You’ve tried the creams, the fibre supplements, the sitz baths — they help temporarily, but the haemorrhoids keep returning, especially during stress or after a difficult bowel movement. Classical Chinese medicine addresses the reason they keep coming back.
Do These Symptoms Sound Familiar?
Adults over 50 have experienced haemorrhoids
The main challenge — creams treat symptoms, not the underlying pattern
The TCM root mechanism driving prolapse and recurrence
Why Haemorrhoids Keep Recurring — The Qi Sinking and Damp-Heat Pattern
Classical Chinese medicine distinguishes two main haemorrhoid patterns. The first is Qi sinking (also called Spleen Qi deficiency with prolapse): the normal upward-lifting function of the Spleen-Stomach system is insufficient, so the rectal tissue loses its tone and prolapses. The Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang formula lifts this sinking Qi and is the primary treatment for recurrent, prolapsing haemorrhoids that worsen with fatigue.
The second pattern is Damp-Heat accumulation in the lower jiao, which creates the hot, inflamed, bleeding haemorrhoids. The Yi Zi Tang formula (containing bitter, cold herbs) cools the Heat and dries the Damp in the lower bowel. Most chronic cases involve both patterns simultaneously.
Dr Yang’s Pattern Differentiation: Dr Yang differentiates between Qi sinking haemorrhoids (prolapsing, painless, worsen with fatigue), Damp-Heat haemorrhoids (red, inflamed, bleeding, worse after spicy food), and Blood Stasis haemorrhoids (hard, dark, constant discomfort) — treatment is entirely different for each.
Your Treatment Timeline
Weeks 1–2
Reducing acute inflammation and discomfort
Weeks 3–6
Addressing root pattern (Qi sinking or Damp-Heat)
Weeks 7–12
Strengthening rectal tone, preventing recurrence
TCM Patterns We Commonly See
What Does the Research Show?
Acupuncture for Haemorrhoid Treatment: Clinical trials demonstrate significant efficacy of acupuncture in reducing haemorrhoid symptoms, inflammation, and recurrence rates compared to topical therapy alone.
Acupuncture for Anorectal Disorders: Evidence shows acupuncture reduces local inflammation, promotes tissue healing, and restores normal anorectal muscle tone in haemorrhoid and related conditions.
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang for Prolapse: This classical formula has been studied for its effects on rectal and organ prolapse, demonstrating improved tissue tone and reduced recurrence in chronic cases.
Acupuncture and Pelvic Floor Function: Research indicates acupuncture enhances pelvic floor muscle strength and coordination, supporting rectal tissue integrity and preventing prolapse.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- High-fibre diet (30g+ daily)
- Adequate water intake (2L+ daily)
- Warm sitz baths (10–15 minutes)
- Avoid straining on the toilet
- Regular gentle exercise
Don’ts
- Straining during bowel movements
- Long sitting sessions on the toilet
- Alcohol and spicy foods during flares
- Prolonged sitting without movement
- Ignoring early warning symptoms
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Acupuncture combined with herbal treatment (Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang for prolapsing types, Yi Zi Tang for inflamed types) effectively treats most haemorrhoid cases without surgical intervention. Even Grade 3 haemorrhoids often respond within 8-12 weeks if the underlying pattern is correctly addressed.
Most patients experience significant symptom reduction within 2-3 weeks (reduced pain, bleeding, and swelling). Root pattern correction takes longer: 6-8 weeks for visible improvement in prolapse or inflammation, and 10-12 weeks for full recurrence prevention.
Grade 1-2 haemorrhoids respond very well. Grade 3 (prolapsing but not requiring manual reduction) often responds within 8-12 weeks. Grade 4 (permanently prolapsed) may require surgical consideration, though TCM can still provide significant symptom relief and prevent further deterioration.
Increase fibre gradually to 30g+ daily (vegetables, fruits, whole grains), avoid constipating foods (dairy, refined carbs), reduce alcohol and spicy foods during flares, and drink at least 2 litres of water daily. These dietary changes are just as important as herbal treatment for preventing recurrence.
Absolutely. In Classical Chinese Medicine, stress reduces Spleen Qi function, weakening the upward-lifting forces that keep rectal tissue in place. Stress also contributes to Damp-Heat accumulation in the lower jiao. Managing stress through gentle exercise, adequate sleep, and acupuncture directly prevents flare-ups.