Constipation, Elimination... Salvation!

Stuck. Nothing creates such a flawless blend of frustration, discomfort, and misery quite like the feeling of being stuck. Maybe it is physical, like unbudging bowels after a long weekend of overindulgent eating. Perhaps there is something emotionally stuck, like a grief or resentment that just can’t be let go. On a large scale, society can feel stuck in destructive habits and patterns.

Constipation can be thought of as a resistance to change. Similar to when the body holds on to waste that it should expel, situations in life can stagnate when there’s an inability to let go of inappropriate habits, relationships, or ways of thinking. Addressing constipation may need to involve reflection on where there may be resistance to necessary changes in life, and how holding on to things that no longer help us can cause discomfort, stress, and stagnation.

The Large Intestine channel itself, interestingly, doesn’t hold much sway over constipation or other defecation troubles. Since the channel runs along the arms and face, most acupuncture point indications are primarily for resolving qi and blood stagnation along those areas. Additionally, since this is a Yangming channel, it is full of qi and blood and can be used to greatly impact Yang excess in the body.

Herbs that affect the Large Intestine channel, on the other hand, are almost entirely indicated for issues with waste removal i.e. diarrhea and constipation. Although this disparity may seem confusing or even frustrating, remember what it means for an herb to enter a channel. In Part 1, we discussed that classifying herb functions by channel is really more of a tool to understand the functions of an herb. So, while points along the channel may not have a heavy impact on constipation (or diarrhea), herbs that affect the Large Intestine channel do. A channel which, like every other channel, has a branch that connects with the organ itself.

Hopefully, that helps unblock any confusion and promotes the smooth flow of understanding of constipation and the Large Intestine channel.

Large Intestine Channel Herbs

Continuing the flow of information, let’s take a look at some herbs that affect the Large Intestine channel. What physical similarities and differences do you notice e.g. colors, shapes, etc.? Can you guess what other patterns the herbs might be indicated for based on color, shape, etc.?

Large Intestine Channel Meditations

Our herbs can help keep things flowing, but where does the Large Intestine Channel even go? For a different and (hopefully!) fun way to study, enjoy the guided pathway meditations below!