Do you suffer from recurrent kidney stones? If you do, Chinese herbal medicine might be just what you need to keep recurrences to a minimum or to help you through an acute bout of kidney stones.
Kidney stones can form when the urine contains too much of certain substances. These substances can create small crystals that become stones. Kidney stones may not produce symptoms until they begin to move down the tubes (ureters) through which urine empties into the bladder. When this happens, the stones can block the flow of urine out of the kidneys. This causes swelling of the kidney or kidneys, causing pain. The pain is usually severe.
The main symptom of kidney stones is severe pain that starts suddenly and may go away suddenly. The pain may be felt in the belly area or side of the back. The pain may move to groin area or testicles. Other symptoms can include abnormal urine color, blood in the urine, chills, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting.
There are different types of kidney stones. The exact cause depends on the type of stone. Calcium stones are most common. They occur more often in men than in women, and usually appear between ages 20 – 30. They are likely to come back. Calcium can combine with other substances, such as oxalate (the most common substance), phosphate, or carbonate to form the stone. The biggest risk factor for the development of kidney stones is dehydration. If you are prone to chronic kidney stones, be sure you are drinking a lot of water.
The Chinese herbal kidney stone formula has many actions. First, it actually smoothes the edges of the stones in the urinary tract making the passage of the stones less painful. Second, large stones shrink in size. Some stones may also break apart into smaller stones making them easier to pass. Third, it makes the ureters more flexible, so they can expand and assist the body in the expulsion of the stones from the body. This formula is unique, in that it has an effect on stones of all make-ups and sizes, including calcium and uric acid stones.
In some cases, after 2-3 courses of treatment with the herbal formula, the stones were reduced to a small enough size, and the edges smoothed enough so that they could be expelled without pain. Some patients didn’t even know they had passed the stones.
The kidney stone formula plus an increase in water intake can be taken long term to prevent the recurrence. In most people with recurrent Kidney stones, there is some kidney Qi Deficiency which results in the build up of toxins which turn into stones and then the body doesn’t have enough Kidney Qi to expel the stone from the body. This formula contains some Kidney tonic herbs, therefore, a person becomes healthier as they take the formula on a long term basis.
If you are prone to chronic kidney stones, it would be a good idea to have two or three packages of the herbal kidney stone formula on hand, so it is available to take at the first sign of a stone passing. Be sure you make it a habit to drink a lot of water. Acupuncture, is also very effective in relieving any pain associated with the passing of kidney stones, so schedule an appointment at the first sign of any discomfort.
It is always a good idea to purchase your Chinese herbs from a reputable distributor or a licensed acupuncturist. Counterfeiting of Chinese herbs is rampant, and it is extremely important that a company using cGMP standards is the source of any Chinese herbs you purchase and use. I only use reputable distributors & manufacturers when purchasing my Chinese herbal remedies.
If you have any questions about kidney stones and Chinese herbs or acupuncture, schedule your appointment and we can discuss an individualized treatment plan.
