Methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Treating Gallstones

Traditional Chinese medicine can improve the symptoms of gallstones by removing stones with traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion, acupoint application, diet regulation, and sports assistance. Gallstones are often caused by factors such as damp heat in the liver and gallbladder, qi stagnation and blood stasis, and are often accompanied by symptoms such as upper right abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

1. Traditional Chinese Medicine for Stone Removal

Traditional Chinese medicine treatment mainly focuses on soothing the liver and promoting bile flow, clearing heat and dampness, and commonly uses a combination of medicinal herbs such as Jin Qian Cao, Ji Nei Jin, Yin Chen, etc. Traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations such as Danning tablet, anti-inflammatory and cholagogue tablet, Danshu capsule can be used according to the doctor's advice. Danning tablets contain ingredients such as rhubarb and goldenrod, which help alleviate biliary colic; Anti inflammatory and choleretic tablets contain Chuanxinlian and Xihuangcao, suitable for damp heat type stones; Danshu capsules contain peppermint extract and oil, which can promote bile secretion. It should be noted that the traditional Chinese medicine treatment course is relatively long and requires continuous adjustment.

II. acupuncture and moxibustion and moxibustion conditioning

acupuncture and moxibustion selects Yanglingquan, Danshu, Riyue and other acupoints to regulate the liver and gallbladder function by stimulating the meridians. Electroacupuncture therapy can enhance gallbladder contraction and promote the expulsion of small stones. Ear acupuncture can be applied to acupoints such as the pancreas, gallbladder, and sympathetic organs, and combined with body acupuncture to alleviate swelling and pain. Acupuncture and moxibustion needs to be operated by professional doctors, and strong stimulation is prohibited during acute attack. 10-15 sessions are considered as one course of treatment, with an interval of 2-3 days between treatments.

3. Acupoint application

Grind medicines such as saltpeter and rhubarb and apply them to the Dan Shu acupoint or painful area, exerting their therapeutic effects through transdermal absorption. Can be combined with infrared irradiation to enhance penetration effect. This method is suitable for people with weaker physical constitution and can reduce the gastrointestinal irritation caused by oral medication. To prevent skin allergies, each application should not exceed 4 hours. Pregnant women and those with skin damage are prohibited from using it.

Fourthly, dietary regulation

The daily water intake should be at least 2000 milliliters, and one can alternate between drinking choleretic tea drinks such as corn silk tea and tangerine peel Pu'er tea. Strictly limit high cholesterol foods such as animal organs and fatty meat, and eat breakfast on time to stimulate bile excretion. Recommend consuming vegetables rich in dietary fiber such as broccoli and carrots, as well as sour fruits such as hawthorn and plum to aid digestion.

5. Exercise Assistance

Choose soft exercises such as Eight Section Brocade and Tai Chi, and focus on practicing movements such as "shaking the head and tail to dispel heart fire" to relieve liver and gallbladder qi. Massage the projection area of the gallbladder under the rib margin clockwise for 5 minutes every morning, and exercise the diaphragm with deep breathing. Avoid intense exercise that may cause stone displacement, and rest in bed during the acute phase.

During traditional Chinese medicine treatment, regular follow-up ultrasound should be used to observe changes in stones. If there is persistent high fever, jaundice, or severe abdominal pain, medical attention should be sought immediately. Surgical treatment should be given priority when dealing with emergencies such as bile duct obstruction and gallbladder perforation. It is important to maintain a relaxed mood in daily life and avoid liver damage caused by anger and frustration. Going to bed before 23:00 at night is beneficial for regulating the liver and gallbladder meridians. For stones with a diameter exceeding 10 millimeters or a large number, it is recommended to combine traditional Chinese and Western medicine for treatment.