Colitis in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different colitis patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Colitis, in medical terms, refers to the inflammation of the inner lining of the colon and can manifest in various forms such as Ulcerative Colitis, Chronic Colitis, and Allergic Colitis. This condition is characterized by symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements, ranging from diarrhea to constipation. The inflammation can be a response to infection, Loss of Blood supply to the colon, or chronic diseases.
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), colitis is viewed through the prism of imbalance within the body's energy systems. TCM doesn't just focus on alleviating the symptoms but rather seeks to identify and treat the root cause of the disease.
According to TCM, colitis could be the result of disharmony between the body's organs, particularly the Spleen and Liver, leading to Qi Stagnation, accumulation of Dampness, or the presence of Heat or Cold within the colon. Identifying the specific disharmony allows TCM practitioners to tailor treatments to restore balance and health.
Herbal Formulas for Colitis
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address colitis
Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
Traditional formula for colitis
Main Actions
- Reverses the flow of Rebellious Stomach Qi
- Relieves both Heat and Cold Stagnation in the gastrointestinal tract
Gui Pi Tang
Traditional formula for colitis
Main Actions
- Tonifies and nourish Qi and Blood
- Tonifies Heart and Spleen
Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang
Traditional formula for colitis
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Middle Burner (Spleen and Stomach)
- Tonifies Qi
- Relieves spasmodic pain
Ping Wei San
Traditional formula for colitis
Main Actions
- Dries Dampness
- Improves the Spleen's transportive function
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
San Ren Tang
Traditional formula for colitis
Main Actions
- Clears Damp-Heat
- Disseminates the Qi
- Facilitates the Qi mechanisms
Si Ni San
Traditional formula for colitis
Main Actions
- Regulates Liver and Spleen
- Eliminates Internal Heat
Tong Xie Yao Fang
Traditional formula for colitis
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Spleen
- Softens the Liver
- Expels Dampness
- Stops diarrhea
Wan Dai Tang
Traditional formula for colitis
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Middle Burner
- Removes Dampness
- Stops vaginal discharge
- Strengthens the Spleen
Wei Ling Tang
Traditional formula for colitis
Main Actions
- Promotes urination
- Warms the Yang
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Drains Dampness
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Xiao Cheng Qi Tang
Traditional formula for colitis
Main Actions
- Moderately purges Heat accumulation
- Circulates Qi in the Middle
Li Zhong Wan
Traditional formula for colitis
Main Actions
- Warms the Middle Burner
- Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach
Shao Yao Tang
Traditional formula for colitis
Main Actions
- Regulates and harmonizes the Qi and Blood
- Clears Heat
- Dries dampness
- Resolves Toxicity
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Traditional formula for colitis
Main Actions
- Dispels Heat and
- Eliminates Blood Stagnation
Tao Hua Tang
Traditional formula for colitis
Main Actions
- Warms the Middle
- Dispels Cold
- Binds up the bowels and stops dysenteric disorders
Wen Pi Tang
Traditional formula for colitis
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Spleen Yang
- Clears Cold Evil
Wu Mei Wan
Traditional formula for colitis
Main Actions
- Warms the Organs
- Drains Heat
- Calms roundworms
- Drains the Liver
- Calms the Stomach
Wu Zhu Yu Tang
Traditional formula for colitis
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Liver and Stomach
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
- Stops vomiting
Di Dang Tang
Traditional formula for colitis
Main Actions
- Breaks up and dispels Blood Stagnation
Gui Zhi Ren Shen Tang
Traditional formula for colitis
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior
- Warms the Interior
- Augments the Qi
- Eliminates focal distention
Si Ni Tang
Traditional formula for colitis
Main Actions
- Rescues devastated Yang
- Warms the Middle Burner
- Stops diarrhea
Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang
Traditional formula for colitis
Main Actions
- Harmonizes and releases the Lesser Yang
- Removes Stagnation
- Warms the Interior
- Dispels Cold
Huang Lian Tang
Traditional formula for colitis
Main Actions
- Regulates Cold and Heat
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward