Anal Burningaccording to TCM

Symptom family: Anal and Rectal Disorders and Symptoms

Did you mean? Anus Pain

What is Anal Burning?

Anal burning is a discomforting sensation experienced in the anus, often described as a burning pain. This symptom can be associated with a variety of conditions, ranging from digestive issues like hemorrhoids or anal fissures to infections and skin diseases. The intensity of the pain can vary, and it may be accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, swelling, or bleeding. Understanding the underlying cause of anal burning is crucial for effective treatment and relief.

How Does TCM View Anal Burning?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), anal burning is seen as a manifestation of imbalances within the body's systems. TCM approaches this symptom by identifying the unique patterns of disharmony that could be contributing to it.

Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on the symptom itself, TCM seeks to understand the root causes based on individual diagnostic methods. This perspective emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach in addressing not only the symptom but also the underlying factors.

Root Causes of Anal Burning in TCM

TCM attributes anal burning primarily to internal Heat conditions. One such condition is Bright Yang Fire in the Stomach and Intestines, where excess Heat leads to symptoms like burning sensations, constipation, and dry stools.

Another common TCM pattern associated with anal burning is Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine, characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea with blood or mucus, and a burning sensation in the anus. These patterns reveal how TCM correlates specific symptoms with broader systemic imbalances, guiding a tailored treatment approach.

Explore below more details about what might cause Anal burning according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Anal Burning

Common Symptoms: Scanty And Dark Urine Excessive Sweating Abdominal Fullness Abdominal Pain Constipation Dry Stools Thirst Feeling Of Heat

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Bright Yang Fire in Stomach and Intestines Burning sensation in the anus, Afternoon fever, Excessive sweating, Sweating on limbs, Abdominal fullness, Abdominal pain, Constipation, Dry stools, Thirst, Dark urine, Anal burning, Irritability, Delirium... see more Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Xiao Cheng Qi Tang
Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine Burning sensation in the anus, Abdominal pain, Abdominal fullness, Diarrhea, Hematochezia, Mucous in feces, Smelly stools, Anal burning, Scanty and dark urine, Fever, Excessive sweating, Feeling of heat, Thirst, Feeling of heaviness... see more Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang | Shao Yao Tang
Damp-Heat invading the Spleen Burning sensation in the anus, Loss of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea or vomiting, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal burning, Feeling of heat, Scanty and dark urine, Low grade fever, Dull headache, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow sclera, Oily sweat, Itchy rashes, Bitter taste in the mouth, Upper abdominal fullness, Upper abdominal pain... see more Lian Po Yin
Heat in the Large Intestine Burning sensation in the anus, Constipation, Mouth burning sensation, Anal burning, Scanty and dark urine, Dry stools, Dry tongue... see more Ma Zi Ren Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Anal Burning

In treating anal burning, TCM utilizes various formulas and herbs based on the identified patterns. For Bright Yang Fire, formulas like Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang, which includes Rhubarb, are used to purge Heat accumulation.

In cases of Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine, remedies like Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang, featuring Kudzu Roots, are prescribed to release the Exterior and clear the Interior. These formulas are chosen carefully to address the specific type of Heat or Damp-Heat causing the anal burning, illustrating TCM’s nuanced approach to symptom management.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address anal burning, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type

All Formulas Recommended for Anal Burning Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang Bright Yang Fire in Stomach and Intestines
Xiao Cheng Qi Tang Bright Yang Fire in Stomach and Intestines
Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine
Shao Yao Tang Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine
Lian Po Yin Damp-Heat invading the Spleen
Ma Zi Ren Wan Heat in the Large Intestine

TCM Herbs for Anal Burning

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address anal burning, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
  • Purgative herbs that drain downward
  • Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior

"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for anal burning

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) Shao Yao Tang | Lian Po Yin
Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) Shao Yao Tang

Added to Cart