How to treat kidney stones in Chinese medicine?

Kidney stones are viewed as a disease due to dampness-heat accumulation and stagnation of qi and blood in Chinese medicine theory. The treatment of kidney stones in Chinese medicine usually adopts a comprehensive approach, focusing on eliminating the stones as well as adjusting the internal balance of the body.

In Chinese medicine, treating kidney stones first requires clearing heat and removing dampness, eliminating the state of dampness-heat retention. This is usually achieved by taking Chinese medicines that have the effect of clearing heat and removing dampness, such as Huanglian, Huangbai and Psyllium. At the same time, Chinese medicine also emphasizes the activation of blood circulation and elimination of blood stasis by taking herbs such as danshen, peach kernel, and safflower to promote the circulation of qi and blood and alleviate qi and blood stagnation.

In addition, the five-step stone therapy of transforming, removing, flushing, discharging and clumping can also be used, and focuses on dietary modification and improvement of lifestyle habits. Patients are advised to drink more water, eat less high-fat, high-protein food, and eat more fiber-rich foods, such as vegetables and fruits. At the same time, maintain a good routine, avoid staying up late, overwork and other bad habits, which will help the body to recover and prevent the recurrence of kidney stones.

Overall, Chinese medicine treats kidney stones in a variety of ways, focusing on the overall conditioning, aiming to eliminate the stones while adjusting the internal balance of the body, improve the patient's immunity, and achieve the effect of both symptomatic and radical treatment.