Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disorder that affects the digestive system. This condition is characterized by abnormal inflammation of the inner surface of the rectum and colon, which make up most of the length of the large intestine. The inflammation usually causes open sores (ulcers) to develop in the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis usually appears between ages 15 and 30, although it can develop at any age. The inflammation tends to flare up multiple times throughout life, which causes recurring signs and symptoms.
The most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are abdominal pain and cramping and frequent diarrhea, often with blood, pus, or mucus in the stool. Other signs and symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and fevers. Chronic bleeding from the inflamed and ulcerated intestinal tissue can cause a shortage of red blood cells (anemia) in some affected individuals. People with this disorder have difficulty absorbing enough fluids and nutrients from their diet and often experience weight loss. Affected children usually grow more slowly than normal. Less commonly, ulcerative colitis causes problems with the skin, joints, eyes, kidneys, or liver, which are most likely due to abnormal inflammation
Five therapeutic methods for ulcerative colitis in TCM
Pattern of Liver Qi Stagnation and Spleen Deficiency
Therapeutic method:
Chinese medicine is used to clear away heat and expell toxins, and strengthen spleen function.
Pattern of Stagnation of Liver and Qi
Therapeutic method: Chinese medicine is used to soothe liver and nourish, promote the circulation of qi and blood.
Pattern of Excessive Heat and Damp
Therapeutic method: Chinese medicine is used to clear away heat and damp, sooths Qi and blood and stop pains.
Pattern of Spleen Qi Deficiency
Therapeutic method: Chinese medicine is used to improve spleen function to digest food and produce blood.
Pattern of kideny and Spleen Yang Deficiency
Therapeutic method: Chinese medicine is used to tonify kidney and spleen to regain vital energy.