Which department should you visit in traditional Chinese medicine for gallstones?

For gallstones, patients may consult Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) internal medicine, TCM hepatobiliary department, TCM spleen and stomach department, TCM surgery, or integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine departments. The choice depends on the specific departmental setup of the hospital. If severe right upper abdominal pain, jaundice, or fever occurs, immediate emergency medical attention is required.

1. TCM Internal Medicine: A fundamental department in most TCM hospitals, it uses syndrome differentiation and herbal treatment to manage symptoms caused by gallstones such as abdominal pain and bloating. It is suitable for patients with stable conditions requiring conservative treatment and is a common choice.

2. TCM Hepatobiliary Department: A specialized department in some TCM hospitals focusing on diseases of the liver and biliary system. It specializes in improving bile secretion using herbal medicine, acupuncture, and other methods, offering more targeted diagnosis and treatment for gallstones, ideal for patients with typical symptoms.

3. TCM Spleen and Stomach Department: Since TCM believes liver and gallbladder functions are closely related to the spleen and stomach, this department can simultaneously regulate both systems. It is suitable for patients with gallstones accompanied by digestive issues such as indigestion or poor appetite.

4. TCM Surgery: For cases where external TCM therapies are needed as adjuncts—such as acupoint application or herbal enema—patients can visit this department. It combines external treatments to relieve symptoms and support condition improvement.

5. Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Department: Combines TCM and Western medical approaches, utilizing herbal treatments alongside Western diagnostic evaluations based on the patient's condition. Suitable for those seeking combined therapy and dynamic monitoring of their condition.

Daily care includes maintaining regular作息 (daily routines), avoiding late nights that may harm liver function, eating a light and low-grease diet, drinking prescribed herbal teas that soothe the liver and promote bile flow, keeping emotions balanced, having regular follow-up exams to monitor stone changes, and seeking timely medical help if discomfort arises.