Urinary tract stones are a common condition of the urinary system, including kidney stones, bladder stones, and ureteral stones. Their incidence shows distinct regional variations and is closely related to the calcium content in drinking water and individual metabolism. In traditional Chinese medicine, this condition falls under the categories of “sha lin,” “shi lin,” and “xue lin.” Clinical Manifestations: ① Kidney Stones: Patients experience dull pain in the affected flank; as the stone moves, it may cause colic, which may be accompanied by varying degrees of hematuria. If an infection is present, fever may occur, and pus cells may be detected in the urine. If the stone becomes lodged at the upper opening of the ureter, it may cause hydronephrosis. Examination reveals marked tenderness on percussion of the affected renal region. Abdominal X-rays may show positive findings for stones, while excretory pyelography can reveal the size and location of the stones as well as renal function. B-mode ultrasound can also display shadows of larger stones. CT scans are also helpful for diagnosis. ② Ureteral stones: Most ureteral stones originate from kidney stones that have migrated. During an attack, patients experience severe colicky pain in the lower back, accompanied by hematuria; the pain may radiate to the inner thigh or the testicles (in females, it may radiate to the labia). Plain abdominal X-rays can usually show the location and size of the stone. Ultrasound and CT scans can also aid in diagnosis. ③ Bladder stones: Symptoms may include painful urination or interrupted urination, with pain that may radiate to the perineum. Stones can range in size from 1 centimeter to over 10 centimeters; in some cases, the entire bladder may be filled with stones. Cystography or cystoscopy offers the highest diagnostic accuracy. B-mode ultrasound and CT scans can aid in diagnosis.
I. Treatment of Urinary Tract Stones
Non-surgical Treatment: Stones with a transverse diameter of less than 1 centimeter may be treated non-surgically. There are many methods of non-surgical treatment. The main methods are as follows: ① Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Treatment: Focuses on promoting qi circulation and diuresis, clearing heat and resolving dampness, tonifying qi and nourishing the kidneys, and facilitating urination to expel stones. Formulas such as Shiwei San with modifications, Bazheng San with modifications, and Yougui Yin with modifications may be used. ② Acupuncture: Select primary acupoints such as Shen Shu (BL23), Jiao (BL28), Pang Guang Shu (BL28), Zhong Shu (BL25), and Shui Dao (BL28). Supplement with Yin Ling Quan (SP9), San Yin Jiao (SP6), and Wei Yang (BL30), or add Ming Men (GV4) and Guan Yuan (CV4). ③ Auricular Acupuncture or Auricular Pressure Therapy: Select acupoints such as Kidney, Bladder, Ureter, Urethra, San Jiao, and External Genitalia. ④ Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Patients with confirmed urinary stones may undergo ESWL provided there are no contraindications.
Patients undergoing non-surgical treatment should also increase their fluid intake and engage in jumping exercises to facilitate stone passage.
Surgical Treatment: Surgical intervention is indicated for larger stones, cases of ureteral stricture with hydronephrosis, and cases where extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and various non-surgical treatments have proven ineffective.
II. Prevention of Urinary Tract Stones
Preventing urinary tract stones is of great importance. In some regions of mainland China where water has high calcium content, the incidence of urinary tract stones is higher. Some people have reported a reduced incidence of stones after drinking magnetized water. Many people enjoy spinach cooked with tofu—a delicious dish—but spinach contains more than 100 times the amount of oxalic acid found in other vegetables. This oxalic acid binds with the calcium in tofu to form calcium oxalate, which is a source of various types of stones in the body and poses a health risk. Take 100 grams of walnut meat, 50 grams of black sesame oil, and 100 grams of rock sugar. Grind the walnuts and rock sugar with the sesame oil, then take 25 grams twice daily. This mixture both treats urinary tract stones and helps prevent their formation. Additionally, when working in the heat of summer and sweating profusely, be sure to replenish fluids promptly. In summer, eat plenty of watermelon, as it contains a high water content and is rich in vitamin C, which has a diuretic effect. It is highly effective in preventing urinary tract stones.