Our two kidneys are important organs in our body. Do you know that TCM can help you to manage your kidney problems? Kidney stones can range in sizes from a grain of sand to that of a pearl. However, it can also be larger than that [1].
These stones are made up of minerals and chemical deposits. Although formed in the kidneys, they may travel to other parts of the urinary tract. As these stones move, symptoms like abdominal pain, pain when urinating and blood in the urine can show up.
In this article, I will share with you how TCM can help treat and prevent kidney stones.
Read on to find out more!
What are kidney stones?
A kidney stone is a solid mass that forms in the kidney. When chemicals and deposits in the urine crystalise, kidney stones form as a result [2]. Patients can have more than one stone in the urinary tract at the same time.
A kidney stone can be lodged in the urinary tract. Hence, when this happens, it disrupts the smooth flowing of urine in the urinary tract. In addition, it may cause severe pain from the loin to the groin area [3].
There are a number of factors leading to kidney stone formation. Usually, a diet that is high in fat, spicy food and alcohol is the main reason why kidney stones form.
Signs and symptoms of kidney stones
Kidney stone pain, also known as renal colic, can start off with dull pain. However, it can quickly progress into severe sharp pain. Often, you may experience pain in these areas:
- the back,
- the sides and
- around the belly.
This pain tends to come in waves. To list, here are a few symptoms you may also experience [4]:
- persistent urge to pee
- chills
- pus in the urine
- burning sensation during urination
- nausea
- mild pain
In more serious cases, you may feel:
- severe pain
- fever
- vomiting
- blood in the urine (hematuria)
If you are suffering from any of the signs, please be sure to get a diagnose as soon as possible.
How are kidney stones diagnosed in TCM?
Patients with kidney stones may not experience symptoms and may find out only when they are undergoing medical examinations for other conditions. To accurately diagnose kidney stones, patients are to take an imaging test. Examples of imaging tests are [5]:
- CT scan
- ultrasound.
Clinically, TCM is unable to diagnose kidney stones. Most patients with kidney stones engage TCM after a diagnosis from Western medicine doctors. However, TCM physicians will provide a diagnosis for the patient based on the symptoms, if any, such as:
- blood in the urine,
- difficulty urinating,
- small stones being passed out while urinating or
- any pain during urinating.
How does TCM treat kidney stones?
According to TCM theory, the formation of kidney stones is often due to heat-dampness gathered in the body. The formation of the heat-dampness that accumulates in the lower body is due to several factors. These common factors include:
- eating spicy, greasy and fried food
- engaging in heavy drinking [6].
Due to the heat-dampness, the fluids in the body is gradually depleted. Eventually, it will lead to the formation of kidney stones.
In addition, the formation of kidney stones may also be due to qi and blood stagnation in the body. The minerals and salts in the urine can easily accumulate when qi and blood in the body are not able to flow smoothly. Hence, kidney stones can form.
Generally, TCM physicians may perform acupuncture treatment on the patient. It helps to relieve the pain of the onset of kidney stones. It also aids in the excretion of the kidney stones and dissolves the stones during the remission period.
In addition, TCM physicians will also prescribe herbal medication that can remove heat-dampness as well as improve the circulation of blood and qi. In cases where the kidney stones are too big, Western medication, as well as surgery, will be recommended.
If you feel that your condition is not getting any better, be sure to consult your TCM physician for further advice.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that TCM is unable to clinically diagnose kidney stones, there are many TCM treatments that can help you. These treatments can help to reduce pain by decreasing the heat-dampness accumulated in the body and aid in the excretion of the kidney stones. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms stated above, be sure to get a diagnosis from a doctor as soon as possible.
He Qiu Ling is currently practising Traditional Chinese Medicine at Eu Yan Sang TCM Clinic @ Chinatown as a Senior Physician. Besides that, she graduated from Shanghai College/University of TCM, China, attaining a Bachelor in Chinese Medicine in 1983. Moreover, she is currently a Member of Singapore Association for Promoting Chinese Medicine as well as a Member of Singapore Chinese Physicians' Association Registered TCM Physician.
