Chronic Constipation - Heat Constipation Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for chronic constipation
Chronic Constipation · Heat Constipation Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Abdomen
Pattern Overview
Heat Constipation is a common pattern in chronic constipation,
characterized by **excessive colon water absorption, dry hard stools,
abdominal distension, red face, and thirst**. The core pathogenesis is
accumulation of Heat in the Yangming channel, causing excessive
fluid absorption in the colon, dry stools, and difficulty in defecation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
abdominal distension |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
irritability |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
fluid depletion |
| Etiology |
|---|
consumption, external heat invasion |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Tianshu (ST25) | 2 cun lateral to the umbilicus |
|---|
of Large Intestine; regulates bowel function |
| Shangjuxu (ST37) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Lower He-Sea point of Large Intestine; treats
intestinal disorders |
| Quchi (LI11) | Lateral end of the elbow crease |
|---|
Large Intestine; clears Heat |
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Source point of Large Intestine; regulates Qi and relieves
pain |
| Zhigou (TE6) |
|---|
| Treats constipation and regulates the Triple Energizer |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; Quchi may
be pricked to bleed to enhance Heat clearing.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Ma Zi Ren Wan (麻子仁丸)
Composition:
Rhubarb (Da Huang), Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi Shi), Magnolia (Hou Po),
Hemp Seed (Ma Zi Ren), Apricot Kernel (Xing Ren), White Peony (Bai Shao)
Action: Clears Heat, moistens the intestines, and promotes bowel
movement.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe dry stools |
|---|
intestines |
| Abdominal distension |
|---|
distension |
| Thirst | Add Tian Hua Fen, Zhi Mu to clear Heat and generate fluids |
|---|
| Foul breath | Add Huang Lian, Huang Qin to clear Heat |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Excessive colonic water absorption leading to dry hard stools, and
decreased intestinal motility. Heat Constipation corresponds to
constipation with increased colonic water absorption and reduced
motility, often seen in febrile illnesses or dehydration.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Constipation with Heat Constipation.
2. DB-XJB: Ma Zi Ren Wan.
3. WHO. (2023). Digestive health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for digestive
health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM digestive health.
Related TCM Patterns for Chronic Constipation
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.