Intestinal Adhesionsaccording to TCM

What is Intestinal Adhesions?

Intestinal adhesions are fibrous bands that form between tissues and organs in the abdomen. They typically result from surgery, inflammation, or injury and can cause organs to stick together, leading to pain, obstructions, or other gastrointestinal issues.

While the medical community recognizes these adhesions as a common postoperative complication, their diagnosis and treatment often require careful consideration due to the complex nature of their formation and the symptoms they produce.

How does TCM view Intestinal Adhesions?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches intestinal adhesions with a holistic lens, viewing them as manifestations of underlying imbalances within the body's energetic pathways. TCM does not directly correlate to a Western diagnosis but understands such conditions in terms of obstructions and stagnations of Qi, Blood, and bodily fluids.

It emphasizes the importance of identifying the specific pattern of disharmony causing the symptoms, which could be due to factors like Qi Stagnation, Blood stasis, or Cold and Damp accumulation. Identifying these patterns is essential for providing effective treatment that targets the root cause rather than just alleviating symptoms.

Causes of Intestinal Adhesions According to TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the perspective on intestinal adhesions diverges from the Western focus on physical abnormalities, pointing instead to underlying imbalances within the body's energy systems. A crucial concept here is Spleen Yang Deficiency, a condition where the life-sustaining warmth and vitality that supports digestion and the movement of fluids and solids through the intestines are weakened.

This Deficiency can lead to a cascade of symptoms, including the formation of adhesions. The Spleen, in TCM, is not just an organ but a pivotal system responsible for the transformation and transportation of Qi (energy) and fluids throughout the body. When its Yang aspect is Deficient, it fails to perform these functions effectively, potentially leading to the stagnation and blockages akin to what is observed as adhesions in Western medicine. This understanding underscores the importance of viewing such physical manifestations within the broader context of the body's energetic health.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Intestinal Adhesions

Addressing intestinal adhesions from a TCM standpoint, especially when considering Spleen Yang Deficiency, involves employing strategies to warm the body and bolster the Spleen's Yang energy. A quintessential formula in this regard is Wen Pi Tang, with Prepared aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) as a pivotal herb. This potent herb and the formula as a whole are revered for their ability to inject warmth into the body's core, reinvigorating the Spleen's capacity to manage and move Qi and bodily fluids efficiently.

By targeting the root of the energy imbalance, Wen Pi Tang aims to alleviate the symptoms associated with Spleen Yang Deficiency, such as cold sensations, sluggish digestion, and the energetic blockages that could lead to physical symptoms like adhesions. Through such targeted herbal therapy, TCM seeks to restore the delicate balance of the body's internal energies, promoting healing and preventing the recurrence of such conditions.

See more details below about Wen Pi Tang, a herbal formula used to address intestinal adhesions.

TCM Herbs for Intestinal Adhesions

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address intestinal adhesions, organized by herb category.