What are the traditional Chinese medicine treatment methods for chronic cholecystitis

The traditional Chinese medicine treatment methods for chronic cholecystitis mainly include soothing the liver and promoting bile flow, clearing heat and dampness, promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, strengthening the spleen and stomach, and regulating qi. Chronic cholecystitis may be related to factors such as damp heat in the liver and gallbladder, qi stagnation and blood stasis, and spleen and stomach weakness. It usually manifests as symptoms such as upper right abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and nausea. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive treatment based on syndrome differentiation under the guidance of a professional traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.

1. Soothing the liver and promoting bile flow

Soothing the liver and promoting bile flow is a commonly used method for treating chronic cholecystitis, suitable for patients with liver gallbladder qi stagnation. Common prescriptions include Chaihu Shugan San, Longdan Xiegan Tang, etc. Among them, Chaihu Shugan San is composed of Chaihu, Paeonia lactiflora, Fructus Aurantii, etc., which helps alleviate symptoms such as rib distension and belching. Longdan Xiegan Tang contains ingredients such as gentian grass and gardenia, which can improve symptoms of dampness and heat such as bitter mouth and yellow urine. During the treatment period, it is necessary to avoid emotional fluctuations and maintain a relaxed mood.

2. Clear heat and eliminate dampness

Clear heat and eliminate dampness methods are used for chronic cholecystitis of liver and gallbladder damp heat type. Representative formulas include Dachaihu Tang, Yinchenhao Tang, etc. Da Chai Hu Tang combined with Chaihu and Huangqin can relieve Shaoyang stagnation heat, alleviate symptoms such as cold and heat exchange and chest tightness. Yin Chen Hao Tang mainly uses Yin Chen and Zhi Zi herbs, which can promote bile excretion, alleviate symptoms such as jaundice and skin itching. Daily consumption of greasy and spicy food should be avoided to avoid exacerbating dampness and heat.

3. Promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis

Promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis is suitable for patients with a long course of illness and internal blood stasis. Commonly used formulas include Xuefu Zhuyu Tang and Gexia Zhuyu Tang. Xuefu Zhuyu Tang contains ingredients such as peach kernels and red flowers, which can improve symptoms of blood stasis such as fixed stabbing pain and dark purple tongue texture. Gexia Zhuyu Tang focuses on regulating blood stasis under the diaphragm, relieving symptoms such as abdominal distension and indigestion. During treatment, vigorous exercise should be avoided to prevent worsening of blood stasis.

4. Strengthening the spleen and stomach

The method of strengthening the spleen and stomach is used for chronic cholecystitis with weak spleen and stomach. Representative formulas include Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang and Shenling Baizhu San. Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang improves symptoms such as loss of appetite and fatigue by using herbs such as Codonopsis pilosula and atractylodes macrocephala to invigorate the spleen and qi. Shen Ling Bai Zhu San focuses on tonifying spleen and dampness, and is suitable for patients with loose stools. It is recommended to eat small and frequent meals, with a focus on easily digestible foods.

5. Regulating Qi Machine

The method of regulating qi machine improves symptoms by restoring the balance of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, stomach, and qi machines. Commonly used formulas include Sini San, Xiaoyao San, etc. Sini San can soothe the liver, relieve depression, harmonize the liver and spleen, and alleviate symptoms such as rib pain and diarrhea. Xiaoyao San combined with Chaihu and Danggui is suitable for hidden pain and low mood caused by liver depression and blood deficiency. In daily life, gentle massage of the rib area can be combined to promote the circulation of qi and blood. In addition to traditional Chinese medicine treatment, patients with chronic cholecystitis should maintain a regular diet and avoid overeating or excessive hunger. It is recommended to choose a low-fat and high fiber diet, such as oats, broccoli, etc., to reduce the intake of animal organs and fried foods. Moderate exercise such as Tai Chi and Eight Section Brocade can help promote smooth circulation of qi and blood. If acute symptoms such as severe abdominal pain and fever occur, seek medical attention immediately to rule out emergencies such as gallstones and impaction.