Diarrhea, or "Xie Xie" in TCM terminology, refers to frequent and loose stools, or even liquid fecal discharges. The first "Xie" means loose stools, and the second "Xie" means watery stools. In western medicine, diarrhea is seen in acute and chronic enteritis, gastrointestinal dysfunction, allergic enteritis, ulcerative colitis, intestinal tuberculosis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The cause of diarrhea varies. Acute diarrhea is mostly caused by external cold-dampness or damp-heat attacking the stomach and intestine. Chronic diarrhea is usually caused by deficiency in the spleen and stomach due to a qi deficiency, or stagnant liver-qi attacking the spleen, or kidney-yang deficiency. Spleen deficiency and pathogenic dampness excess are the two most important factors of diarrhea.

Acupuncture helps with diarrhea by many ways. By stimulating the point Tianshu (ST 25), the Front-Mu point of the large intestine, qi dynamics of the stomach and intestine is regulated. By needling the point Shangjuxu (ST 37), the Lower He-Sea Point of the large intestine, the transmitting function of the intestines to eliminate dampness is achieved. Punch point Yinlingquan (SP 9) would invigorates the spleen to transform dampness. Also we can use point Shuifen (CV 9) to induces diuresis to resolve loose stools. Point Shenque (CV 8) is applied with moxibustion or Navel acupuncture to warm and reinforce the original yang, strengthen the overall body constitution and to stop diarrhea. The Zusanli (ST 36) and Gongsun (SP 4) combination can invigorate the spleen and strengthen the stomach. Other points could also be used to tonify kidney yang and spleen yang.

Acupuncture is successful in diarrhea treatment. Patients are advised to consume regular, light food, and avoid raw, cold, spicy, oily and greasy food, especially during treatment.