The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
chronic haemorrhoids, haemorrhoid pain and haemorrhoids swelling redirect here
Hemorrhoids can be the consequence of several so-called “patterns of disharmony” in Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted, leading to symptoms or signs that something is wrong (like hemorrhoids here). It is similar to the concept of disease in Western Medicine but not quite: a Western disease can often be explained by several Chinese patterns and vice-versa.
A pattern often manifests itself in a combination of symptoms that, at first glance, do not seem necessarily related to each others. For instance here hemorrhoids is often associated with dizziness, poor appetite and anus prolapse in the pattern “Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking”.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of hemorrhoids we’ve identified that a herbal formula called Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang can help treat the patterns behind the symptom.
Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking, a "pattern of disharmony" that can cause hemorrhoids
In Chinese Medicine hemorrhoids is a symptom for the pattern "Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking". Below is a small explanation for it with links for more details.
Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) is the king ingredient for Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, a formula used for Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking
Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking
Pulse type(s): Empty (Xu), Weak (Ruo)
Tongue color: Pale
In a Qi Collapsing (also called 'Sinking Qi') situation, a weakened Qi is unable to perform its holding function, resulting in a prolapse of the Organs. This condition mostly applies to the Qi of the Spleen.
In addition to hemorrhoids, other symptoms associated with Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking include dizziness, poor appetite and anus prolapse.
Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking is often treated with Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, a herbal formula made of 10 herbs (including Milkvetch Roots - Huang Qi - as a key herb). Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that tonify qi", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Tonifies Qi of the Spleen and Stomach (Middle Burner)".
A herbal formula that might help with hemorrhoids
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Source date: 1247
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Tonifies Qi of the Spleen and Stomach (Middle Burner). Raises the Yang. Detoxifies. Lifts what has sunken.
Why might Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang help with hemorrhoids?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking' of which hemorrhoids is a symptom.
Other symptoms characteristic of Qi Collapsing Or Qi Sinking include dizziness, poor appetite and anus prolapse.
Acupuncture points used for hemorrhoids
The five Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat hemorrhoids
Why might Milkvetch Root (Huang Qi) help with hemorrhoids?
Because it is a key herb in Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking' (a pattern with hemorrhoids as a symptom)
Milkvetch Roots is a Warm herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Lung and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Wei Qi and stops perspiration. Tonifies the Spleen Qi and the Yang Qi of the Earth Element. Tonifies the Qi and Blood. Expels pus and assists in the healing of wounds. Helps to regulate water metabolism in the body and reduce edema.
Why might Greater Burdock Root (Niu Bang Gen) help with hemorrhoids?
Because it is a herb specifically indicated to treat hemorrhoids as can be seen on Greater Burdock Root's page.
Greater Burdock Roots is a Cool herb that tastes Bitter and Sweet. It targets the Heart and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Relieves the Exterior and disperses Heat. Reduces swelling and clears pathogenic Heat.
Why might Aloe Vera (Lu Hui) help with hemorrhoids?
Because it is a herb specifically indicated to treat hemorrhoids as can be seen on Aloe Vera's page.
Aloe Vera is a Cold herb that tastes Bitter. It targets the Large intestine and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Clears Heat. Cools the Liver and clears Heat in the Liver. Eases constipation and kills parasites.
Why might Purslane (Ma Chi Xian) help with hemorrhoids?
Because it is a herb specifically indicated to treat hemorrhoids as can be seen on Purslane's page.
Purslane is a Cold herb that tastes Sour. It targets the Large intestine and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Clears Heat and Cools the Blood. Clears Damp-Heat associated with skin disorders. Treats pain and swelling from insect and snake bites.
Why might Sponge Gourd (Si Gua Luo) help with hemorrhoids?
Because it is a herb specifically indicated to treat hemorrhoids as can be seen on Sponge Gourd's page.
Sponge Gourds is a Neutral herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Liver, the Lung and the Stomach.
Its main actions are: Removes obstructions in the Collaterals, promotes blood circulation and cools Blood, clears heat and detoxifies. Facilitate lactation.
Other symptoms often associated with hemorrhoids
Constipation Fever Dizziness Carbuncles Boils Poor appetite Anus prolapse Intestinal parasites Abdominal pain Dry cough