In TCM what we drink is the deciding factor for Kidney Stones.

There are fundamental differences how Western and Eastern medicine approaches Kidney Stones.

In Western Medicine

A kidney stone is a hard, crystalline mineral material formed within the kidney or urinary tract.  Diagnosis of kidney stones is best accomplished using an ultrasound, intravenous pyelography or a CT scan.  Dehydration is a major risk factor for kidney stone formation. People with certain medical conditions and those who take certain medications or supplements are also at a higher risk for kidney stones.  Most kidney stones will pass through the ureter to the bladder on their own with time. Treatment includes pain-control medications and, if needed, lithotripsy or surgical techniques may be used for stones which do not pass through the ureter to the bladder on their own.

In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)

In TCM, stones are accumulation by Damp/Heat or Phlegm.  Stones can be viewed as one of the prosperity diseases. Liver Gallbladder Qi stagnation, Kidney deficiency, Spleen Yang deficiency with dampness, Gall Bladder with Damp Heat and Bladder Yang Deficiency can all cause stones.  Cultures with a diet low in processed, refined, rich and heavy fats and animal proteins rarely have stone diseases. The TCM herbal therapy treatment aims at dissolving hard masses, drain dampness/phlegm and promote Qi flow.

Symptoms

Different individuals may experience different symptoms, including:

- sudden onset of excruciating pain

- cramping pain in the lower back and/or side, groin, or abdomen

- changes in body position do not relieve the pain

- often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, fever and chills.

- blood in the urine

- difficulty urinating, urinary urgency, penile pain, or testicular pain

Diet & Prevention

Exercise daily to keep your body and immune system strong. Reduce high oxalate foods, such as spinach, kale, rhubarb, beets, wheat germ, and peanuts. Drinking lemon or cranberries juice may be helpful in preventing kidney stones.  It is best to avoid eating uncooked (raw), greasy, and pungent food, seafood such as clams, oysters and mussels. No smoking, synthetic vitamins, drinking alcohol, coffee, drinks that contain high level of mineral and cold beverages. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine the following herbs are recommended for individuals with Acne 

• Christina Loosestrife
• Talcum
• Plantago Seeds
• Moutan
• Codonopsis Root
• Astragalus

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.