Chronic Constipation - Cold Constipation Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for chronic constipation
Chronic Constipation · Cold Constipation Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Abdomen
Pattern Overview
Cold Constipation is a severe deficiency pattern in chronic
constipation, characterized by **hypothyroidism-related constipation,
cold pain, cold intolerance, and slow intestinal transit**. The core
pathogenesis is **Kidney Yang deficiency failing to warm the
intestines**, leading to decreased intestinal motility and prolonged
colonic transit.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
intolerance |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
extremities, pale complexion |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, deep and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
intestines |
| Etiology |
|---|
intake |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Guanyuan (RN4) | 3 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
supplements Qi |
| Shenque (RN8) | Center of the umbilicus |
|---|
supplements Yang |
| Tianshu (ST25) | 2 cun lateral to the umbilicus |
|---|
of Large Intestine; regulates bowel function |
| Zhigou (TE6) |
|---|
| Treats constipation and regulates the Triple Energizer |
| Shenshu (BL23) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
point of Kidney meridian; warms Kidney Yang |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method; heavy
moxibustion is strongly recommended at Guanyuan and Shenque to warm
Yang.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Da Huang Fu Zi Tang (大黄附子汤)
Composition:
Rhubarb (Da Huang), Aconite (Fu Zi), Asarum (Xi Xin), Cistanche (Rou
Cong Rong)
Action: Warms Yang, disperses Cold, and promotes bowel movement.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe cold intolerance | Add Rou Gui, Gan Jiang to warm Yang |
|---|
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi |
|---|
| Frequent urination |
|---|
Kidneys |
| Dry stools | Add Huo Ma Ren, Yu Li Ren to moisten the intestines |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Hypothyroidism-related constipation with decreased intestinal motility
and prolonged colonic transit time. Cold Constipation corresponds to
constipation associated with hypothyroidism, where reduced metabolic
rate and decreased intestinal motility contribute to slow colonic
transit.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Constipation with Cold Constipation.
2. DB-TCMJB: Kidney Yang Deficiency.
3. WHO. (2023). Digestive health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
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research papers and clinical case studies on TCM digestive health.
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Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.