Intestinal Parasites

Question 1

A broad term encompassing a
variety of organisms from pinworms to tapeworms, live at the expense of their host, residing in the human digestive system.

Answer 1

Intestinal parasites

Question 2

How does TCM view intestinal parasites?

Answer 2

A manifestation of an underlying imbalance with the body focusing on the deficiencies that allowed the parasite to thrive in the first place

Question 3

Etiologies of intestinal parasites

Answer 3

Heat
Dampness

Question 4

What is the pathogenesis of intestinal parasites due to Heat?

Answer 4

“Heat” signifies an excess of Yang
energy, leading to an imbalance where
heat predominates over the body’s
cool Yin aspects, an internal over-
heating.
Unlike the common interpretation of
heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it
represents a state of hyperactivity or
inflammation in the body.

Question 5

What is the pathogenesis of intestinal parasites due to Dampness?

Answer 5

“Dampness” is a pattern of
disharmony where the body
accumulates excess moisture.
This condition is often thought to arise
from environmental factors like living
in a damp place, dietary habits that
promote moisture in the body, or
internal imbalances that hinder the
body’s ability to process fluids
properly. In TCM, dampness can
obstruct the normal flow of energy
and fluids in the body, leading to
various symptoms.

Question 6

The following are S/sx of intestinal parasites due to _____?

Fever, neck gland swelling, headache, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst w/ desire for cold drinks, hot sensation, bitter taste in mouth, yellow scanty urine, constipation
T: Red w/ yellow coating
P: Rapid

Answer 6

Heat

Question 7

The following are S/sx of intestinal parasites due to _____?

Heavy feeling in body, bloating, sluggish, foggy mind, stuffy feeling in chest, distension in abdomen, feeling heavy + sticky, acne
T: Red w/ greasy- yellow coating
P: Rapid + Soggy or Slippery

Answer 7

Dampness

Question 8

Treatment principles for parasites due to Heat

Answer 8

Clear Heat + Fire from LR/GB
Drain Damp-Heat from Lower Jiao

Question 9

Treatment principles for parasites due to Dampness

Answer 9

Clear Heat + Fire from LR/GB
Drain Damp-Heat from Lower Jiao

Question 10

Main points for parasites due to Heat

Answer 10

ST-2: Expels parasites
Dan Nang: Clears heat + Drains damp
SP-9: Resolves Dampess
LR-2 + GB-43: Clears LR + GB Heat
LI-4: Moves Qi (expel worms)

Question 11

Main points for parasites due to Dampness

Answer 11

ST-2: Expels parasites
Dan Nang: Clears heat + Drains damp
SP-9: Resolves Dampess
LR-2 + GB-43: Clears LR + GB Heat
LI-4: Moves Qi (expel worms)