TCM diagnosis Based on Syndrome Differentiation:
Syndrome of Spleen Qi Insufficiency
Symptoms: Diarrhea which is chronic. There is undigested food found within the stools.  The diarrhea is very soft and may or may not be accompanied with pain.  The pain with this type of diarrhea may be due to the anus dropping (prolapsed anus) or pain associated with abdominal spasming.  In either case the patient will express a general sense of fatigue, easily bloat with specific foods or after large meals, have a low appetite and in severe cases have a slight yellow complexion.

Syndrome of Kidney Insufficiency
Symptoms: Chronic Diarrhea occuring consistently early in the morning (around 5am).  This type of diarrhea is commonly accompained with mild abdominal pains which is relieved after a bowel movement.  There will also be signs of low back ache, weak knees, waking at night to urinate, low sex drive and mild fatigue. 

Syndrome of Cold and Damp:
Symptoms: Watery, thin diarrhea which has no strong or foul odour. Generally this is an acute type and has abdominal pain and digestive sounds from the intestines which are relieved by heat.  There is a cold type of abdominal cramping.  The patient will generally feel cold and prefer warm drinks.
 
Syndrome of Damp and Heat
Symptoms: Foul smelling diarrhea which leaves a burning feeling on the anus.  There is commonly yellow mucus and possible blood found in the stool.   There will be a unfinished feeling after passing stool and a general sense of feverishness.  The patient will have a red complexion and possibly sweat easily.

Syndrome of Food Stagnation
Symptoms: Acute diarrhea due to over eating or inadquate digestion.  Diarrhea which is irregular and has very strong odour and a general sense of bloating and possible abdominal pain.  Patient will have frequent belching and burping up of old sour food.