Diarrhea in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding different diarrhea patterns according to TCM theory

Educational content Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice

Overview
What causes it 14 TCM patterns documented
How to recognize Symptoms specific to each diarrhea pattern
Classical remedies 78 herbal formulas documented

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets diarrhea as a symptom of imbalance within the body's internal systems, particularly concerning the Spleen and Stomach's functions. Unlike Western perspectives that often target the symptom directly, TCM seeks to understand the root cause, attributing diarrhea to factors such as Qi Deficiency, Dampness invasion, or Yang Deficiency.

This holistic approach emphasizes restoring harmony and balance through natural remedies, diet adjustments, and acupuncture, offering a nuanced understanding of health that transcends mere symptom management.

TCM Patterns for Diarrhea

Dampness

Causes: Diarrhea, Loose stools, Loose stools with foul smell

12 variations documented
Damp-Cold
How it presents with diarrhea

Diarrhea

Along with: Mouth ulcers, White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine
How it presents with diarrhea

Diarrhea

Along with: Abdominal pain, Abdominal fullness, Hematochezia, Mucous in feces, Smelly stools, Anal burning,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Exterior Cold with Interior Dampness in Summer
How it presents with diarrhea

Diarrhea

Along with: Chills with warm skin, Lack of sweating, Heavy sensation in the head, Headaches, Abdominal pain, Vomit,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Heat
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst,

Cold-Damp invading the Spleen
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Loss of appetite, Epigastric coldness, Head and body heaviness, Sweet taste in mouth, Absence of thirst, Diarrhea,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Head and body heaviness, Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Diarrhea, Fever not reduced by sweating

Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest,

Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Oedema
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema,

Summer Heat with Dampness
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, Tight feeling in chest and stomach,

Damp-Heat invading the Spleen
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools with foul smell

Along with: Loss of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea or vomiting, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal burning,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen Deficiency with Dampness
How it presents with diarrhea

Diarrhea, Loose stools

Along with: Edema, Feeling of heaviness, Urinary dysfunction, Glomerulonephritis, Kidney infection, Nephrotic syndrome,

Cold

Causes: Diarrhea, Loose stools

11 variations documented
Cold in the Uterus
How it presents with diarrhea

Diarrhea, Loose stools

Along with: Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge

Cold invading the Large Intestine
How it presents with diarrhea

Diarrhea

Along with: Abdominal pain, Chills, Abdominal cold sensation

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Cold
How it presents with diarrhea

Diarrhea

Along with: Mouth ulcers, White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Exterior Cold with Interior Dampness in Summer
How it presents with diarrhea

Diarrhea

Along with: Chills with warm skin, Lack of sweating, Heavy sensation in the head, Headaches, Abdominal pain, Vomit,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Greater Yin stage
How it presents with diarrhea

Diarrhea

Along with: Loss of appetite, Vomit, Abdominal fullness, Chills, Absence of thirst, Generalized fatigue

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Lesser Yin Cold Transformation
How it presents with diarrhea

Diarrhea

Along with: Chills, Absence of thirst, Desire to lie down curled up, Apathy, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Small Intestine Deficient and Cold
How it presents with diarrhea

Diarrhea

Along with: Borborygmi, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure or eating, Craving for hot beverages, Pale and abudant urination, Cold extremities

Cold-Damp invading the Spleen
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Loss of appetite, Epigastric coldness, Head and body heaviness, Sweet taste in mouth, Absence of thirst, Diarrhea,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Empty-Cold
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Chills, Cold extremities, Pale face, Absence of thirst, Apathy, Excessive sweating,

Exterior-Cold
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Body pain, Stiff neck, Lack of sweating, Absence of thirst,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Large Intestine Cold
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Borborygmi, Clear urination, Cold extremities

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Deficiency

Causes: Loose stools, Diarrhea

10 variations documented
Qi Deficiency
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: General weakness, Weak voice, Generalized fatigue, Apathy, Dislike of speaking, Spontaneous sweat,

Spleen Qi Deficiency
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down, Slight abdominal pain, Excessive gas and flatulence, Bloated abdomen,

Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Pale face, Weak limbs,

Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Pale face, Weak limbs,

Stomach Qi Deficiency
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Morning fatigue

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen Deficiency with Dampness
How it presents with diarrhea

Diarrhea, Loose stools

Along with: Edema, Feeling of heaviness, Urinary dysfunction, Glomerulonephritis, Kidney infection, Nephrotic syndrome,

Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency
How it presents with diarrhea

Diarrhea, Loose stools

Along with: Dizziness, Unsteadiness, Blurry vision, Deafness, Tinnitus, Shortness of breath,

Spleen Deficiency
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Sticky vaginal discharge, Generalized fatigue, Depression, Cold extremities, Diarrhea, White vaginal discharge,

Heart and Spleen Deficiency
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Palpitations, Insomnia, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Anxiety, Pale face,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yang Deficiency

