What is Hematochezia?

Hematochezia, a medical term for blood in stool, signifies a condition where there is visible red to dark blood present in bowel movements. This symptom can point to a variety of underlying conditions ranging from minor issues like hemorrhoids to more serious conditions such as colorectal cancer.

Chronic hematochezia refers to a persistent presence of blood in the feces, indicating a possible ongoing digestive tract problem. Understanding hematochezia is crucial for diagnosing and treating the underlying cause effectively.

How does TCM view Hematochezia?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hematochezia is viewed through the lens of imbalance and disharmony within the body's organ systems and energy pathways. TCM does not simply see it as a symptom but as a signal of deeper issues related to the flow of Qi (vital energy), Blood, and the balance of some Organs.

Conditions such as Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine or Blood Heat are often considered underlying causes, each requiring a unique approach to restore balance and health.

Root Causes of Hematochezia in TCM

TCM identifies several patterns that can lead to hematochezia, focusing on internal Heat and Blood disharmony as primary causes. Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine, for instance, is characterized by symptoms like bloody stools, abdominal pain, and a sense of fullness, alongside the presence of mucus and a burning sensation at the anus.

Another pattern, Heat in the Blood, manifests through symptoms such as frequent bleeding, thirst, and the occurrence of red skin eruptions alongside bloody stools. These patterns suggest an excess of heat within the body, disrupting the normal function of the intestines and damaging the blood vessels therein.

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Heat
  • Mind Disturbance
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Blood Stasis
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Dampness
  • Cold
Detailed description of the cause

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 Hematochezia

Common Symptoms: Abdominal Pain Fever Feeling Of Heat Thirst Hematuria Vomiting Blood Nosebleeds Restlessness

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine Bloody stools, Abdominal pain, Abdominal fullness, Diarrhea, Hematochezia, Mucous in feces, Smelly stools, Anal burning, Scanty and dark urine, Fever, Excessive sweating, Feeling of heat, Thirst, Feeling of heaviness... see more Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang | Shao Yao Tang
Heat in the Blood Bloody stools, Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood, Nosebleeds, Excessive menstruation... see more Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang | Gu Jing Wan | Shi Hui San | Bai He Di Huang Tang | Hua Ban Tang | Qing Ying Tang | Qing Re Gu Jing Tang
Heat victorious agitating Blood Bloody stools, Restlessness, High fever, Mania, Macules, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Hematochezia, Hematuria... see more Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Mind Disturbance

In TCM "Shen" refers to the mind or spirit, and a Shen disturbance is a pattern of disharmony that affects the mental and emotional state. This concept reflects the TCM belief in the deep interconnectedness of mind and body. Symptoms of Shen disturbance can vary widely but often include anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, confusion, or in severe cases, hallucinations or delirium. These symptoms indicate an imbalance in the body's energies affecting the heart, which in TCM is not only the center of blood circulation but also the seat of the mind and consciousness. The root of Shen disturbance can be traced to various factors, including emotional stress, physical illness, or an imbalance in fundamental substances like Qi, Yin, or Yang.... see more

Mind Disturbance Patterns That Can Lead to Hematochezia

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heat victorious agitating Blood Bloody stools, Restlessness, High fever, Mania, Macules, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Hematochezia, Hematuria... see more Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Hematochezia

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Loss of Blood Bloody stools, Nosebleeds, Uterine hemorrhage, Hematuria, Hematochezia, Cough of blood, Vomiting blood, Dark menstrual clots, Excessive menstruation, Bloody sputum... see more Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Stasis

Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more

Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Hematochezia

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach Blood Stagnation Bloody stools, Nocturnal epigastric pain, Abdominal pain worsened by pressure, Nausea or vomiting, Potential vomiting of blood, Hematochezia... see more Shi Xiao San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Yang Deficiency

Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more

Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Hematochezia

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold Dark blood in stool, Chronic dysentery, Mucous in feces, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth... see more Tao Hua Tang
Detailed description of the cause

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 Hematochezia

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

Cold

In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more

Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Hematochezia

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold Dark blood in stool, Chronic dysentery, Mucous in feces, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth... see more Tao Hua Tang
Detailed description of the cause

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 Hematochezia

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

Stomach

In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more

Stomach Patterns That Can Lead to Hematochezia

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach Blood Stagnation Bloody stools, Nocturnal epigastric pain, Abdominal pain worsened by pressure, Nausea or vomiting, Potential vomiting of blood, Hematochezia... see more Shi Xiao San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Kidney

In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Hematochezia

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold Dark blood in stool, Chronic dysentery, Mucous in feces, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth... see more Tao Hua Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Spleen

In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more

Spleen Patterns That Can Lead to Hematochezia

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold Dark blood in stool, Chronic dysentery, Mucous in feces, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth... see more Tao Hua Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Hematochezia

To address hematochezia, TCM recommends formulas that target the underlying patterns of disharmony. For conditions marked by Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine, Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang, which includes Kudzu Roots, is used to clear internal Heat and resolve Dampness.

