Diarrhea is defined as the frequent passage of loose or watery stools. Diarrhea causes distress and embarrassment. In TCM terms diarrhea is frequently associated with the presence of Dampness and thus most commonly involves the Spleen, either as a primary source of the Damp, or as the target of external Damp.
External Pathogens
Diarrhea as a result of invasion by external pathogens is common and occurs in all climates. Both adults and children are susceptible, but children are particularly vulnerable due to the fragility of the immature Spleen.
The primary pathogen is always Dampness, in association with seasonal factors.
There are four common types of external pathogenic diarrhea:
> Damp Heat
– with external symptoms (by convention Summer Damp)
– with out external symptoms
> Damp or Cold damp
– with external symptoms (by convention of Summer Damp)
– without external symptoms
In general, the summer disorders are a species of pathogen that are seasonal, often occurring during humid or wet weather.
Diet
Numerous dietary factors can cause diarrhea. Some of these include:
> eating spoiled food
> changes in dietary routine (such as while traveling)
> too much cold matured or raw food
> eating irregularly, missing meals, eating at odd hours, or late at nigh
> eating while stressed or upset
> dairy products and excessive quantities of sugar or sweet foods
Emotion
Emotional stress is an important cause of a verity of digestive complaints, and a common cause of diarrhea. The gastrointestinal tract is sensitive and easily disturbed by emotional stress.
Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency
Overwork, excessive worry or mental activity, irregular dietary habits, lack of physical activity or prolonged illness can weaken qi.
Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency
Spleen (with or without Kidney yang) yang deficiency diarrhea is usually a chronic condition.
Blood Stagnation
Blood stagnation is most commonly the product of chronic localise irritation of the Large Intestine by a focal stagnation.
Diagnosis
Treatment
The patterns discussed here may appear separately or in combination, and patterns can change into one another overtime. A prescription of Chinese herbal medicines and acupuncture after being diagnosed is the recommend treatment.