Chronic Constipation - Blood Deficiency Constipation Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Chronic Constipation · Blood Deficiency Constipation Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Abdomen

Pattern Overview

Blood Deficiency Constipation is a common pattern in chronic constipation, characterized by reduced intestinal mucus secretion, dry stools, pale complexion, and dizziness. The core pathogenesis is Blood deficiency failing to moisten the intestines, leading to dry stools, poor lubrication, and difficult defecation.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Dry stools, difficult defecation, pale complexion |

| Associated Symptoms | Dizziness, palpitations, poor sleep, dry skin, pale lips |

| Tongue and Pulse | Pale tongue with thin white coating, thready and weak pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Blood deficiency failing to moisten the intestines |

| Etiology | Chronic illness, blood loss, poor nutrition, postpartum, aging |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| Xuehai (SP10) | On the medial thigh, 2 cun above the patella | Nourishes Blood and invigorates circulation |

| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus | Nourishes Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |

| Tianshu (ST25) | 2 cun lateral to the umbilicus | Front-Mu point of Large Intestine; regulates bowel function |

| Zusanli (ST36) | 3 cun below the patella, 1 finger-width lateral to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi and Blood |

| Zhigou (TE6) | 3 cun above the wrist crease, on the dorsal forearm | Treats constipation and regulates the Triple Energizer |

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method; moxibustion may be applied to Xuehai and Sanyinjiao to nourish Blood.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Run Chang Wan (润肠丸)

Composition:

Angelica (Dang Gui), Rehmannia (Sheng Di), Hemp Seed (Huo Ma Ren), Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi Ke)

Action: Nourishes Blood, moistens the intestines, and promotes bowel movement.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Severe dry stools | Increase Huo Ma Ren, Yu Li Ren dosage to moisten the intestines |

| Pale complexion | Add Shu Di, Bai Shao to nourish Blood |

| Dizziness | Add Gou Qi, Ju Hua to nourish the Liver and brighten the eyes |

| Poor sleep | Add Suan Zao Ren, Yuan Zhi to calm the spirit |

Western Mechanism Reference

Reduced intestinal mucus secretion leading to decreased lubrication, difficult stool passage, and slow transit. Blood Deficiency Constipation corresponds to constipation with reduced mucus secretion, often seen in elderly patients, postpartum women, or those with iron deficiency anemia.

References

  1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Constipation with Blood Deficiency Constipation.

  2. DB-XJB: Si Wu Tang, Ma Zi Ren Wan.

  3. WHO. (2023). Digestive health. World Health Organization.

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