Dysenteryaccording to TCM
*redirected from Dysenteric disorder
Symptom families: Bacterial Infections, Diarrhea and Dysentery
Sub-symptom(s): Bacillary Dysentery Toxic Dysentery Early Stage Dysentery Chronic Dysentery Dysentery With Blood Chronic Bacillary Dysentery
What is Dysentery?
Dysentery is an inflammatory disorder of the intestine, particularly of the colon, that results in severe diarrhea containing blood and mucus in the feces. It is caused by a variety of infectious pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, parasitic worms, or protozoa. The condition is characterized by frequent bowel movements, abdominal pain, fever, and dehydration. Dysentery can be categorized into bacillary dysentery, caused by bacteria, and amebic dysentery, caused by protozoa. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent dehydration and more severe complications.
How Does TCM View Dysentery?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dysentery is seen as a disruption of the body's harmony and balance, often caused by the invasion of external pathogenic factors or internal imbalances. TCM does not solely focus on the pathogen itself but also on the underlying conditions that allowed the disease to manifest, such as weakness in the body's Defensive Qi or imbalances in the Spleen and Stomach.
Identifying the specific pattern of disharmony is crucial in TCM, as it guides the treatment strategy to not only relieve symptoms but also address the root cause and restore the body's equilibrium.
Root Causes of Dysentery in TCM
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) delves deep into the underlying causes of dysentery, emphasizing the need to recognize specific patterns of disharmony for effective treatment. Among these, Toxic-Heat stands out, described as an intense accumulation of Heat and Toxins within the body, leading to inflammation and the hallmark symptoms of dysentery.
Additionally, Stomach Yang Deficiency, a condition where the vital warmth that aids digestion is insufficient, can contribute to the disease by impairing the body's ability to transform and transport Body Fluids, thereby promoting the accumulation of Dampness. Another significant pattern, Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency, illustrates how external pathogenic factors exploit a weakened body's defenses, further complicating the dysenteric disorder.
Explore below more details about what might cause Dysentery according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Yang Deficiency
- Cold
Yang Deficiency
Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more
Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Dysentery
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold | Chronic dysenteric disorder, Chronic dysentery, Dark blood in stool, Mucous in feces, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth... see more | Tao Hua Tang | Huan Shao Dan |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Dysentery
TCM employs a multifaceted treatment strategy to address the diverse patterns contributing to dysentery. For cases dominated by Toxic-Heat, formulas like Huang Lian Jie Du Tang, featuring the potent cleansing properties of Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), are utilized to expel heat and toxins from the body. When Stomach Yang Deficiency underlies the condition, warming and energizing formulas such as Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang and Li Zhong Wan, with key herbs like Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) and Dried ginger (Gan Jiang), are prescribed to restore the digestive system's vitality and balance.
In instances where Wind-Cold-Damp invades a body weakened by Qi Deficiency, Jing Fang Bai Du San and Ren Shen Bai Du San offer relief by dispelling the external pathogenic influences and bolstering the body's Qi, enhancing its natural defenses against further invasion.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address dysentery, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Yang Deficiency
- Cold
Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Tao Hua Tang
Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause dysentery, such as Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Dysentery Caused by Yang Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Tao Hua Tang | Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold |
| Huan Shao Dan | Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold |
Acupoints for Dysentery
TCM also incorporates acupuncture as a complementary treatment for dysentery, targeting specific acupoints to alleviate symptoms and address the underlying disharmony. Huiyang BL-35 and Yanggang BL-48 on the Bladder Channel are selected for their ability to clear Damp-Heat and regulate the Lower Burner, offering relief for symptoms related to the colon and intestines.
Zhongzhu KID-15 on the Kidney Channel is utilized to regulate the intestines and the Lower Burner, further supporting the body's recovery. Stimulating these acupoints can enhance the effectiveness of herbal treatments, providing a comprehensive strategy to manage and mitigate the symptoms of dysentery effectively.
Explore below some acupoints used to address dysentery, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Bladder Channel
- Kidney Channel
Yanggang BL-48
3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra (T10).
