Chronic Diarrheaaccording to TCM

What is Chronic Diarrhea?

Chronic diarrhea is a prevalent condition characterized by loose, watery stools that persist for weeks or even longer. This ongoing condition can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, leading to dehydration and nutritional deficiencies if not properly managed.

Chronic diarrhea goes beyond temporary digestive upset, indicating deeper issues that may stem from infections, chronic diseases, or functional bowel disorders. Understanding its underlying causes is crucial for effective treatment and management.

How does TCM view Chronic Diarrhea?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on chronic diarrhea, viewing it as a symptom of imbalance within the body's internal ecosystem. According to TCM principles, chronic diarrhea can arise from several patterns of disharmony, including Qi Sinking or Collapsing, Yang Deficiency, or the invasion of external pathogenic factors like Dampness or Heat. TCM emphasizes a holistic approach to treatment, focusing on restoring balance and strengthening the body's Qi (vital energy) to alleviate symptoms.

Root Causes of Chronic Diarrhea in TCM

TCM identifies several patterns that could lead to chronic diarrhea. Qi Sinking or Collapsing, for instance, manifests as chronic diarrhea with symptoms like anus prolapse, hemorrhoids, and a general feeling of fatigue, indicating a profound weakness in the body's vital energy.

Another common pattern is Kidney Yang Deficiency, which leads to coldness, weakness, and persistent diarrhea. TCM treatments aim to address these underlying imbalances through a combination of herbal remedies, acupuncture, and dietary adjustments, focusing on tonifying Qi and Yang to restore digestive harmony.

Explore below more details about what might cause Chronic diarrhea according to TCM.

Qi Sinking

Qi Sinking is a pattern of disharmony in TCM where the body's energy, or Qi, is thought to "sink" or drop down. Imagine a balloon slowly deflating and falling; that's similar to what happens with Qi Sinking. This can lead to feelings of heaviness, fatigue, and even physical symptoms like prolapse of organs or frequent urination. It's as if the body's energy, which usually supports and holds things in place, isn't able to do its job properly. TCM views this as an imbalance where the uplifting and supporting qualities of Qi are weakened.... see more

Qi Sinking Patterns That Can Lead to Chronic Diarrhea

Common Symptoms: Anus Prolapse Hemorrhoids Generalized Fatigue Lack Of Appetite Cold Extremities Mental Exhaustion Craving For Hot Beverages Uterine Prolapse

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Large Intestine collapse	Chronic diarrhoea, Chronic diarrhea, Anus prolapse, Hemorrhoids, Generalized fatigue, Cold extremities, Lack of appetite, Mental exhaustion, Craving for hot beverages... see more	Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking	Chronic diarrhoea, Uterine prolapse, Prolapsed bladder, Stomach prolapse, Nephroptosis, Anus prolapse, Bearing down sensation in abdomen, Hemorrhoids, Chronic diarrhea, Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary incontinence, Generalized fatigue, Low energy, Intestines prolapse, Vaginal prolapse... see more	Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Du Shen Tang

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 Chronic Diarrhea

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency	Persistent diarrhea, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more	Ba Wei Di Huang Wan

Large Intestine

In TCM the Large Intestine is primarily seen as responsible for the absorption of fluids and the excretion of waste. It is closely related to the Lung in terms of energy flow and function, reflecting the interconnectedness of organ systems in TCM. When the Large Intestine malfunctions, it can lead to issues such as constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain, and an inability to let go of emotional waste, like holding onto grief or stress. This is in line with the TCM view that the physical and emotional aspects of health are deeply connected. An imbalanced Large Intestine can also manifest as skin problems, signifying the organ’s role in eliminating toxins and maintaining balance in the body’s internal environment.... see more

Large Intestine Patterns That Can Lead to Chronic Diarrhea

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Large Intestine collapse	Chronic diarrhoea, Chronic diarrhea, Anus prolapse, Hemorrhoids, Generalized fatigue, Cold extremities, Lack of appetite, Mental exhaustion, Craving for hot beverages... see more	Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang

Kidney

In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Chronic Diarrhea

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency	Persistent diarrhea, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more	Ba Wei Di Huang Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Chronic Diarrhea

To combat Qi Sinking, TCM practitioners often recommend the formula Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, which contains Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) to tonify the Qi and lift the body's vital energy.

For addressing Yang Deficiency, Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, enriched with Prepared rehmannia (Shu Di huang), nourishes the Yin while also supporting the Kidney Yang. These formulas are tailored to the specific patterns of disharmony causing chronic diarrhea, aiming to not only alleviate symptoms but also to prevent recurrence by restoring the body's natural balance.

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

Top Formula for Qi Sinking:
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang

Suitable for Qi Sinking patterns that may cause chronic diarrhea, such as Large Intestine collapse or Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking

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All Formulas Recommended for Chronic Diarrhea Caused by Qi Sinking

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang	Large Intestine collapse, Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking
Du Shen Tang	Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking

Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan

Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause chronic diarrhea, such as Kidney Yang Deficiency

Learn more

Acupoints for Chronic Diarrhea

TCM acupuncture offers additional support in managing chronic diarrhea. Points like Liangmen ST-21 and Tianshu ST-25 on the Stomach Channel are stimulated to invigorate Stomach Qi and regulate the intestines, effectively treating digestive issues.

Similarly, Daheng SP-15 on the Spleen Channel strengthens the Spleen, an organ pivotal in TCM for its role in digestion and assimilation. Through these targeted treatments, TCM provides a comprehensive approach to managing chronic diarrhea, emphasizing the restoration of internal balance and the strengthening of the digestive system.

Explore below some acupoints used to address chronic diarrhea, organized by meridian.

Liangmen ST-21

4 cun above the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Tianshu ST-25

2 cun lateral to the center of the umbilicus.

Daheng SP-15

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