Crohn's Diseaseaccording to TCM

What is Crohn's Disease?

Crohn's disease, known within the medical community as granulomatous enteritis, is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. This inflammation can occur anywhere from the mouth to the anus but is most commonly found in the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. Unlike other forms of inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's can affect the entire thickness of the bowel wall and often results in patchy areas of inflammation.

How does TCM view Crohn's Disease?

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Crohn's disease is viewed through the lens of imbalance and disharmony within the body's energetic system. TCM does not isolate the disease to a specific organ or system but rather sees it as a manifestation of broader imbalances between the body's fundamental elements and vital energies, Qi, Yin, and Yang.

In TCM, the symptoms of Crohn's are often attributed to disruptions in the flow of Qi and the balance of Damp, Cold and Phelgm within the body, leading to conditions of dampness, stagnation, or deficiency.

Causes of Crohn's Disease according to TCM

In TCM, the etiology of Crohn's disease is multifaceted, often involving patterns of disharmony such as Large Intestine Cold, Cold invading the Large Intestine, and Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold. These patterns indicate a deep imbalance where cold energy overwhelms the body's natural warmth, leading to a weakened digestive system and an accumulation of dampness.

Another critical pattern, Damp-Cold and Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus, though seemingly specific to the uterus, in TCM philosophy, can apply systemically, suggesting an excess of Damp and cold energies leading to Phlegm accumulation, which can manifest in various symptoms associated with Crohn's disease.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Crohn's Disease

To address these complex patterns, TCM prescribes specific formulas aimed at restoring balance and harmony within the body. Tao Hua Tang, which contains Red Halloysite (Chi Shi Zhi), is utilized to warm the intestines, dispelling cold and nurturing the Yang energy of the Kidney and Spleen. This formula is particularly beneficial in cases where cold invades the large intestine, leading to chronic symptoms.

Similarly, Wei Ling Tang, featuring Water Plantain (Ze Xie), is recommended for its ability to expel dampness and warmth, effectively treating conditions arising from Damp-Cold and Damp-Phlegm. These formulas exemplify TCM's holistic approach, targeting the root causes of Crohn's disease by harmonizing the body's internal energies and fostering a return to wellness.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address crohn's disease, organized by formula type.

TCM Herbs for Crohn's Disease

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address crohn's disease, organized by herb category.