Constipation according to Chinese Medicine

In Chinese Medicine, constipation is sometimes associated with Dryness in Large Intestine, a so-called "patterns of disharmony". Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted. It is not equivalent to the Western concept of "disease" because both concepts arise from totally different ways of seeing the human body.

To understand whether someone's constipation might be caused by the pattern Dryness in Large Intestine, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from constipation alone. Indeed if constipation is caused by Dryness in Large Intestine, patients also experience symptoms such as constipation, thirst, dry stools and dry mouth. Similarly, patients with Dryness in Large Intestine typically exhibit fine (Xi) pulses as well as a pale, red tongue.

We've listed below a more detailed description of Dryness in Large Intestine so that you can have a better understanding of where constipation might find its root according to Chinese Medicine.

Once identified, patterns are often treated using herbal formulas. Drinking herbal infusions is the most common remedy in Chinese Medicine, together with acupuncture. Here we detail below eleven formulas that can help treat Dryness in Large Intestine.

Dryness in Large Intestine, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with constipation

The eleven herbal formulas that might help with constipation