The Key Points of Traditional Chinese Medicine Dialectics for Constipation

The key points of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation for constipation mainly include distinguishing cold and heat deficiency and excess, distinguishing the location of visceral diseases, distinguishing the rise and fall of qi, blood, and body fluids, distinguishing the length of the disease course, and distinguishing differences in constitution. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that constipation is often related to factors such as gastrointestinal heat accumulation, stagnation of qi, deficiency of yin and blood, and insufficient yang qi. It needs to be comprehensively judged based on tongue and pulse symptoms.

1. Cold and heat deficiency and excess

Constipation caused by excess heat is more common, with dry stools such as sheep manure, bloating and refusal to press, bad breath and dry mouth, red tongue, yellow coating and dryness. Representative prescriptions include Dachengqi Tang. Deficiency cold constipation is characterized by weak bowel movements, cold and painful abdomen, warm limbs, pale and smooth tongue coating. Commonly used formulas include Jichuan decoction. People with mixed cold and heat conditions may experience alternating constipation and diarrhea, and should use warm and clear fluids.

2. Location of visceral diseases

Common cough and constipation caused by stagnation of lung qi, it is recommended to use Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction; The liver depression and qi stagnation type is often characterized by bloating and belching, and Chaihu Shugan San is recommended; The spleen deficiency and lack of movement type is characterized by weak bowel movements, insufficient food intake, and fatigue. It is recommended to use Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang; The type of kidney yang deficiency accompanied by soreness and coldness in the waist and knees should be treated with half sulfur pills to warm the kidneys and promote bowel movements.

3. Qi blood body fluid

Qi stagnation type abdominal distension is obvious but the stool is not dry, and Qi conduction stagnation such as Liu Mo Tang is needed; Blood deficiency type with white palpitations and chestnut like stools, it is recommended to modify Runchang Wan; Jin deficiency type with dry mouth and tongue, hard stool, can choose Zengye Chengqi Tang; Yang deficiency type is prone to cold limbs and difficulty in defecation, and often uses Cistanche Runchang Pills.

4. Duration of illness

Newly diagnosed constipation is mostly due to empirical evidence, and prolonged illness often results in a combination of deficiency and consolidation. Acute constipation is common in the process of external heat diseases, while chronic constipation is more common in the elderly and frail population. Sudden constipation accompanied by severe abdominal pain requires vigilance for emergencies such as intestinal obstruction. Long term constipation may lead to complications such as anal fissures and hemorrhoids.

5. Differences in constitution

Yin deficiency constitution is more common in cases of intestinal dryness and constipation, and Wuren Wan is recommended; Phlegm dampness constitution is commonly associated with viscosity and discomfort, and requires the use of Pingwei San and Baohe Wan; Qi stagnation constitution is often accompanied by emotional anxiety, which should be regulated with Yueju Pill; Yang deficiency constitution with weak bowel movements can be treated with Fuzi Lizhong Pill. Children with chronic constipation often use Baohe pills, while the elderly with constipation often use Huangqi soup. Constipation patients should maintain regular bowel movements in their daily lives. Drinking warm honey water on an empty stomach in the morning can help stimulate intestinal peristalsis. It is advisable to eat more moisturizing ingredients such as black sesame seeds, walnut kernels, and pine nuts, and consume vegetables rich in dietary fiber such as spinach and celery in moderation. To avoid sitting and lying for a long time, you can practice the "Single Lift to Regulate the Spleen and Stomach" move in the Baduan Brocade, or massage the abdomen clockwise to promote intestinal peristalsis. When symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly. Do not rely on laxatives for a long time to avoid damaging intestinal function.