Large Intestine Qi Stagnation
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
At a glance
Preliminary reading: What is a pattern? The concept of Qi The Large Intestine in Chinese Medicine
Key attributes
Chinese name: 大肠气滞 Pinyin name: Dà Cháng Qì Zhì
Pattern nature: Full
Pattern hierarchy: Specific pattern under Qi Stagnation
Causes
Precursor patterns: Liver Qi Stagnation
Common causes: 1. Diet, 2. Emotional stress
Diagnosis
Common symptoms: Anxiety Constipation Bitty stools Abdominal pain Abdominal distension
Pulse type(s): Wiry (Xian)
Tongue description: Normal or slightly red on the sides
Treatment
Treatment principle: Invigorate Qi in the Large Intestine
Common formulas: Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Pathology
The main symptoms of Large Intestine Qi Stagnation are abdominal distension and pain, as Qi fails to circulate properly there. The bitty stools and irritability are also the typical manifestation.
Causes
Precursor patterns: Large Intestine Qi Stagnation can derive from Liver Qi Stagnation
Diet : Unhealthy eating habits such as eating while working, eating while standing up or eating in a hurry can cause this pattern.
Emotional stress: Emotional stresses such as anger, resentment or frustration can cause general Qi Stagnation. It is prone to happen in the Large Intestine if these stresses happens after each meal.
Diagnosing Large Intestine Qi Stagnation
Diagnosing a pattern in Chinese Medicine is no easy feat and should be left to professional practitioners. In particular one has to know how to differentiate between different types of pulses and tongue coatings, shapes and colors as well as learn to read from a long list of seemingly unrelated symptoms.
Pulse type(s): Wiry (Xian)
Tongue description: Normal or slightly red on the sides
Main symptoms: Anxiety Constipation Bitty stools Abdominal pain Abdominal distension
Diagnosis commentary: Key characteristic symptoms of this pattern are the abdominal distension and pain as well as bitty stools.
Treating Large Intestine Qi Stagnation
Treatment principle
Invigorate Qi in the Large Intestine
Herbal formulas used to treat Large Intestine Qi Stagnation
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Source date: 1602
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood. Alleviates pain. Harmonizes Blood.
Formula summary
Chai Hu Shu Gan San is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula. Invented in 1602, it belongs to the category of formulas that promote Qi movement.
Besides Large Intestine Qi Stagnation, Chai Hu Shu Gan San is also used to treat Rebellious Qi or Liver Blood Stagnation.
Consequence patterns
Liver Qi Stagnation is often the precursor of Qi Stagnation in the Large Intestine. However, the latter may also give rise to the prier pattern or worsen the condition.