TCM Treatment of Cholelithiasis Complicated by Cholecystitis
1. Indications: Cholelithiasis complicated by cholecystitis.
2. Treatment Methods: ① Biliary-Relieving Formula Composition and Modifications: *Ammannia Deltoidea* 30g, *Artemisiae Scopariae* 30g, *Polygoni Multiflori* 9g, *Curcuma Aromatica* 9g, *Taraxaci Herba* 15g, *Curcumae Radix* 15g, *Paeoniae Rubra* 9g, *Prunus Mume* 6g, *Bupleuri Radix* 10g, *Gallus Galli Endoventriculi* 10g. During acute phase with liver-gallbladder heat stagnation, add *Honeysuckle* 10g, *Scutellariae Radix* 9g; for obvious stagnation, add *Magnoliae Officinalis* 6g, *Manis Pentadactyla* 9g; for severe pain, add *Corydalis* 9g, *Momordica Charantia* 9g. During remission, for Liver Qi stagnation with Spleen deficiency, add *Citrus Aurantium* 9g, *Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma* 10g. For damp obstruction in the Spleen-Stomach, add Pingwei San; for marked Qi deficiency, add *Astragalus* 10g.
② Acupuncture Points and Combinations: Riyue (GB24), Yanglingquan (GB34), Qiuxu (GB40), Taichong (LR3), Gallbladder Point. For prominent rib pain and vomiting, add Qimen (LR14); for marked abdominal distension and constipation, add Zusanli (ST36), Jie Xi (GB41). Use draining techniques.
3. Treatment Outcomes: We observed 40 patients. Stones were expelled in 17 cases; total effective rate was 87.5%.
4. Discussion: Cholelithiasis complicated by cholecystitis falls under the TCM categories of "rib pain" and "accumulation." Given that this condition often arises from overindulgence in greasy foods or overwork, closely related to damp-heat, Qi stagnation, and blood stasis, we formulated the Biliary-Relieving Formula. Ingredients like *Ammannia Deltoidea*, *Artemisiae Scopariae*, *Paeoniae Rubra*, and *Gallus Galli Endoventriculi* effectively clear heat, promote dampness elimination, dispel stasis, relieve pain, and expel stones—perfectly matching the disease mechanism. Acupuncture selects points such as Riyue, Yanglingquan, Qiuxu, and Taichong, using draining techniques to "unblock meridians" and facilitate gallstone expulsion. Research confirms: needling Qiuxu induces regular gallbladder duct contractions and enhances motility; Taichong relaxes Oddi sphincter spasm; Yanglingquan strengthens gallbladder contraction and emptying capacity. Thus, combining acupuncture with herbal medicine achieves better therapeutic outcomes.