Symptom families: Abdominal Sounds, Stool and Bowel Irregularities, Diarrhea and Dysentery
Parent symptom: Borborygmi
Borborygmi with diarrhea, a condition marked by audible abdominal sounds accompanied by frequent, loose bowel movements, is a common digestive complaint.
These sounds, often described as stomach rumbling, signify movement of fluid and gas through the intestines, which, when paired with diarrhea, can indicate digestive distress.
TCM’s Perspective on Borborygmi with Diarrhea
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique lens through which borborygmi with diarrhea is viewed not merely as a symptom, but as a sign of deeper imbalance within the body’s energetic systems.
TCM posits that such digestive issues arise from disruptions in the body’s Qi flow or imbalances in its fundamental elements. Recognizing the specific pattern of disharmony is essential in TCM for targeting treatment effectively.
Understanding the Causes in TCM
According to TCM, borborygmi with diarrhea often stems from what is identified as Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner. This pattern involves an accumulation of pathogenic Phlegm combined with Heat in the Stomach and Spleen, leading to symptoms such as upper abdominal distension, lack of appetite, and the titular borborygmi with diarrhea.
The condition underscores the intricate relationship between the digestive system's functional entities and the impact of internal Heat and Phlegm accumulation.
TCM Remedies for Borborygmi with Diarrhea
To address borborygmi with diarrhea, TCM turns to a holistic regimen, incorporating herbal formulas like Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang. This formula, rooted in the principle of harmonizing the Stomach and Intestines, employs Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) for its potent Heat-clearing and Dampness-drying properties. Such treatments are tailored to the individual’s specific disharmony, aiming to restore balance and alleviate symptoms by expelling Phlegm and clearing Heat from the Middle Burner.
Through its rich understanding of bodily disharmonies, TCM approaches borborygmi with diarrhea by seeking to harmonize internal elements and promote the smooth flow of Qi. This ancient wisdom, when applied with care, offers a nuanced path to digestive health, emphasizing balance, and the interconnectedness of the body’s systems.
Explore below more details about what might cause Borborygmi with diarrhea according to TCM.
In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner | Borborygmi with diarrhea, Upper abdominal focal distention, Abdominal fullness, Dry heaving, Lack of appetite, Peptic ulcer, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Gastritis, Chronic cholecystitis, Colitis, Hepatitis... see more | Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang |
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
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner | Borborygmi with diarrhea, Upper abdominal focal distention, Abdominal fullness, Dry heaving, Lack of appetite, Peptic ulcer, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Gastritis, Chronic cholecystitis, Colitis, Hepatitis... see more | Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang |
In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner | Borborygmi with diarrhea, Upper abdominal focal distention, Abdominal fullness, Dry heaving, Lack of appetite, Peptic ulcer, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Gastritis, Chronic cholecystitis, Colitis, Hepatitis... see more | Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang |
See more details below about Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang, a herbal formula used to address borborygmi with diarrhea.
Suitable for Phlegm patterns that may cause borborygmi with diarrhea, such as Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner
Learn moreSuitable for Heat patterns that may cause borborygmi with diarrhea, such as Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner
Learn moreThese formulas are suitable for some borborygmi with diarrhea-causing patterns like Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner.
One such formula is Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
See more details below about Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), a herb used to address borborygmi with diarrhea.
Borborygmi with diarrhea can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for borborygmi with diarrhea, like Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang.