Dysenteryaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Bacterial Infections, Diarrhea and Dysentery
Sub-symptom(s): Bacillary Dysentery Toxic Dysentery Early Stage Dysentery Chronic Dysentery Dysentery With Blood Chronic Bacillary Dysentery
Root Causes of Dysentery in TCM
Explore below more details about what might cause Dysentery according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Yang Deficiency
- Cold
- Kidney
- Spleen
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 Dysentery
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold | Chronic dysenteric disorder, Chronic dysentery, Dark blood in stool, Mucous in feces, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth... see more | Tao Hua Tang |
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 Dysentery
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold | Chronic dysenteric disorder, Chronic dysentery, Dark blood in stool, Mucous in feces, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth... see more | Tao Hua Tang |
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 Dysentery
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold | Chronic dysenteric disorder, Chronic dysentery, Dark blood in stool, Mucous in feces, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth... see more | Tao Hua Tang |
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 Dysentery
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold | Chronic dysenteric disorder, Chronic dysentery, Dark blood in stool, Mucous in feces, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth... see more | Tao Hua Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Dysentery
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address dysentery, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Yang Deficiency
- Cold
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
- Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
- External formulas for external disorders
- Formulas that purge heat accumulation
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
- Formulas that dispel summer-Heat and resolve exterior
- Formulas that dispel wind-Damp
- Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
- Formulas that expel dampness
- Formulas that vent membrane source
- Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
- Formulas that release the exterior and clear the interior
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
- Formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices
- Formulas that bind up intestines and secure abandoned conditions
- Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
- Formulas that warm and purge
- Formulas that expel parasites
Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Tao Hua Tang
Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause dysentery, such as Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold
Learn more
Top Formula for Cold:
Tao Hua Tang
Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause dysentery, such as Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold
Learn moreFormulas that bind up Intestines and secure abandoned conditions
These formulas are suitable for some dysentery-causing patterns like Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold.
One such formula is Tao Hua Tang, with red halloysite as a key herb.
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
Dysentery can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold in the middle jiao (digestive region), necessitating warming and cold-dispelling actions.
One such formula is Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold" recommended for dysentery
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang | Not applicable |
| Li Zhong Wan | Not applicable |
| Wu Zhu Yu Tang | Not applicable |
Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity
Dysentery can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity if it arises from heat toxins affecting the body.
One such formula is Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity" recommended for dysentery
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang | Not applicable |
| Huang Lian Jie Du Tang | Not applicable |
External formulas for External disorders
Dysentery can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by external factors like wind, cold, or heat leading to symptoms on the body's surface.
One such formula is Jing Fang Bai Du San, with japanese catnip as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "external formulas for external disorders" recommended for dysentery
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Jing Fang Bai Du San | Not applicable |
| Ren Shen Bai Du San | Not applicable |
Formulas that purge Heat accumulation
Dysentery can be treated by these formulas if it arises from an excess of internal heat, needing actions that clear heat and reduce its intensity.
One such formula is Xiao Cheng Qi Tang
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that purge heat accumulation" recommended for dysentery
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Xiao Cheng Qi Tang | Not applicable |
| Da Cheng Qi Tang | Not applicable |
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Dysentery can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Ge Gen Tang, with kudzu root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear wind-Cold" recommended for dysentery
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ge Gen Tang | Not applicable |
| Xiao Qing Long Tang | Not applicable |
Formulas that dispel Summer-Heat and resolve Exterior
Dysentery can be treated by these formulas when there's an interaction of external summer heat with the body's surface, requiring remedies that clear heat and release the exterior.
One such formula is Xiang Ru San, with vietnamese balm as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that dispel summer-Heat and resolve exterior" recommended for dysentery
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Xiang Ru San | Not applicable |
| Xin Jia Xiang Ru Yin | Not applicable |
Formulas that dispel Wind-Damp
Dysentery can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a pathogenic influence of wind combined with dampness, which often obstructs the flow of Qi and Blood.
One such formula is Da Fang Feng Tang, with saposhnikovia root as a key herb.
Formulas that pacify and extinguish Internal Wind
Dysentery can be treated by these formulas when it is due to internal wind, which is often associated with spasms, tremors, or dizziness.
One such formula is Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang, with saiga antelope's horns as a key herb.
Formulas that expel Dampness
Dysentery can be treated by these formulas in cases where dampness obstructs the body's normal functions, necessitating herbs that specifically target and expel dampness.
One such formula is Wei Ling Tang, with water plantain as a key herb.
Formulas that vent membrane source
Dysentery can be treated by these formulas if it results from blockages in the body, often manifested as masses or lumps, needing actions that open and resolve these obstructions.
One such formula is Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
Dysentery can be treated by these formulas if it is related to internal heat causing abscesses and sores.
One such formula is Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that Release the Exterior and Clear the Interior
Dysentery can be treated by these formulas when it arises from external pathogenic factors affecting the body's surface, coupled with internal disharmony.
One such formula is Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang, with kudzu root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
Dysentery can be treated by these formulas if it stems from an excess heat condition in specific organs, leading to internal disharmony.
One such formula is Huang Qin Tang, with baikal skullcap root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness
Dysentery can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness if it results from heat combined with damp conditions in the body.
One such formula is San Ren Tang, with apricot seed as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices
Dysentery can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices if it is due to heat causing disturbances in sensory functions.
One such formula is Zhi Bao Dan, with water buffalo horn as a key herb.
Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
Dysentery can be treated by these formulas when it arises from disharmony in the female reproductive system, resulting in symptoms like irregular bleeding or abnormal discharge.
One such formula is Wan Dai Tang, with atractylodes rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and purge
Dysentery can be treated by these formulas if it stems from cold accumulation coupled with excess conditions, necessitating warming and purging actions.
One such formula is Wen Pi Tang, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that expel parasites
Dysentery can be treated by these formulas when it is caused by parasitic infections, requiring anti-parasitic herbs to eliminate the parasites.
One such formula is Wu Mei Wan, with chinese plum as a key herb.
Acupoints for Dysentery
Explore below some acupoints used to address dysentery, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Bladder Channel
- Kidney Channel
Yanggang BL-48
3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra (T10).
