What is the traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis for hepatitis called?
Dec 02, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Hepatitis does not have an exact corresponding term in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and is mainly classified according to symptoms into categories such as hypochondriac pain, jaundice, and "Gan Zhuo" (liver stagnation). Specific diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment of symptoms, tongue coating, and pulse condition, with the core focus on dysfunction of the liver and gallbladder. In daily life, emotional stability should be maintained, avoiding sudden outbursts of anger or prolonged depression, which may impair liver qi. Diet should be light and easily digestible; spicy and greasy foods should be avoided.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), there is no exact equivalent term for hepatitis. Instead, it is primarily classified according to symptoms into categories such as hypochondriac pain, jaundice, and "liver stagnation" (Gan Zhuo). Diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment of symptoms, tongue coating, and pulse conditions, with the core focus on dysfunction of the liver and gallbladder. A detailed analysis is as follows:
If a patient mainly presents with distending or stabbing pain in the hypochondriac region, accompanied by bitter taste in the mouth, irritability, or belching, the condition is typically diagnosed as hypochondriac pain, often associated with liver qi stagnation or blood stasis obstructing the channels. If yellowing of the skin and sclera occurs, along with darkened urine, fatigue, and poor appetite, the condition falls within the category of jaundice. Damp-heat accumulation in the liver and gallbladder is a common pathogenesis, although in individuals with deficient constitutions, it may also be caused by cold-dampness impairing the spleen.
TCM diagnosis emphasizes pattern differentiation rather than one-to-one disease correspondence. Even if symptoms are similar, different signs lead to different diagnoses. For example, in cases of hypochondriac pain, a yellow greasy tongue coating and a rapid, wiry pulse usually indicate damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, whereas a thin white coating and a tight, wiry pulse may suggest cold congealing and qi stagnation. These subtle distinctions directly influence treatment strategies, reflecting TCM's holistic diagnostic approach.
In daily life, maintaining emotional stability is essential; avoid sudden anger or prolonged depression, which can impair liver qi. Diet should be light and easily digestible, avoiding spicy and greasy foods. Ingredients such as Lycium berries (Gou Qi Zi) and Chinese yam (Shan Yao) may be consumed appropriately to support spleen health and nourish the liver. Maintain regular作息 (daily routines) and avoid staying up late, using lifestyle adjustments to help sustain stable liver and gallbladder function.
