Intestinal Obstructionaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Digestive Disturbances, Intestinal Disorders & Discomforts
What is Intestinal Obstruction?
Intestinal obstruction is a medical condition characterized by a partial or complete blockage in the intestines, which impedes the normal passage of contents through the digestive tract. This condition can lead to symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, bloating, inability to pass gas or stools, and vomiting. The causes of intestinal obstruction are varied, ranging from physical impediments like tumors or scar tissue to functional disturbances in bowel movements.
How does TCM View Intestinal Obstruction?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets intestinal obstruction through the lens of disrupted energy flows, particularly in the digestive system. TCM identifies key imbalances such as Qi Stagnation or the buildup of Heat in the Intestines as one of the contributors to such obstructions. The focus of TCM treatment is to correct these imbalances, thereby restoring the smooth flow of Qi and addressing the specific disharmonies present in the body.
Causes of Intestinal Obstruction According to TCM
In TCM, a variety of patterns can lead to intestinal obstruction. Notably, Qi Stagnation is seen as a major cause, as it disrupts the smooth movement of energy and Body Fluids, resulting in pain and bloating. Another significant factor is the accumulation of Heat within the intestines, which can lead to inflammation and swelling. TCM treatments aim to alleviate these root causes, promoting the flow of Qi and clearing out any excess Damp-Heat.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Intestinal Obstruction
TCM employs specific formulas and herbs to address the underlying causes of intestinal obstruction. When Qi Deficiency and Cold are present, formulas like San Wu Bei Ji Wan and Wen Pi Tang are used for their warming and purging effects.
For conditions of Heat in the Large Intestine, Ma Zi Ren Wan is suggested to moisten the intestines and facilitate bowel movements.
In cases of Blood Stagnation, Dang Gui Shao Yao San is beneficial for improving Blood circulation and removing obstructions caused by Stagnant Blood. Huang Long Tang is effective in situations requiring both purging and nourishing actions, while Ping Wei San is ideal for treating dampness affecting the Spleen and Stomach. These formulas are selected based on a comprehensive TCM diagnosis, focusing on treating the intestinal obstruction holistically.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address intestinal obstruction, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that warm and purge
- Formulas that moisten intestines and unblock bowels
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that simultaneously attack and tonify
- Formulas that transform dampness and harmonize stomach
Formulas that warm and purge
Intestinal obstruction can be treated by these formulas if it stems from cold accumulation coupled with excess conditions, necessitating warming and purging actions.
One such formula is San Wu Bei Ji Wan, with croton fruit as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm and purge" recommended for intestinal obstruction
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| San Wu Bei Ji Wan | Croton Fruits (Ba Dou) |
| Wen Pi Tang | Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), Rhubarb (Da Huang) |
Formulas that moisten Intestines and unblock bowels
Intestinal obstruction 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 Ma Zi Ren Wan, with hemp seeds as a key herb.
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Intestinal obstruction 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 Dang Gui Shao Yao San, with white peony root as a key herb.
Formulas that simultaneously attack and tonify
Intestinal obstruction can be treated by these formulas if it results from a combination of deficiency and excess conditions, needing both tonification and purging actions.
One such formula is Huang Long Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that transform Dampness and harmonize Stomach
Intestinal obstruction can be treated by these formulas when it is due to dampness affecting the stomach, leading to digestive disturbances.
One such formula is Ping Wei San, with black atractylodes rhizome as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Intestinal Obstruction
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address intestinal obstruction, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Laxative herbs that drain downward
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Cathartic herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Intestinal obstruction 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 intestinal obstruction, like Huang Long Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Purgative herbs that drain downward" recommended for intestinal obstruction
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Rhubarb (Da Huang) | Huang Long Tang | Wen Pi Tang |
| Mirabilites (Mang Xiao) | Huang Long Tang |
Laxative herbs that drain downward
Intestinal obstruction 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 intestinal obstruction, like Ma Zi Ren Wan.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Intestinal obstruction can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is White Peony Roots (Bai Shao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for intestinal obstruction, like Dang Gui Shao Yao San.
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Intestinal obstruction can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for intestinal obstruction, like Ping Wei San.
Cathartic herbs that drain downward
Intestinal obstruction can be treated by these herbs when due to excess accumulation in the intestines and stomach, aiding in eliminating waste and toxins through purgation.
One such herb is Croton Fruits (Ba Dou), a key herb in some formulas recommended for intestinal obstruction, like San Wu Bei Ji Wan.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Intestinal obstruction can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for intestinal obstruction, like Wen Pi Tang.