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
  • Kidney
  • Spleen
Detailed description of the cause

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
Detailed description of the cause

Cold

In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more

Cold 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
Detailed description of the cause

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 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
Detailed description of the cause

Spleen

In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more

Spleen 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

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
  • Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
  • Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
  • External formulas for external disorders
  • Formulas that purge heat accumulation
  • Formulas that clear wind-Cold
  • Formulas that dispel summer-Heat and resolve exterior
  • Formulas that dispel wind-Damp
  • Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
  • Formulas that expel dampness
  • Formulas that vent membrane source
  • Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
  • Formulas that release the exterior and clear the interior
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs
  • Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
  • Formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices
  • Formulas that bind up intestines and secure abandoned conditions
  • Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
  • Formulas that warm and purge
  • Formulas that expel parasites

All "formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold" recommended for dysentery

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang Not applicable
Li Zhong Wan Not applicable
Wu Zhu Yu Tang Not applicable

All "formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity" recommended for dysentery

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang Not applicable
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang Not applicable

All "external formulas for external disorders" recommended for dysentery

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Jing Fang Bai Du San Not applicable
Ren Shen Bai Du San Not applicable

All "formulas that purge heat accumulation" recommended for dysentery

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Xiao Cheng Qi Tang Not applicable
Da Cheng Qi Tang Not applicable

All "formulas that clear wind-Cold" recommended for dysentery

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Ge Gen Tang Not applicable
Xiao Qing Long Tang Not applicable

All "formulas that dispel summer-Heat and resolve exterior" recommended for dysentery

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Xiang Ru San Not applicable
Xin Jia Xiang Ru Yin Not applicable

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
Huiyang BL-35

Huiyang BL-35

On either side of the coccyx tip, 0.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.

Yanggang BL-48

Yanggang BL-48

3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra (T10).

Zhongzhu KID-15

Zhongzhu KID-15

1 cun below the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.