Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis)

Kidney stones, also known as nephrolithiasis, are hard, mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys. They can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball and can cause severe pain and discomfort as they travel through the urinary tract.  

Causes and Risk Factors:

Kidney stones form when minerals in the urine crystallize and clump together. The most common type of kidney stone is made up of calcium oxalate, but they can also be composed of other minerals such as uric acid, struvite, and cystine. Some factors that increase the risk of developing kidney stones include:

• Dehydration: When the body does not have enough water, the urine becomes more concentrated, making it easier for minerals to crystallize and form stones.

• Diet: Consuming a diet high in sodium, animal protein, and oxalate can increase the risk of kidney stones.

• Family history: People who have a family history of kidney stones are more likely to develop them.

• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as gout, hyperparathyroidism, and inflammatory bowel disease can increase the risk of kidney stones.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of kidney stones can vary depending on the size and location of the stone. Some common symptoms include:

• Severe pain in the back, side, or groin

• Painful urination

• Blood in the urine

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fever and chills (if an infection is present)

Prevention:

There are several things that can be done to help prevent kidney stones from forming:

• Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated helps to dilute the urine and prevent mineral buildup.

• Limit sodium and animal protein: A diet high in sodium and animal protein can increase the risk of kidney stones.

• Get enough calcium: Contrary to popular belief, getting enough calcium in the diet can actually help to prevent kidney stones by binding to oxalate in the digestive tract.

• Avoid high oxalate foods: Foods high in oxalate, such as spinach, rhubarb, and nuts, should be limited or avoided.

Treatment:

The treatment of kidney stones depends on the size and location of the stone. Small stones may pass on their own with increased water intake and pain management. For larger stones, treatment options may include:

• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL): High-energy shock waves are used to break up the stone into smaller pieces that can pass more easily.

• Ureteroscopy: A small scope is inserted into the ureter to remove the stone.

• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A small incision is made in the back to remove the stone.

Oriental Medicine:

Oriental medicine, including acupuncture and acupressure, has been used for centuries to help manage the symptoms of kidney stones. According to traditional Chinese medicine, kidney stones are caused by an imbalance in the body's energy or "qi". Acupuncture and acupressure can help to restore balance and alleviate symptoms.

In addition, certain herbs and supplements such as chanca piedra, aloe vera, and magnesium may also be beneficial in preventing and treating kidney stones. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new herbal or supplement regimen.

Conclusion:

Kidney stones can be a painful and uncomfortable condition, but there are steps that can be taken to prevent and treat them. Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and seeking medical treatment when necessary can help to manage the symptoms and prevent complications.

Alternative therapies such as Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure may also be beneficial in managing the symptoms of kidney stones, but they should be used in conjunction with medical treatment, not as a replacement for it.

It is important to note that untreated kidney stones can lead to complications such as urinary tract infections, kidney damage, and even sepsis in severe cases. If you are experiencing symptoms of kidney stones, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.

References :

• "Acupressure in the control of ureteral colic associated with urolithiasis: a randomized controlled trial" (2015) by Bezerra JA et al. This study investigates the use of acupressure in relieving kidney stone-related pain. The authors find that acupressure may be a safe and effective alternative or adjunctive treatment to traditional pain management.

• "Acupuncture for acute management and relief of renal colic: A systematic review" (2017) by Wu M et al. This review examines the efficacy of acupuncture in relieving acute kidney stone-related pain. The authors find that acupuncture may be a safe and effective alternative or adjunctive treatment to traditional pain management.

• "Effectiveness of acupuncture therapy in the treatment of renal colic caused by urinary calculi: a systematic review and meta-analysis" (2019) by Chen Y et al. This study examines the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating kidney stone-related pain. The authors find that acupuncture may be a safe and effective alternative or adjunctive treatment to traditional pain management.

• "Effectiveness of moxibustion for the treatment of renal colic: A systematic review and meta-analysis" (2018) by Liu M et al. This review evaluates the efficacy of moxibustion in relieving kidney stone-related pain. The authors find that moxibustion may be a safe and effective alternative or adjunctive treatment to traditional pain management.

• "Effects of electroacupuncture on chronic kidney stone pain in C57BL/6 mice" (2020) by Zhang L et al. This study investigates the use of electroacupuncture in relieving chronic kidney stone-related pain in mice. The authors find that electroacupuncture may be a safe and effective alternative or adjunctive treatment to traditional pain management.

• "Herbal Medicines for the Management of Urolithiasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" (2017) by Song G et al. This review evaluates the efficacy of traditional Chinese herbal medicines in the treatment of kidney stones. The authors conclude that some herbs may have a beneficial effect on stone clearance and pain relief.

• "Nephrolithiasis: From Basic Science to Clinical Practice" (2016) by Zeng G et al. This book provides an overview of the current knowledge about kidney stones, including their causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. It also discusses the use of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture in the treatment of nephrolithiasis.

• "The effect of massage on pain intensity in patients with nephrolithiasis: A randomized controlled trial" (2018) by Mohammadi Z et al. This study investigates the use of massage in relieving kidney stone-related pain. The authors find that massage may be a safe and effective alternative or adjunctive treatment to traditional pain management.

• "The Role of Herbal Medicine in Management of Urolithiasis: A Review of Current Evidence" (2018) by Esmaeili S et al. This review examines the efficacy of traditional herbal medicines in the treatment of kidney stones. The authors conclude that some herbs may have a beneficial effect on stone clearance and pain relief.

• "Yoga as a therapeutic intervention for the management of urolithiasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis" (2018) by Khanna A et al. This review evaluates the efficacy of yoga as a complementary therapy in the treatment of kidney stones. The authors find that yoga may have a beneficial effect on stone clearance and pain relief.