In cases where Blood Heat is the root cause, Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang, featuring Water Buffalo Horns, is prescribed to cool the blood and stop the bleeding. These formulas exemplify TCM's holistic approach, aiming not only to alleviate the symptom but also to correct the internal imbalances leading to hematochezia.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Heat
  • Mind Disturbance
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Blood Stasis
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Dampness
  • Cold
  • Formulas that clear nutritive-level heat
  • Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
  • Formulas that release the exterior and clear the interior
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs
  • Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
  • Formulas that stop bleeding
  • Formulas that clear heat from qi and blood
  • Formulas that tonify qi and blood
  • Formulas that bind up intestines and secure abandoned conditions

All Formulas Recommended for Hematochezia Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang Heat in the Blood, Heat victorious agitating Blood
Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine
Shao Yao Tang Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine
Gu Jing Wan Heat in the Blood
Shi Hui San Heat in the Blood
Bai He Di Huang Tang Heat in the Blood
Hua Ban Tang Heat in the Blood
Qing Ying Tang Heat in the Blood
Qing Re Gu Jing Tang Heat in the Blood

All Formulas Recommended for Hematochezia Caused by Blood Stasis

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Shi Xiao San Stomach Blood Stagnation
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Stomach Blood Stagnation

All Formulas Recommended for Hematochezia 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

All "formulas that clear nutritive-level heat" recommended for hematochezia

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang Heat in the Blood, Heat victorious agitating Blood, Loss of Blood
Qing Ying Tang Heat in the Blood

All "formulas that clear heat from deficiency" recommended for hematochezia

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Bai He Di Huang Tang Heat in the Blood
Qing Re Gu Jing Tang Heat in the Blood

All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for hematochezia

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Shi Xiao San Stomach Blood Stagnation
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Stomach Blood Stagnation

Acupoints for Hematochezia

TCM also employs acupuncture as part of the treatment strategy for hematochezia. Key acupoints include Dachangshu (BL-25) to regulate the Large Intestine and remove Qi Stagnation, and Sanyinjiao (SP-6) to tonify the Spleen and Stomach, resolve dampness, and nourish the Blood.

These points, along with others like Shangjuxu (ST-37) to regulate the intestines, are selected based on the individual's specific pattern of disharmony, providing a targeted approach to treating hematochezia and restoring health.

Explore below some acupoints used to address hematochezia, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
  • Spleen Channel
  • Stomach Channel
  • Large Intestine Channel
  • Extra Points: Upper Extremities (EX-UE)
  • Kidney Channel
  • Governing Vessel
Pishu BL-20

Pishu BL-20

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra (T11).

Qihaishu BL-24

Qihaishu BL-24

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd lumber vertebra (L3).

Dachangshu BL-25

Dachangshu BL-25

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th lumber vertebra (L4).

Xiaochangshu BL-27

Xiaochangshu BL-27

At the level of the 1st posterior sacral foramen, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.

Xialiao BL-34

Xialiao BL-34

In the 4th posterior sacral foramen, between the posterior superior iliac spine and the midline.

Huiyang BL-35

Huiyang BL-35

On either side of the coccyx tip, 0.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.

Yinbai SP-1

Yinbai SP-1

On the medial side of the big toe, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail.

Gongsun SP-4

Gongsun SP-4

In the depression distal and inferior to the base of the 1st metatarsal bone, at the border of the red and white skin.

Sanyinjiao SP-6

Sanyinjiao SP-6

3 cun directly above the tip of the medial malleolus, on the posterior border of the tibia, on the line drawn from the medial malleolus to Yinlingquan SP-9.

Diji SP-8

Diji SP-8

3 cun below the medial condyle of the tibia, on the line connecting Yinlingquan SP-9 and the the medial malleolus.

Fuai SP-16

Fuai SP-16

3 cun above the umbilicus center and 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline, on the mamillary line.

Shangjuxu ST-37

Shangjuxu ST-37

6 cun below Dubi ST-35, on finger-breadth from the anterior crest of the tibia.

Neiting ST-44

Neiting ST-44

Between the 2nd and the 3rd toes, proximal to the interdigital fold.

Xialian LI-8

Xialian LI-8

When a fist is made, with the ulnar side downward and elbow flexed, the point is 4 cun distal to Quchi LI-11 of the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.

Yingxiang LI-20

Yingxiang LI-20

In the nasolabrial groove, at the level of the midpoint of the lateral border of ala nasi.

Erbai Ex-UE-2

Erbai Ex-UE-2

A pair of points on the palmar aspect of the forearm, 4 cun proximal to the wrist joint space (most distal wrist crease), on either side of the tendon of the flexor carpi radialis muscle.

Fuliu KID-7

Fuliu KID-7

2 cun directly above Taixi KID-3, on the anterior border of Achilles tendon.

Jizhong DU-6

Jizhong DU-6

On the back midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra (T11).