Biliary Colic(Gallstone Pain)

Brief Description

Gallstone pain, also known as biliary colic, manifests as a sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen or below the ribcage. The pain may radiate to the back or right shoulder blade and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or indigestion. Typically triggered after a fatty meal, the pain arises when a gallstone blocks the flow of bile from the gallbladder, causing inflammation and spasms.

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, gallstone pain is classified under conditions like "Gallbladder Damp-Heat" or "Qi and Blood Stagnation in the Liver and Gallbladder." TCM views gallstones as the result of accumulated Damp-Heat, Qi stagnation, and constitutional imbalances in the Liver and Gallbladder. Contributing factors include a rich, greasy diet, stress, emotional tension, and inadequate bile circulation.

TCM offers a holistic approach to gallstone pain by addressing the acute symptoms, such as pain and spasms, while resolving the underlying causes, such as Damp-Heat or Qi stagnation. Through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary adjustments, TCM aims to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence.

Common Misconceptions

  • Surgery is inevitable: Many believe gallstones always require surgery, but TCM provides effective alternatives for managing gallstone pain and reducing the risk of recurrence.
  • Fatty foods alone cause gallstones: While fatty meals often trigger gallstone pain, factors like emotional stress, poor bile circulation, and constitutional imbalances also contribute.

TCM Diagnosis

Typical Tongue

Typical Pulse

Taut, fast

TCM Pathogenesis

Gallstone pain in TCM is associated with the following patterns:

Gallbladder Damp-Heat: Excessive Damp-Heat obstructs the bile ducts, leading to pain, nausea, and bitter taste in the mouth. Liver Qi Stagnation: Emotional stress disrupts the Liver's function of maintaining Qi flow, causing spasms and pain. Qi and Blood Stagnation: Prolonged stagnation in the Liver and Gallbladder channels can lead to stone formation and pain. Spleen Qi Deficiency: Weak digestion contributes to the accumulation of Dampness, leading to the development of gallstones.

TCM Treatment

General Principle

Clear Damp-Heat: Use acupuncture and herbal medicine to resolve heat and dampness obstructing the bile ducts. Regulate Qi Flow: Address Liver Qi stagnation to relieve pain and promote bile flow. Dispel Stasis: Improve circulation of Qi and Blood to resolve blockages and prevent stone formation. Strengthen the Spleen: Support digestive health to reduce Damp accumulation.

Unique Therapies We Apply

  • Acupuncture treatment:Combining traditional points with specific points to relieve pain and promote bile flow: Dan Shu (GB24): Clears Damp-Heat from the Gallbladder and alleviates pain. Yang Ling Quan (GB34): Regulates the Gallbladder channel and reduces spasms. Zhong Wan (CV12): Strengthens the Spleen and harmonizes digestion. Tai Chong (LV3): Regulates Liver Qi and relieves stagnation.
  • Herbal Formulas:Focus on classical prescriptions (Jing Fang, 经方) tailored to the patient’s pattern: Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (龙胆泻肝汤): Clears Gallbladder Damp-Heat and resolves acute symptoms. Yin Chen Hao Tang (茵陈蒿汤): Resolves Damp-Heat jaundice and improves bile circulation. Chai Hu Shu Gan San (柴胡疏肝散): Regulates Liver Qi and alleviates spasms.

Treatment Plan

  • Acute Phase (0-2 Weeks): Focus: Relieve severe pain, clear Damp-Heat, and resolve bile duct blockages. Frequency: Acupuncture 2-3 times per week; herbal formulas taken daily.
  • Recovery Phase (2-6 Weeks): Focus: Address underlying imbalances, promote bile flow, and strengthen digestive health. Frequency: Acupuncture 1-2 times per week; herbal therapy continued daily.
  • Prevention Phase (6 Weeks+): Focus: Prevent recurrence by maintaining Liver and Gallbladder health and supporting Qi and Blood circulation. Frequency: Weekly acupuncture with ongoing herbal support for 1-2 months.

Precaution

  • Avoid Greasy Foods: Reduce intake of fatty and fried foods to prevent Damp-Heat accumulation.
  • Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or Qigong to reduce Liver Qi stagnation.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink moderate amounts of water to support bile flow but avoid overhydration during acute pain episodes.
  • Seek Early Treatment: Timely acupuncture and herbal therapy can prevent pain from becoming severe or recurring.
  • Support Digestive Health: Maintain a balanced diet to strengthen the Spleen and prevent Damp accumulation.

Summary

Gallstone pain, or biliary colic, reflects underlying imbalances in the Liver and Gallbladder that require holistic treatment. Traditional Chinese Medicine provides effective tools to relieve pain, clear bile duct blockages, and address root causes through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary adjustments. By promoting systemic balance, TCM not only alleviates acute symptoms but also prevents future gallstone formation, ensuring long-term health and well-being.

TCM Dr. Ma

The Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment approaches outlined above are derived from my clinical experience, and I acknowledge there may be areas not fully covered or that require further refinement over time.

This content is intended to provide a learning reference for professionals and enthusiasts in Traditional Chinese Medicine and to help patients gain a better understanding of their conditions and common misconceptions.

However, I must emphasize that this information does not constitute specific treatment guidance. All TCM treatments must be tailored to the individual through thorough diagnosis by a qualified practitioner. Non-professionals should not attempt self-treatment based on this information, as any treatment conducted without professional supervision may carry potential safety risks.