Bleeding Hemorrhoidsaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Hemorrhoid Symptoms
Parent symptom: Hemorrhoids
What is Bleeding Hemorrhoids?
Bleeding hemorrhoids, a common yet often misunderstood condition, refers to the occurrence of bleeding from swollen veins in the rectum or around the anus, a result of increased pressure in the lower rectum. This condition can lead to discomfort, itching, pain, and noticeable bleeding during bowel movements.
Hemorrhoids can be internal, residing within the rectum, or external, under the skin around the anus. While bleeding might alarm, it is a common symptom of this condition and, in most cases, treatable. Understanding the nuances of hemorrhoid types is crucial for effective management and prevention of complications.
How Does TCM View Bleeding Hemorrhoids?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to bleeding hemorrhoids, viewing them as a symptom of underlying disharmonies within the body. Unlike Western medicine, which tends to focus on symptomatic relief, TCM aims to identify and treat the root causes based on individual patterns of imbalance.
Factors such as Qi Stagnation, Blood Heat, or Damp-Heat accumulation are considered contributors to the development of hemorrhoids. TCM emphasizes dietary adjustments, herbal medicine, and acupuncture to restore balance and alleviate symptoms, providing a comprehensive treatment strategy.
Causes of Bleeding Hemorrhoids According to TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), bleeding hemorrhoids are often linked to specific patterns of imbalance, particularly Heat affecting the blood. For women, a common cause identified is Heat in Uterus Blood, which not only disrupts the energetic harmony of the lower abdomen but also directly influences the health of rectal veins, leading to swelling and bleeding.
Another broader cause applicable to all genders is Heat in the Blood, where excessive Heat circulates within the bloodstream, damaging the blood vessels and leading to hemorrhoidal bleeding. These conditions highlight the intricate connection between systemic imbalances and localized symptoms, according to TCM principles.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Bleeding Hemorrhoids
To address the specific TCM patterns of Heat in Uterus Blood and Heat in the Blood leading to bleeding hemorrhoids, TCM employs targeted herbal remedies. Formulas such as Huai Jiao Wan, rich in Pagoda tree pods (Huai jiao), are favored for their cooling properties on the Blood and their ability to halt bleeding.
This approach is emblematic of TCM's strategy to cool the internal Heat and restore the balance, thus alleviating the symptoms of bleeding hemorrhoids. The choice of herbs and formulas is carefully made to match the individual's pattern of disharmony, ensuring a personalized and effective treatment.
See more details below about Huai Jiao Wan, a herbal formula used to address bleeding hemorrhoids.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that stop bleeding
Formulas that stop bleeding
Bleeding hemorrhoids can be treated by these formulas when it is caused by various factors leading to bleeding, requiring hemostatic actions.
One such formula is Huai Jiao Wan, with pagoda tree pods as a key herb.
Acupoints for Bleeding Hemorrhoids
Acupuncture plays a pivotal role in the TCM treatment of bleeding hemorrhoids, especially when related to internal Heat conditions. Select acupoints on the Bladder Channel, such as Chengfu (BL-36) for general hemorrhoid relief, Chengshan (BL-57) to relax the sinews and aid in hemorrhoid treatment, and Feiyang (BL-58) for its dual action of strengthening the Kidneys and treating hemorrhoids, are particularly useful.
These points are chosen not only for their local effects but also for their ability to influence the body's internal climate, cooling the Heat in the Blood or the Uterus, thus addressing the root cause of the condition while providing symptomatic relief.
Explore below some acupoints used to address bleeding hemorrhoids, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Bladder Channel
Chengshan BL-57
Directly below the belly of the gastrocnemius muscle and between the two heads of the muscle, on the line connecting Weizhong BL-40 and Kunlun BL-60, about 8 cun below Weizhong BL-40.
Feiyang BL-58
On the posterior border of fibula, about 1 cun inferior and lateral to Chengshan BL-57, 7 cun directly above Kunlun BL-60.
TCM Herbs for Bleeding Hemorrhoids
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address bleeding hemorrhoids, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that stop bleeding
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs for external application
Herbs that stop bleeding
Bleeding hemorrhoids can be treated by these herbs in cases where it is due to internal or external bleeding, working to stabilize and constrict blood flow.
One such herb is Pagoda Tree Pods (Huai jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for bleeding hemorrhoids, like Huai Jiao Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that stop bleeding" recommended for bleeding hemorrhoids
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Pagoda Tree Pods (Huai jiao) | Huai Jiao Wan |
| Sanguisorba Roots (Di yu) | Not applicable |
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Bleeding hemorrhoids can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Bistort Rhizomes (Quan Shen), which is directly recommended for bleeding hemorrhoids.
Herbs for external application
Bleeding hemorrhoids can be treated by these herbs when the condition is external or superficial, requiring topical treatment to alleviate symptoms or heal the affected area.
One such herb is Catechu (Er Cha), which is directly recommended for bleeding hemorrhoids.