Chronic Constipation - Qi Deficiency Constipation Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Chronic Constipation · Qi Deficiency Constipation Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Abdomen

Pattern Overview

Qi Deficiency Constipation is a common pattern in chronic constipation, characterized by weak abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, difficulty defecating, fatigue, and shortness of breath. The core pathogenesis is Spleen and Lung Qi deficiency failing to generate sufficient defecatory force, leading to weak bowel movements and slow-transit constipation.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Difficulty defecating, weak bowel movements, fatigue |

| Associated Symptoms | Shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, pale complexion, poor appetite |

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

| Pathogenesis | Spleen-Lung Qi deficiency failing to generate defecatory force |

| Etiology | Chronic illness, overwork, poor nutrition, postpartum weakness, aging |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| Qihai (RN6) | 1.5 cun below the umbilicus | Tonifies Qi and strengthens the body |

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

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

| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 | Back-Shu point of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |

| 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 Qihai and Zusanli to warm and tonify Qi.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Huang Qi Tang (黄芪汤)

Composition:

Astragalus (Huang Qi), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Hemp Seed (Huo Ma Ren), Honey (Bai Mi)

Action: Supplements Qi, lifts Yang, and moistens the intestines.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Severe fatigue | Increase Huang Qi dosage to enhance Qi supplementation |

| Weak bowel movements | Add Sheng Ma, Chai Hu to lift Yang |

| Dry stools | Add Huo Ma Ren, Yu Li Ren to moisten the intestines |

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

Western Mechanism Reference

Weak abdominal and pelvic floor muscles causing reduced defecatory force, and slow-transit constipation. Qi Deficiency Constipation corresponds to constipation with weak defecatory force, often seen in elderly or debilitated patients where reduced muscle strength and slow colonic transit contribute to constipation.

References

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

  2. DB-XJB: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.

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

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