Dysentery in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different dysentery patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
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.
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.
TCM Patterns for Dysentery
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause dysentery
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold
Diagnostic signs
Slow (Chi), Weak (Ruo)
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Diagnostic signs
Slow (Chi), Weak (Ruo)
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Blood Stagnation with Heat
Diagnostic signs
Rapid (Shu), Slippery (Hua)
Recommended herbal formulas
Diagnostic signs
Wiry (Xian)
Swollen tongue with thick sticky white coating
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Dysentery
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address dysentery