Severe Constipation in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different severe constipation patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Severe constipation is a condition characterized by extreme difficulty in passing stools, often resulting in infrequent bowel movements that are hard, dry, and painful to pass. This level of constipation can significantly impact quality of life, leading to discomfort, bloating, and sometimes severe health complications.
Unlike ordinary constipation, which might be transient or mild, severe constipation is persistent and may not respond well to standard treatments, indicating a stubborn difficulty with bowel movements and requiring more targeted interventions.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches severe constipation not just as a simple digestive system malfunction but as a symptom of deeper imbalances within the body’s energy system. TCM theory suggests that constipation, especially when severe, is often the result of disrupted Qi (energy) flow, imbalances in the body’s Yin and Yang, and disharmony among the organs, particularly the Spleen, Stomach, and Intestines.
The practice emphasizes the importance of identifying the underlying patterns of disharmony leading to constipation to effectively restore balance and relieve symptoms.
TCM Patterns for Severe Constipation
Heat
Causes: Severe constipation
Herbal Formulas for Severe Constipation
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address severe constipation