Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis feels like a burning stone pressing under the ribs. Ayurveda links it to pittaja śūla, pain from aggravated pitta inflaming the gallbladder (pittāśaya). Obstruction, often by gallstones, disturbs vāta and kapha, intensifying discomfort. Suśruta Saṃhitā describes pittāśaya roga, where bile channel disorders cause sharp abdominal pain (Sūtrasthāna 21.10).

Common Causes of Cholecystitis

Gallstones blocking bile flow
High-fat diet aggravating kapha and pitta
Recurrent liver or bile duct infections
Suppressed hunger or irregular meals weakening agni
Long-term obesity or sedentary habits

Symptoms of Cholecystitis

Sharp pain in right upper abdomen
Pain radiating to right shoulder or back
Nausea and vomiting after fatty meals
Fever with chills during acute attacks
Indigestion and bloating with heaviness

Ayurveda’s Approach to Healing Cholecystitis

Cooling herbs like bhūmi āmalakī and kāsni
Virecana (purgation) to clear pitta heat
Pathya diet of light, bitter, and barley-based foods
Abhyanga with cooling oils to ease vāta-pitta imbalance
Lifestyle guidance: regular meals, avoid fried and spicy foods