, which may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and other side effects. When using western medicine such as ursodeoxycholic acid capsules, caution should be exercised in compatibility.

2. acupuncture and moxibustion and Moxibustion Conditioning

Acupuncture of gallbladder meridian points such as Yanglingquan and Riyue may alleviate the symptoms of biliary colic and improve cholestasis. The effect is more significant for patients with sediment like stones or abnormal gallbladder contraction function, but it cannot directly eliminate larger stones. Regular monitoring of stone changes is required in conjunction with ultrasound examination.

3. Dietary intervention

Low fat and high fiber diet can reduce the risk of cholesterol stone formation. It is recommended to drink at least 2000 milliliters of water per day, limit high cholesterol foods such as animal organs, and supplement foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids such as walnuts and flaxseed in moderation. During acute attacks, it is necessary to fast from oily foods.

4. Exercise assistance

Moderate aerobic exercise such as brisk walking and swimming may promote the movement of small stones through changes in body position. However, intense exercise may cause stone entrapment and lead to biliary colic, especially for patients with good gallbladder contraction function, and sudden changes in position should be avoided.

5. Surgical stone removal

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is still a curative option for stones larger than 10 millimeters or combined with cholecystitis and bile duct obstruction. The recurrence rate of gallbladder preservation and stone removal surgery is relatively high, and extracorporeal stone fragmentation may cause complications such as pancreatitis, requiring strict evaluation of indications. Traditional Chinese medicine stone removal requires regular ultrasound monitoring. If there is persistent upper right abdominal pain, jaundice, or fever, immediate medical attention should be sought. Regular daily routines should be maintained to avoid rapid weight loss and long-term fasting. Obese patients are recommended to gradually lose weight. Analysis of stone composition can guide personalized prevention. Calcium salt stones need to control calcium intake, while cholesterol stones need to limit high sugar diets. Suggest re examining gallbladder ultrasound every 3-6 months to observe the dynamic changes of stones.