Introduction: why TCM for NAFLD?
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects 25% of the global adult population – approximately 1.9 billion people. The spectrum ranges from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NAFLD is the fastest-growing indication for liver transplantation in women.
Conventional treatments (lifestyle intervention, weight loss, pioglitazone, vitamin E, GLP-1 agonists) have limitations: limited efficacy, side effects, and no approved medication for NASH in the EU/USA.
In China, TCM interventions – particularly herbal formulas such as Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (六味地黄丸), Yinchenhao Tang (茵陈蒿汤), Xiao Yao San (逍遥散), and acupuncture – have been used for centuries for phlegm-damp, liver-qi stagnation, spleen-qi deficiency, and liver-kidney yin deficiency.
Modern research reveals that TCM:
- Improves insulin resistance
- Modulates gut microbiota
- Normalizes lipid metabolism
- Reduces hepatic steatosis
- Inhibits liver fibrosis
This article integrates the latest insights and provides practical treatment protocols for TCM practitioners.
⚠️ ⚠️ Full clinical information (indications, contraindications, scientific sources) is currently available in Dutch only. Switch to NL or contact us for assistance.
📍 Acupuncture points in this article
CV12 – Zhongwan (中脘)
📌 Location:789 4 cun above the umbilicus on the midline111
📏 Depth: 1-1.5 cun
🧭 Direction: Perpendicular
📋 Indications: Strengthen spleen, transform phlegm, digestive disorders
LI4 – Hegu (合谷)
📌 Location:789 On the dorsum of the hand, between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones.111
📏 Depth: 0.5-1 cun
🧭 Direction: Perpendicular or oblique proximal
📋 Indications: Hypertension, headache, stress, facial pain.
⚠️ Contraindications: Pregnancy (caution).
LR3 – Taichong (太冲)
📌 Location:789 On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression proximal to the 1st-2nd metatarsal bones111
📏 Depth: 0.5-1 cun
🧭 Direction: Perpendicular or proximal
📋 Indications: Stress, irritability, headache, hypertension
SP6 – Sanyinjiao (三阴交)
📌 Location:789 3 cun above the medial malleolus, behind the tibia111
📏 Depth: 0.5-1 cun
🧭 Direction: Perpendicular
📋 Indications: Female disorders, insomnia, digestive disorders
ST36 – Zusanli (足三里)
📌 Location:789 4 fingers below the patella, 1 finger lateral to the tibial crest.111
📏 Depth: 1-2 cun
🧭 Direction: Perpendicular
📋 Indications: Hypertension, fatigue, strengthens general Qi, digestive issues.
⚠️ Contraindications: None.
ST40 – Fenglong (丰隆)
📌 Location:789 Op de onderbeen, 8 cun boven de laterale malleolus, één vingerbreedte lateraal van de tibia111
📏 Depth: 1-1.5 cun (20-30 mm)
🧭 Direction: Loodrecht
📋 Indications: Flegma, duizeligheid, hoesten met slijm, obesitas, hoofdvol gevoel
🔒 Full information about the TCM formulas used (including indications, contraindications, and scientific sources) is only available to registered TCM doctors and therapists.
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