Chronic Constipation - Qi Constipation Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Chronic Constipation · Qi Constipation Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Abdomen

Pattern Overview

Qi Constipation is a common pattern in chronic constipation, characterized by pelvic floor dyssynergia, difficult defecation, abdominal distension, and frequent sighing. The core pathogenesis is Qi stagnation in the intestines, causing impaired intestinal motility and pelvic floor dyssynergia.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Difficult defecation, abdominal distension, sensation of incomplete evacuation |

| Associated Symptoms | Frequent sighing, chest tightness, irritability, belching |

| Tongue and Pulse | Pale red tongue with thin white coating, wiry pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Qi stagnation in the intestines impairing motility |

| Etiology | Chronic stress, sedentary lifestyle, emotional distress, irregular diet |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| Taichong (LR3) | Dorsum of the foot, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsals | Source point of Liver meridian; soothes Liver Qi |

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

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

| Yanglingquan (GB34) | Depression below the head of the fibula | Regulates Qi and relieves pain |

| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus | Front-Mu point of Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; combine with breathing exercises and lifestyle modifications.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Liu Mo Tang (六磨汤)

Composition:

Lignum Aquilariae (Chen Xiang), Aucklandia (Mu Xiang), Areca (Bing Lang), Lindera (Wu Yao), Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi Shi), Rhubarb (Da Huang)

Action: Promotes Qi flow, regulates Qi, and relieves constipation.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Severe abdominal distension | Add Hou Po, Zhi Ke to regulate Qi and relieve distension |

| Stress-related | Add Chai Hu, Bai Shao to soothe Liver Qi |

| Chronic condition | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi |

| Poor appetite | Add Sha Ren, Mu Xiang to harmonize the Stomach |

Western Mechanism Reference

Pelvic floor dyssynergia with paradoxical contraction of the external anal sphincter during defecation, causing difficult evacuation. Qi Constipation corresponds to constipation with pelvic floor dysfunction, where impaired coordination of pelvic floor muscles contributes to difficult defecation.

References

  1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Constipation with Qi Constipation.

  2. DB-XJB: Wu Mo Yin Zi.

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

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