Mucous In Fecesaccording to TCM

What is Mucous in Feces?

Mucous in feces, a condition where stools contain a noticeable amount of mucus or pus, often points to inflammation or irritation within the intestines. This symptom can manifest alongside a variety of digestive issues, ranging from benign to more serious gastrointestinal disorders. In some cases, the presence of mucous is a normal part of the body's process to lubricate and protect the intestinal lining, but an excess can indicate underlying health concerns.

How does TCM view Mucous in Feces?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets mucous in feces as an indicator of disharmony within the body's internal environment, particularly involving the Spleen, Large Intestine, and Kidney systems.

Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on the symptom itself, TCM looks at mucous presence as a sign of deeper imbalances, such as Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine or Yang Deficiency, reflecting an intricate relationship between the body's organs and its Qi, or vital energy.

Root Causes of Mucous In Feces in TCM

In TCM, the appearance of mucous in feces is commonly attributed to patterns of imbalance. Damp-Heat can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and smelly stools, while Yang Deficiency might lead to chronic conditions with symptoms like cold sensations and abdominal pain relieved by warmth.

These patterns highlight the body's inability to transform and transport bodily fluids correctly, resulting in the accumulation of pathological substances like mucous.

Explore below more details about what might cause Mucous in feces 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 Mucous In Feces

Common Symptoms: Abdominal Pain Abdominal Fullness Diarrhea Hematochezia Smelly Stools Anal Burning Scanty And Dark Urine Fever

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine Mucus in stools, 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
Phlegm-Heat Mucus in stools, Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces, Depression Wen Dan Tang | Ding Chuan Tang | Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Gun Tan Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Mucous In Feces

To address the underlying causes of mucous in feces, TCM utilizes a variety of herbal formulas. For conditions marked by Damp-Heat, Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang, which contains Kudzu Roots among other herbs, is often prescribed to clear Heat and resolve Dampness, restoring the balance within the Large Intestine.

In cases of Yang Deficiency, Tao Hua Tang, featuring Red Halloysite, is recommended to bind the intestines and secure what is known as 'abandoned conditions,' effectively reducing the presence of mucous and pus in the stool.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address mucous in feces, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type

All Formulas Recommended for Mucous In Feces Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine
Shao Yao Tang Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine
Wen Dan Tang Phlegm-Heat
Ding Chuan Tang Phlegm-Heat
Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan Phlegm-Heat
Gun Tan Wan Phlegm-Heat

Acupoints for Mucous In Feces

TCM also suggests acupuncture as a therapeutic approach to treating mucous in feces. Points like Daheng SP-15 and Fuai SP-16 on the Spleen meridian are targeted to strengthen the Spleen's function, regulate the intestines, and resolve dampness.

Additional points such as Sanyinjiao SP-6 and Yinlingquan SP-9 further support the Spleen and Stomach, remove Liver Qi stagnation, and nourish Kidney Qi. These acupoints, when stimulated, can help harmonize the body's internal systems, reduce inflammation, and eliminate excess mucous from the feces.

Explore below some acupoints used to address mucous in feces, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Spleen Channel
  • Stomach Channel
  • Kidney Channel
Sanyinjiao SP-6

Sanyinjiao SP-6

3 cun directly above the tip of the medial malleolus, on the posterior border of the tibia, on the line drawn from the medial malleolus to Yinlingquan SP-9.

Yinlingquan SP-9

Yinlingquan SP-9

On the lower border of the medial condyle of the tibia, in the depression between the posterior border of the tibia and gastrocnemius muscle.

Daheng SP-15

Daheng SP-15

On the mammillary line 4 cun lateral to the umbilicus center.

Fuai SP-16

Fuai SP-16

3 cun above the umbilicus center and 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline, on the mamillary line.

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