Hemorrhoids in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different hemorrhoids patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are swollen veins in the lower part of the anus and rectum. When the walls of these vessels are stretched, they become irritated. Though hemorrhoids can be unpleasant and painful, they are easily treatable and very common. Various forms, including bleeding hemorrhoids, chronic hemorrhoids, and postpartum hemorrhoids, can manifest differently, ranging from mild discomfort to significant pain, impacting daily activities.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets hemorrhoids through the lens of imbalance and disharmony within the body's energy systems. Unlike the Western approach that typically focuses on the symptoms, TCM aims to identify and address the root cause of the condition.
It considers hemorrhoids as a manifestation of underlying issues such as Qi (energy) Copplapsing, Dampness accumulation, or Blood Stasis. TCM stresses the importance of diagnosing the specific pattern of disharmony to tailor the treatment effectively, thereby not just alleviating the symptoms but also rectifying the fundamental imbalance.
TCM Patterns for Hemorrhoids
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause hemorrhoids
Large Intestine collapse
Diagnostic signs
Deep (Chen), Weak (Ruo), Fine (Xi)
pale tongue
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking
Diagnostic signs
Empty (Xu), Weak (Ruo)
Pale tongue with white coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Spleen Qi Sinking
Diagnostic signs
Weak (Ruo)
Pale tongue
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Hemorrhoids
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address hemorrhoids