In brief "colitis" is the term for inflammation of the colon. The chief feature of colitis is a gooey diarrhea, featuring mucus, fresh blood or both. The stool may start normal then finish soft or may seem gooey throughout. There is often accompanying cramping, gas, and a sense of immediate urgency (the sudden need to run for a bathroom). Vomiting can be a feature of this condition though it is the characteristic diarrhea that is the hallmark. Colitis may be acute (lasting only a few days) or chronic (lasting weeks or months on end). Even in chronic case, weight loss is usually not a feature of this condition.
Six therapeutic methods for colitis in TCM
Cold and Dampness Blocking the Middle Energizer
Therapeutic Methods: To relieve superficies, expel cold and remove dampness with aromatic herbs.
Damp Heat Damaging the Middle Energizer
Therapeutic Methods: To clear away heat and promote diuresis.
Liver Qi Attacking the Spleen
Therapeutic Methods: To depress the wood (liver)and strengthen the earth (spleen), regulate middle energizer and relieve diarrhea.
Deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach
Therapeutic Methods: To invigorate the spleen and benefit qi, promote transportation and relieve diarrhea.
Declination of Kidney Yang
Therapeutic Methods: To warm the kidney, strengthen the spleen, induce astringency and relieve diarrhea.
Deficiency of both Qi and Yin
Therapeutic Methods: To nourish yin, clear away heat, replenish qi and relieve diarrhea.