Renal Colic (Kidney Stone Pain)

Brief Description

Renal colic, often associated with kidney stones, is characterized by intense, cramping pain typically felt in the lower back, sides, or abdomen. The pain may radiate to the groin or inner thigh and is often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine, or frequent and painful urination. From a Western medical perspective, the pain arises when kidney stones obstruct the urinary tract, creating pressure and spasms in the ureter.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), renal colic is classified under syndromes like "Shilin (石淋)" or "Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao." It is often caused by the accumulation of Damp-Heat, Qi stagnation, or Blood stasis in the urinary system, combined with underlying deficiencies in Kidney Yin or Yang. Contributing factors include improper diet, dehydration, emotional stress, and constitutional weakness.

TCM approaches renal colic by focusing on pain relief, removing urinary obstructions, and addressing the root causes of kidney stone formation. Through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle adjustments, TCM provides a holistic and non-invasive approach to alleviate acute symptoms and prevent recurrence.

Common Misconceptions

  • Only painkillers can manage the pain: While effective temporarily, painkillers do not address the root causes or aid in stone expulsion.
  • Drinking large amounts of water can flush out stones: While hydration is important, excessive water intake in some cases can overburden the kidneys, especially when the stone is causing a severe blockage. This may lead to increased pressure and worsen symptoms, causing more pain and distress. Proper assessment and guidance are essential before using this approach.
  • Dietary changes alone are enough: While important, dietary adjustments must be combined with therapies that regulate Qi and dissolve stones.
  • Surgery is always required for kidney stones: Many stones can be managed with TCM approaches that promote natural expulsion and reduce recurrence.
  • The pain stops once the stone passes: Even after stone passage, addressing underlying imbalances is crucial to prevent future stone formation.

TCM Diagnosis

Typical Tongue

Typical Pulse

Taut, tight and fast

TCM Pathogenesis

In TCM, renal colic results from a combination of excess and deficiency syndromes:

Excess Patterns: Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao: Heat and dampness accumulate in the bladder and kidneys, causing sharp pain and difficulty urinating. Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis: Blocked Qi and Blood flow result in severe pain and urinary obstruction.

Deficiency Patterns: Kidney Yin Deficiency: Insufficient Yin leads to internal heat, exacerbating stone formation and urinary difficulties. Kidney Yang Deficiency: Weak Yang fails to regulate water metabolism, contributing to the formation of stones.

TCM Treatment

General Principle

Relieve Pain and Expel Stones: Use acupuncture and herbal medicine to reduce pain and promote the expulsion of stones. Clear Damp-Heat: Eliminate pathogenic factors that contribute to stone formation. Promote Qi and Blood Flow: Address stagnation to ease urinary obstruction and reduce spasms. Strengthen Kidney Function: Nourish Yin or Yang as needed to prevent recurrence. Regulate Water Circulation: Help with pee issues.

Unique Therapies We Apply

  • Acupuncture treatment: A combination of traditional points and specific points like Jieshi Point (结石点) is used to relieve pain and promote urination. Key points, such as Shen Shu (BL23), San Yin Jiao (SP6), and Zhong Ji (CV3), work synergistically to unblock Qi, alleviate spasms, and clear urinary obstruction.
  • Herbal medicine treatment: Emphasis is placed on classical formulas (Jing Fang, 经方) tailored to the patient's condition: Ba Zheng San (八正散): Clears Damp-Heat and promotes urination. Shi Wei San (石苇散): Dissolves stones and alleviates pain. Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan (知柏地黄丸): Nourishes Yin and clears internal heat in deficiency patterns.
  • Dietary Therapy: Incorporate foods that promote urination and reduce stone formation, such as watermelon, barley, and celery. Avoid greasy, spicy, and high-oxalate foods that contribute to Damp-Heat and stone formation.

Treatment Plan

  • Acute Phase (0-2 Weeks): Focus: Relieve severe pain, clear Damp-Heat, and promote stone expulsion. Frequency: Acupuncture 2-3 times per week; herbal medicine taken daily.
  • Recovery Phase (2-6 Weeks): Focus: Address underlying imbalances, nourish Kidney function, and prevent recurrence. Frequency: Acupuncture 1-2 times per week; herbal therapy continued daily.
  • Prevention Phase (6 Weeks+): Focus: Strengthen the Kidneys, maintain urinary health, and prevent future stone formation. Frequency: Weekly or bi-weekly acupuncture, with herbal support as needed.

Precaution

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent stone formation and aid in stone expulsion.
  • Avoid Damp-Heat Triggers: Limit greasy, spicy, or high-sodium foods that contribute to Damp-Heat.
  • Timely Treatment: Seek acupuncture and herbal therapy early to prevent worsening symptoms or complications.
  • Monitor Symptoms: If severe pain persists or urinary obstruction occurs, seek immediate medical attention.

Summary

Renal colic, caused by kidney stones, is more than just an acute pain condition—it reflects deeper imbalances that require comprehensive care. Traditional Chinese Medicine provides effective tools to relieve pain, expel stones, and restore balance through acupuncture, herbal remedies, and lifestyle adjustments. By addressing both symptoms and root causes, TCM empowers patients to recover fully and prevent future occurrences, offering a holistic path to urinary health.

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.