Herbal Patch on Yongquan Acupoint: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Practice for Seasonal Digestive Comfort

Autumn diarrhea, often triggered by the significant temperature fluctuations between day and night during the fall season, is a common gastrointestinal disorder. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a gentle yet effective external therapy: applying a herbal paste to the Yongquan acupoint (KI1) on the sole of the foot. This method combines the therapeutic properties of specific herbs with acupoint stimulation to regulate digestion and alleviate diarrhea.

In TCM, autumn diarrhea is frequently associated with Spleen and Stomach weakness, often complicated by Dampness or Cold. The sudden temperature drops can impair the Spleen's ability to transport and transform fluids, leading to loose stools, abdominal discomfort, and fatigue. This external therapy targets the root cause by warming the middle burner and drying dampness.

The recipe uses two common TCM herbs:

These herbs are ground into a fine powder and mixed with aged vinegar (Chen Cu) to form a paste. Vinegar enhances absorption and helps the herbs penetrate the skin.

The Yongquan point (Kidney 1) is the first point of the Kidney Meridian. Stimulating it with warming herbs helps to:

This therapy is particularly suitable for Spleen and Stomach deficiency Cold type diarrhea, as well as Damp-Heat type diarrhea with milder symptoms.

References

Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic) – Discusses the relationship between the Kidney meridian, Yongquan point, and digestive disorders.

Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica) – Details the properties of Ku Shen (Sophora flavescens) and Cang Zhu (Atractylodes lancea) for treating diarrhea and dampness.

Shanghan Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage Disorders) – Provides classical formulas for diarrhea related to Cold and Dampness.

Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion) – Documents the use of Yongquan (KI1) for gastrointestinal conditions.