Chronic Pancreatitis — TCM Food Therapy & Dietary Approach

A traditional Chinese medicine perspective on Chronic Pancreatitis, combining dietary therapy with syndrome differentiation.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Patterns

In TCM, this condition is differentiated into several patterns, each with a classical herbal formula:

Internal Obstruction of Cold Pathogen

Treatment principle: Warm the Middle and Dispel Cold, Regulate Qi and Relieve Pain

Formula: Liangfu Wan (Galangal and Cyperus Pill) — from *Liang Fang Ji Ye*; Zhengqi Tianxiang San (Qi-Righting Heavenly Fragrance Powder)

Damp-Heat Stagnation

Treatment principle: Drain Heat and Unblock the Bowels, Move Qi and Remove Stagnation

Formula: Da Chengqi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction); Zhishi Daozhi Wan (Immature Bitter Orange Stagnation-Conducting Pill) — from *The Theory of Internal and External Injuries*

Food Accumulation

Treatment principle: Promote Digestion and Remove Stagnation, Regulate Qi and Relieve Pain

Formula: Zhishi Daozhi Wan (Immature Bitter Orange Stagnation-Conducting Pill) — from *The Theory of Internal and External Injuries*

Liver Depression and Qi Stagnation

Treatment principle: Soothe the Liver and Resolve Depression, Regulate Qi and Relieve Pain

Formula: Muxiang Shunqi San (Aucklandia Qi-Smoothing Powder)

Internal Blood Stasis

Treatment principle: Activate Blood and Resolve Stasis, Harmonize the Collaterals and Relieve Pain

Formula: Shaofu Zhuyu Tang (Drive Out Blood Stasis in the Lower Abdomen Decoction)

Middle Deficiency with Visceral Cold

Treatment principle: Warm the Middle and Supplement Deficiency, Relieve Spasm and Pain

Formula: Da Jianzhong Tang (Major Construct the Middle Decoction); Xiao Jianzhong Tang (Minor Construct the Middle Decoction)

Pathogen Stagnating in the Lesser Yang

Treatment principle: Harmonize the Lesser Yang

Formula: Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) — from *Treatise on Cold Damage*

Damp-Heat in the Liver and Gallbladder

Treatment principle: Clear Heat and Drain Damp

Formula: Longdan Xiegan Tang (Gentiana Decoction to Drain the Liver) — from *Yi Fang Ji Jie*

Blood Stasis Obstructing the Collaterals

Treatment principle: Dispel Stasis and Free the Collaterals

Formula: Gexia Zhuyu Tang (Drive Out Blood Stasis Below the Diaphragm Decoction) — from *Corrections of Errors in Medical Classics*

Liver Collaterals Deprived of Nourishment

Treatment principle: Nourish Yin and Emolliate the Liver

Formula: Yiguan Jian (Linking Decoction) — from *Xu Ming Yi Lei An*

These formulas are for reference under TCM syndrome differentiation and should only be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.

Food Therapy & Diet

Dietary Therapy Recipes

Yam and Poria Congee: Cook 30g Chinese yam, 20g poria and 100g polished rice into thin congee. Replenishes qi and fortifies the spleen.
Codonopsis and Astragalus Congee: Simmer 20g codonopsis root, 15g astragalus and 100g polished rice over low heat into thin congee. Fortifies the spleen and replenishes qi.
Buddha's Hand Congee: Decoct 15g Buddha's hand fruit to obtain the juice and strain, then add 50g polished rice and water and cook into congee. Regulates qi, relieves pain, fortifies the spleen and nourishes the stomach.
Tangerine Peel and Clove Congee: Chop 10g tangerine peel, boil with 5g cloves, then add 50g polished rice and cook into congee.
Clear-Stewed Crucian Carp: Scale and gut 1 crucian carp (about 300g), wrap 10g tangerine peel and 3g amomum fruit (chunsharen) in gauze, stew in water until tender, remove the herb bag and eat.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.