Prolapse of Rectum

Prolapse of rectum likely happens to infants, the old aged, and those withgeneral debility after a long illness.

Etiology and Pathogenesis

This disease is mostly caused by deficiency of the primary qi, sinking of the spleen and stomach qi and disability of restraining due to long - standing diarrhea or dysentery, or due to constitutional weakness after severe diseases.

Differentiation

Main manifestations: The onset is slow, to start with distending and draggling sensation of rectum during defecation, and returning to normal after the bowel movement. If it is sustained without proper treatment, recurrence may happen by overstrain and the prolapsed rectum fails to return spontaneously without the aid of the hand.

Sometimes there are lassitude, weakness of limbs, sallow complexion, dizziness and palpitation. The tongue is pale with white coating, and the pulse thready and feeble.

Analysis: Deficiency of the primary qi leads to the sinking of the spleen qi, and failure of the large intestine in holding itself in its normal position, so the rectum prolapses. Insufficiency of the spleen and stomach qi brings about dysfunction of transportation and transformation, causing deficiency of qi and blood, thus lassitude and weakness of the limbs appear. Qi deficiency fails to nourish the upper portion of the body. Dizziness results from the failure of nourishing the head and eyes, and palpitation from the failure of nourishing the heart. Pale tongue with white coating, thready and feeble pulse are the signs of qi deficiency.

Treatment

Method: Points of the Du Meridian are mainly applicable with the reinforcing method and moxibustion.

Prescription: Baihui (DU20), Dachangshu (BL25), Changqiang (DU1), Zusanii (ST36).

Explanation: Rectum is the distal part of the large intestine. Reinforcing Dachangshu (BL25) can replenish the qi of the large intestine. Baihui (DU20) is the meeting point of the Du Meridian and the three yang meridians, and qi pertains to yang, subjected to the Du Meridian, therefore moxibustion to Baihui (DU20) can invigorate yang qi, and improve the elevating and contracting function. Changqiang (DU1), a point of the collateral of the Du Meridian, located near the anus, is selected as a local point. Zusanii (ST36) can reinforce qi for elevation. The combination of Baihui (DU20), Changqiang (DU1) and Zusanii (ST36) follows a principle - to elevate when there is subsidence.

Remarks

Picking therapy: Pick any spot on the paraspinal muscle bilaterally in between the third lumbar vertebra and the second sacral vertebra.