Chronic Constipationaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Stool and Bowel Irregularities
Parent symptom: Constipation
What is Chronic Constipation?
Chronic constipation is a prevalent digestive condition marked by infrequent bowel movements, difficulty passing stool, or a sensation of incomplete evacuation. This condition can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, leading to discomfort and potential health complications.
Synonyms such as habitual constipation, long-standing constipation, and persistent difficulty passing stool underline the enduring nature of this ailment, distinguishing it from occasional constipation that many experience temporarily due to dietary changes or short-term stress.
How does TCM view Chronic Constipation?
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), chronic constipation is more than just a symptom of poor diet or insufficient water intake; it is seen as a sign of deeper imbalances within the body's energy systems.
TCM identifies various patterns of disharmony, such as Qi Stagnation, Blood Deficiency, Full Heat, or organ imbalance, which can lead to this persistent condition. Treatment focuses on restoring balance, emphasizing the need to diagnose the specific underlying pattern before proceeding with tailored herbal formulas and acupuncture.
Causes of Chronic Constipation according to TCM
In TCM, chronic constipation is attributed to several pathological patterns such as Heat accumulation or Blood Deficiency. Heat or Dryness, especially in the Large Intestine, results from emotional stress or external, leading to impaired movement of stool through the intestines.
Blood Deficiency, on the other hand, reflects a lack of nourishing Body Fluids in the body, resulting in dry stools that are difficult to pass. These insights guide TCM practitioners in selecting the most appropriate treatments, which may include lifestyle modifications, dietary advice, herbal remedies, and acupuncture, to address the root cause of constipation.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Chronic Constipation
TCM offers a variety of formulas and herbs specifically chosen to counteract chronic constipation by targeting the underlying patterns of imbalance. Formulas that moisten the intestines and unblock bowels, such as Ma Zi Ren Wan with its key ingredient Hemp Seeds (Huo Ma Ren), are frequently recommended for conditions related to Heat in the Large Intestine or Large Intestine Dryness.
Similarly, Ji Chuan Jian, leveraging the properties of Desert-Living Cistanches (Rou Cong Rong), aims to nourish the Yin and facilitate bowel movement. For cases involving Blood Stagnation, Di Dang Tang with leeches (Shui Zhi) can invigorate Blood and eliminate stasis, providing relief. These treatments exemplify the holistic approach of TCM, focusing on restoring the body's natural equilibrium and promoting long-term health and wellness.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address chronic constipation, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that moisten intestines and unblock bowels
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that release the exterior and purge the interior
Formulas that moisten Intestines and unblock bowels
Chronic constipation can be treated by these formulas if it results from dryness affecting the intestines, leading to constipation or difficulty in bowel movement.
One such formula is Ji Chuan Jian, with desert-living cistanche as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that moisten intestines and unblock bowels" recommended for chronic constipation
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Ji Chuan Jian | Desert-Living Cistanches (Rou Cong Rong) |
| Ma Zi Ren Wan | Hemp Seeds (Huo Ma Ren) |
| Run Chang Wan | Hemp Seeds (Huo Ma Ren), Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) |
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Chronic constipation can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Di Dang Tang, with leech as a key herb.
Formulas that release the Exterior and purge the Interior
Chronic constipation can be treated by these formulas if it is due to external pathogens combined with internal accumulation, needing actions that address both aspects.
One such formula is Fang Feng Tong Sheng San, with saposhnikovia root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Chronic Constipation
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address chronic constipation, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Laxative herbs that drain downward
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Chronic constipation can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Leeches (Shui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic constipation, like Di Dang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for chronic constipation
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Leeches (Shui Zhi) | Di Dang Tang |
| Tabanus Horseflies (Meng Chong) | Di Dang Tang |
| Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) | Run Chang Wan |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Chronic constipation can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic constipation, like Fang Feng Tong Sheng San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for chronic constipation
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng) | Fang Feng Tong Sheng San |
| Ephedra (Ma Huang) | Fang Feng Tong Sheng San |
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Chronic constipation can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic constipation, like Fang Feng Tong Sheng San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Purgative herbs that drain downward" recommended for chronic constipation
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Rhubarb (Da Huang) | Fang Feng Tong Sheng San |
| Mirabilites (Mang Xiao) | Fang Feng Tong Sheng San |
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Chronic constipation can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Desert-Living Cistanches (Rou Cong Rong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic constipation, like Ji Chuan Jian.
Laxative herbs that drain downward
Chronic constipation can be treated by these herbs when there's a need for a milder form of bowel movement to alleviate constipation and regulate digestion.
One such herb is Hemp Seeds (Huo Ma Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic constipation, like Ma Zi Ren Wan.