Rectal Prolapseaccording to TCM
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Symptom family: Anal and Rectal Disorders and Symptoms
Did you mean? Anus Prolapse
What is Rectal Prolapse?
Rectal prolapse is a medical condition where part of the rectum slips outside the anus. This can range from a small bulge during bowel movements to a complete prolapse where a section of the rectum is visible outside the body. It can cause discomfort, bleeding, and difficulty with bowel movements.
While it can occur at any age, it's more common in older adults, especially women. Various factors contribute to rectal prolapse, including chronic constipation, nerve damage, and weakened pelvic floor muscles.
How Does TCM View Rectal Prolapse?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views rectal prolapse as a symptom of underlying disharmonies within the body’s energy systems. Unlike Western medicine, which primarily focuses on anatomical and physiological factors, TCM considers rectal prolapse a manifestation of systemic imbalances.
These may include weakened Qi (vital energy), an imbalance in Yin and Yang, or dysfunction of the Spleen and Kidney systems. In TCM, identifying and correcting these imbalances is crucial for effectively treating rectal prolapse.
Causes of Rectal Prolapse According to TCM
In TCM, rectal prolapse is often associated with patterns of Qi Deficiency or Qi Sinking, particularly in the Spleen and Kidney systems. Qi Deficiency can lead to a weakening of the muscles and connective tissues that support the rectum, contributing to prolapse.
Additionally, chronic conditions like Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine can exacerbate the problem by increasing pressure in the lower abdomen. TCM treatments focus on strengthening the Qi, nourishing the Yin, and resolving any Damp-Heat to address the root causes of rectal prolapse.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Rectal Prolapse
TCM employs a range of formulas and herbs to treat rectal prolapse, depending on the underlying pattern. Formulas like Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, which contains Prepared rehmannia, are used for patterns of Yang Deficiency, to nourish Yin and strengthen Kidney Yang.
For Qi Deficiency and Qi Sinking, Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang with Milkvetch Roots is recommended to tonify Qi and address issues of Qi Sinking. Each formula is chosen based on the individual's specific TCM diagnosis, reflecting the personalized approach of TCM treatment.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address rectal prolapse, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that release the exterior and clear the interior
- Formulas that stop bleeding
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
Rectal prolapse can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a deficiency in Yin energy, needing nourishment and strengthening of the body's vital essence.
One such formula is Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi
Rectal prolapse can be treated by these formulas if it results from Qi deficiency, necessitating treatments that boost the body's vital energy.
One such formula is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that Release the Exterior and Clear the Interior
Rectal prolapse can be treated by these formulas when it arises from external pathogenic factors affecting the body's surface, coupled with internal disharmony.
One such formula is Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang, with kudzu root as a key herb.
Formulas that stop bleeding
Rectal prolapse can be treated by these formulas when it is caused by various factors leading to bleeding, requiring hemostatic actions.
One such formula is Huai Jiao Wan, with pagoda tree pods as a key herb.
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
Rectal prolapse can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold in the middle jiao (digestive region), necessitating warming and cold-dispelling actions.
One such formula is Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Acupoints for Rectal Prolapse
TCM acupoint therapy plays a significant role in treating rectal prolapse. Acupoints such as Baihuanshu BL-30 and Chengshan BL-57 in the Bladder Channel are effective for strengthening the lower back and treating hemorrhoids, both of which are beneficial for rectal prolapse. Huiyang BL-35 is another important point for clearing Damp-Heat and regulating the Lower Burner.
Additionally, Changqiang Du-1 in the Governing Vessel and Huiyin REN-1 in the Directing Vessel are used for their regulating and strengthening effects on the lower orifices. These acupoints form part of a comprehensive strategy to address the physical and energetic aspects of rectal prolapse in TCM.
Explore below some acupoints used to address rectal prolapse, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Bladder Channel
- Governing Vessel
- Directing Vessel
- Extra Points: Upper Extremities (EX-UE)
Dachangshu BL-25
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th lumber vertebra (L4).
Baihuanshu BL-30
At the level of the 4th posterior sacral foramen, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
Chengshan BL-57
Directly below the belly of the gastrocnemius muscle and between the two heads of the muscle, on the line connecting Weizhong BL-40 and Kunlun BL-60, about 8 cun below Weizhong BL-40.
Jizhong DU-6
On the back midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra (T11).
Erbai Ex-UE-2
A pair of points on the palmar aspect of the forearm, 4 cun proximal to the wrist joint space (most distal wrist crease), on either side of the tendon of the flexor carpi radialis muscle.
TCM Herbs for Rectal Prolapse
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address rectal prolapse, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that stop bleeding
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Rectal prolapse can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for rectal prolapse, like Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for rectal prolapse
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen) | Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang |
| Bugbane Rhizomes (Sheng Ma) | Not applicable |
| Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) | Not applicable |
| Greater Burdock Roots (Niu Bang Gen) | Not applicable |
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Rectal prolapse can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Red Halloysite (Chi Shi Zhi), which is directly recommended for rectal prolapse.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that stabilize and bind" recommended for rectal prolapse
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Red Halloysite (Chi Shi Zhi) | Not applicable |
| Chinese Gall (Wu Bei Zi) | Not applicable |
| Pomegranate Peel (Shi Liu Pi) | Not applicable |
Herbs that regulate Qi
Rectal prolapse can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.
One such herb is Bitter Oranges (Zhi Ke), which is directly recommended for rectal prolapse.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that regulate Qi" recommended for rectal prolapse
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Bitter Oranges (Zhi Ke) | Not applicable |
| Immature Bitter Oranges (Zhi Shi) | Not applicable |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Rectal prolapse can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for rectal prolapse, like Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for rectal prolapse
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang |
| Maltose (Yi Tang) | Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang |
Herbs that drain Dampness
Rectal prolapse can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Bitter Orange Flowers (Dai Dai Hua), which is directly recommended for rectal prolapse.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Rectal prolapse can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Spikemoss (Juan Bai), which is directly recommended for rectal prolapse.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Rectal prolapse can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for rectal prolapse, like Ba Wei Di Huang Wan.
Herbs that stop bleeding
Rectal prolapse can be treated by these herbs in cases where it is due to internal or external bleeding, working to stabilize and constrict blood flow.
One such herb is Pagoda Tree Pods (Huai jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for rectal prolapse, like Huai Jiao Wan.