Smelly Stoolsaccording to TCM

What is Smelly Stools?

Smelly stools, characterized by foul-smelling bowel movements, indicate a deviation from normal fecal odor, which can range from mildly unpleasant to overwhelmingly malodorous. This symptom can reflect dietary choices, but when persistently offensive, it often signals underlying digestive issues.

The range of smells can vary widely, with some odors suggesting specific health concerns. Recognizing this symptom's significance is crucial for addressing potential digestive disorders or imbalances within the body.

How does TCM view Smelly Stools?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets smelly stools as an indication of internal disharmony, specifically pointing to imbalances in the digestive system. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on the symptom itself, TCM seeks to understand the root cause of malodorous feces, typically attributing it to patterns of Heat and Dampness affecting the Large Intestine.

This perspective is part of a broader TCM approach that views symptoms as clues to deeper imbalances within the body’s energy system or Qi, emphasizing the interconnectedness of bodily functions.

Root Causes of Smelly Stools in TCM

In TCM, smelly stools are primarily associated with Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine. This condition reflects an accumulation of heat and moisture in the digestive tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, fullness, diarrhea, and notably, foul-smelling stools. The presence of mucous in feces alongside these symptoms further indicates the stagnation of Damp-Heat. The patterns underscore the importance of identifying and treating the underlying imbalance rather than just addressing the symptom.

Explore below more details about what might cause Smelly stools according to TCM.

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 Smelly Stools

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine	Smelly stools, Abdominal pain, Abdominal fullness, Diarrhea, Hematochezia, Mucous in feces, Anal burning, Scanty and dark urine, Fever, Perspiration, Feeling hot, Thirst, Feeling of heaviness... see more	Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang | Shao Yao Tang

Dampness

"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more

Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Smelly Stools

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine	Smelly stools, Abdominal pain, Abdominal fullness, Diarrhea, Hematochezia, Mucous in feces, Anal burning, Scanty and dark urine, Fever, Perspiration, Feeling hot, Thirst, Feeling of heaviness... see more	Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang | Shao Yao Tang

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 Smelly Stools

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine	Smelly stools, Abdominal pain, Abdominal fullness, Diarrhea, Hematochezia, Mucous in feces, Anal burning, Scanty and dark urine, Fever, Perspiration, Feeling hot, Thirst, Feeling of heaviness... see more	Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang | Shao Yao Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Smelly Stools

To counteract the effects of Damp-Heat and restore balance to the digestive system, TCM recommends specific formulas such as Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang. This formula, with Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen) as a key herb, is designed to release the Exterior and clear the Interior, targeting the root cause of smelly stools by expelling Damp-Heat from the body.

The approach to treatment in TCM is highly individualized, with the selection of herbs and formulas tailored to the patient's specific pattern of disharmony, ensuring that the treatment addresses not only the symptoms but also the underlying conditions leading to smelly stools.

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

Top Formula for Heat:
Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause smelly stools, such as Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Smelly Stools 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

Top Formula for Dampness:
Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang

Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause smelly stools, such as Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Smelly Stools Caused by Dampness

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

Acupoints for Smelly Stools

TCM also employs acupuncture as a method to address smelly stools, targeting specific acupoints that regulate the Spleen, resolve Dampness, and promote the healthy movement of Qi through the digestive system. One key acupoint is Yinlingquan SP-9, located on the lower border of the medial condyle of the tibia.

Stimulating SP-9 helps to regulate the Spleen's function, resolve Dampness, and open the water passages, which can alleviate symptoms of smelly stools by restoring the proper balance of fluids and Qi in the body. This holistic approach, combining herbal medicine and acupuncture, illustrates TCM’s comprehensive strategy in treating digestive disturbances like smelly stools.

See more details below about Yinlingquan SP-9, an acupoint used to address smelly stools.

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.