What is the Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis name for gastrointestinal bleeding?

Dec 25, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
In traditional Chinese medicine, the diagnostic terms for gastrointestinal bleeding are primarily based on specific symptoms and commonly include spleen deficiency with bleeding, stomach heat with bleeding, liver fire ascending, damp-heat in the spleen and stomach, and disharmony of stomach qi. If symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding such as hematemesis or melena occur, immediate medical attention is required. An accurate diagnosis should be made through comprehensive evaluation of the patient's specific symptoms and physical signs.

Gastrointestinal bleeding in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is diagnosed based on specific symptoms, with common diagnostic terms including spleen deficiency bleeding, stomach heat bleeding, liver fire ascending, damp-heat in the spleen and stomach, and disharmony of stomach qi. If symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding such as vomiting blood or bloody stools occur, immediate medical attention is required.

1. Spleen Deficiency Bleeding

This type of bleeding is caused by impaired spleen function leading to abnormal blood circulation and extravasation. In TCM, it is diagnosed as spleen deficiency bleeding. Patients may present symptoms such as hematemesis (vomiting blood), melena (bloody stools), menorrhagia, and pallor.

2. Stomach Heat Bleeding

This condition primarily results from external pathogenic heat, emotional stagnation, or excessive consumption of spicy and drying foods, causing excessive internal heat in the stomach and damage to the stomach vessels. TCM refers to this as stomach heat bleeding. Symptoms may include vomiting blood, thirst, restlessness, and irritability.

3. Liver Fire Ascending

This occurs due to stagnation of liver qi and internal flare-up of liver fire, resulting in excessive fire in the liver channel and disrupted regulation. In TCM, it is diagnosed as liver fire ascending. Patients may experience headaches, dizziness, bitter taste in the mouth, dryness of the mouth, irritability, and quick temper.

4. Damp-Heat in the Spleen and Stomach

When dampness and heat accumulate internally in the spleen and stomach, digestive functions become impaired, potentially leading to bleeding. This pattern is diagnosed in TCM as damp-heat in the spleen and stomach. Symptoms include poor appetite, bad breath, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloating.

5. Disharmony of Stomach Qi

Due to dysfunction of the spleen and stomach, the normal rising and falling of stomach qi becomes disrupted, which may lead to bleeding. TCM calls this disharmony of stomach qi. Symptoms include belching, acid regurgitation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, and pain.

Accurate diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation based on the patient’s specific symptoms and physical signs. TCM treatments for gastrointestinal bleeding mainly include herbal medicine and acupuncture therapy. Patients should receive treatment under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.

Related Articles

View All