Anal fissure
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
In traditional Chinese medicine, anal fissure is referred to as "split hemorrhoids," which is characterized by a full-thickness fissure in the anal canal skin, leading to a longitudinal ulcer. According to the records in "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," anal fissures are commonly caused by constipation, dry and hard stools, and excessive straining during defecation, or due to internal damp-heat, blood stasis, and obstruction of the meridians.
In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the pathogenesis of anal fissure is centered around internal dry-heat (drying and heat) accumulation, leading to dryness and fissuring of the anal canal skin. Common precipitating factors include long-term constipation, irregular diet, excessive fatigue, etc. During the differentiation of symptoms, attention should be paid to the following key points: the syndrome of dryness of the colon due to heat manifestation includes severe anal pain after defecation, bright red blood, and dry and hard stools; while the syndrome of yin deficiency and intestinal dryness presents with anal dryness and pain, dry mouth, and stools as hard as chestnuts. The overall direction of treatment is to clear heat and moisten dryness, nourish yin and moisten the intestines, and promote tissue regeneration and relieve pain. Treatment should be tailored to the specific syndrome type, selecting appropriate herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage, and other therapeutic methods to restore the normal physiological function of the anal canal.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Heat and Intestinal Dryness Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Severe anal pain after defecation, bright red blood in stool, and dry, hard stools
Management Approach: Clear heat and moisten dryness, relieve constipation and relieve pain
Yin Deficiency and Intestinal Dryness Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Anal fissure pain, dry mouth, stools as hard as chestnuts
Management Approach: Nourish Yin and moisten intestines, promote tissue regeneration and relieve pain
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
For patients with anal fissure, the pain during defecation is often severe, and it is necessary to harmonize the liver and stomach, nourish blood and moisten dryness to alleviate the symptoms.
— Chen Yan Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.
References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)