Causes: Diarrhea, Loose stools, Persistent diarrhea

8 variations documented
Greater Yin stage
How it presents with diarrhea

Diarrhea

Along with: Loss of appetite, Vomit, Abdominal fullness, Chills, Absence of thirst, Generalized fatigue

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools, Diarrhea

Along with: Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Lesser Yin Cold Transformation
How it presents with diarrhea

Diarrhea

Along with: Chills, Absence of thirst, Desire to lie down curled up, Apathy, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools, Persistent diarrhea

Along with: Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills,

Spleen Yang Deficiency
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down curled up, Pale face, Cold extremities, Chills,

Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Chills, General cold feeling, Pale urine, Undigested food in stools, General weakness, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth,

Spleen or Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Abdominal pain that worsens with cold, Urinary dysfunction, Deep pain and heaviness in limbs, Dizziness, Heavy sensation in the head, Edema,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Pale face, Facial edema, Oedema of limbs, Abdominal distention, Cold extremities, Shortness of breath,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Heat

Causes: Diarrhea, Loose stools with foul smell, Loose stools

6 variations documented
Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine
How it presents with diarrhea

Diarrhea

Along with: Abdominal pain, Abdominal fullness, Hematochezia, Mucous in feces, Smelly stools, Anal burning,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heat in Lessor Yang
How it presents with diarrhea

Diarrhea, Loose stools with foul smell

Along with: Fever, Bitter taste in the mouth, Abdominal pain, Sticky taste in the mouth, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal irritation,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Heat
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst,

Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Head and body heaviness, Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Diarrhea, Fever not reduced by sweating

Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Heat invading the Spleen
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools with foul smell

Along with: Loss of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea or vomiting, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal burning,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Blood Deficiency

Causes: Loose stools

4 variations documented
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen and Heart Blood Deficiency
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Palpitations, Dizziness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Poor memory, Anxiety,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen Blood Deficiency
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Pale face, Weak limbs, Diarrhea,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heart and Spleen Deficiency
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Palpitations, Insomnia, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Anxiety, Pale face,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Phlegm

Causes: Loose stools

3 variations documented
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest,

Oedema
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema,

Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Abdominal distention, Vomiting clear liquid, Dry tongue, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Stomach splashing sound, Chest distension,

Qi Sinking

Causes: Loose stools, Chronic diarrhoea

3 variations documented
Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools, Chronic diarrhoea

Along with: Uterine prolapse, Prolapsed bladder, Stomach prolapse, Nephroptosis, Anus prolapse, Bearing down sensation in abdomen,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen Qi Sinking
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Large Intestine collapse
How it presents with diarrhea

Chronic diarrhoea

Along with: Chronic diarrhea, Anus prolapse, Hemorrhoids, Generalized fatigue, Cold extremities, Loss of appetite,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Stagnation

Causes: Diarrhea, Loose stools

2 variations documented
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it presents with diarrhea

Diarrhea

Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia,

Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Summer Heat

Causes: Diarrhea, Loose stools

2 variations documented
Summer-Heat
How it presents with diarrhea

Diarrhea

Along with: Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, Upper abdominal discomfort,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Summer Heat with Dampness
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, Tight feeling in chest and stomach,

Qi Rebellion

Causes: Diarrhea

1 variation documented
Rebellious Qi
How it presents with diarrhea

Diarrhea

Along with: Hiccups, Belching, Nausea, Vomit, Coughing, Asthma

Yang Collapse

Causes: Loose stools

1 variation documented
Collapse of Yang
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Apathy, Chills, Cold extremities, Bright pale face, Sweating on forehead, Absence of thirst,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Blood Stasis

Causes: Loose stools

1 variation documented
Spleen and Liver Blood Deficiency
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Dull pale complexion, Weak limbs,

Yin Excess

Causes: Loose stools

1 variation documented
Yin Excess
How it presents with diarrhea

Loose stools

Along with: Absence of thirst, Slow and forceful movement, Epigastric pain worsen by pressure, Polyuria, Feeling of chest oppression, Nausea,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Herbal Formulas for Diarrhea

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address diarrhea

Wu Ling San

Addresses these diarrhea patterns:

Dampness Qi Deficiency Yang Deficiency Phlegm Yin Excess

Ping Wei San

Addresses these diarrhea patterns:

Dampness Cold Heat Qi Stagnation Phlegm

Yi Huang Tang

Addresses these diarrhea patterns:

Qi Deficiency Dampness Heat Yang Deficiency

Dang Gui Shao Yao San

Addresses these diarrhea patterns:

Dampness Heat Qi Stagnation Blood Stasis

Wei Ling Tang

Addresses these diarrhea patterns:

Dampness Cold Phlegm

Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang

Addresses these diarrhea patterns:

Qi Deficiency Qi Sinking Yang Deficiency

Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan

Addresses these diarrhea patterns:

Yang Deficiency Dampness Phlegm

Xiang Ru San

Addresses these diarrhea patterns:

Dampness Cold Summer Heat

Gui Pi Tang

Addresses these diarrhea patterns:

Qi Deficiency Blood Deficiency Blood Stasis