Slow Transit Constipation
Slow transit constipation (STC) is constipation associated with reduced intestinal motility and prolonged transit time, with symptoms lasting for more than one year, after other contributing causes and structural colorectal disease have been ruled out. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this condition falls within the category of “constipation.”
TCM Pattern Identification and Medication Reference
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
An urge to defecate without being able to pass stool; a sensation of rectal heaviness or distension; abdominal distension and pain, especially when straining; in severe cases, even passing gas may be difficult. Frequent belching, a feeling of fullness and oppression in the chest and epigastrium, reduced appetite, a thin tongue coating, and a wiry pulse may also occur.
In plain language:
- You feel the need to have a bowel movement but cannot pass stool, with a heavy, distended feeling around the anus. Your abdomen may feel bloated and painful, especially when straining; even passing gas may take effort.
- You burp frequently.
- Your chest and upper abdomen feel full, tight, or uncomfortable.
- You have a poor appetite and eat little, with little interest in food.
- Your tongue coating is thin.
- Your pulse feels taut and tense, like a stretched string.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Disperse Liver qi and relieve constraint; support the Earth and restrain the Wood.
In plain language:
- Promote the free flow of constrained Liver qi, ease low mood and irritability, and relieve fullness and discomfort in the chest and flanks.
- Support the Spleen and Stomach’s digestive functions and reduce the effects of excessive Liver qi on them, with the aim of improving poor appetite, bloating, and loose stools.
| Related Products
The products listed below are for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Weak straining during defecation; straining causes sweating and shortness of breath; fatigue after a bowel movement; soft stools; no abdominal distension or pain; a pale, lusterless complexion; fatigue and low energy. The tongue is pale, with teeth marks along the edges, a thin coating, and a weak pulse.
In plain language:
- You feel too weak to push when using the toilet.
- Straining makes you sweat and feel short of breath.
- You feel noticeably tired and weak after a bowel movement.
- Your stools are soft and may not be well formed.
- You do not feel abdominal fullness or pain.
- Your face looks pale and your complexion may appear dull.
- You feel tired and easily become short of breath or low in energy.
- Your tongue appears pale.
- Teeth marks may be visible along the edges of your tongue.
- Your tongue coating is thin.
- Your pulse feels weak and faint.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Tonify the Lung and Spleen, moisten the intestines, and promote bowel movements.
In plain language:
- Support the functions of the Lung and Spleen and their role in moving and transforming nutrients, with the aim of easing shortness of breath, fatigue, and poor appetite.
- Moisten the intestines and soften the stool to support easier bowel movements and help relieve hard, dry stools and straining.
| Related Products
The products listed below are for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Hard, dry, pellet-like stools; a thin build; a sallow, dull complexion; long-term reliance on laxatives. The tongue may be red with little coating and cracks, and the pulse may be thready.
In plain language:
- Your stools are hard and dry, forming small pellets.
- You are noticeably thin or underweight.
- Your complexion looks yellowish and dull.
- You have long relied on laxatives to have a bowel movement.
- Your tongue is somewhat red, with little coating and visible cracks.
- Your pulse feels fine and thready.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Tonify qi and nourish yin; regulate and support the Liver and Kidneys.
In plain language:
- Support qi and nourish yin, with the aim of improving energy and easing dry mouth, hot flashes, and night sweats.
- Support the Liver and Kidney systems, with the aim of stabilizing mood and sleep and easing soreness or weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, and tinnitus.
- Address recovery and metabolism as well, with the aim of supporting stamina and recovery and promoting a more stable overall condition.
| Related Products
The products listed below are for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Stool accumulates in the intestines without an urge to defecate; passing stool is difficult, with sweating and shortness of breath during defecation and severe fatigue afterward. Other symptoms may include dizziness, tinnitus, shortness of breath, palpitations, soreness in the lower back, abdominal distension relieved by warmth, a preference for hot drinks when thirsty, clear and copious urine, poor appetite and reduced food intake, and a pale complexion. There may be long-term reliance on laxatives, with bowel movements occurring only every few days without them. The tongue is pale with a thick, greasy coating, and the pulse is deep and slow.
In plain language:
- Stool is retained in the bowel, but you do not feel the urge to go.
- Having a bowel movement is difficult and takes considerable effort.
- You sweat and feel short of breath while having a bowel movement.
- You feel extremely weak and exhausted afterward.
- You often feel dizzy and have ringing in your ears.
- You may feel short of breath and have palpitations.
- Your lower back and back feel sore or uncomfortable.
- Your abdomen feels bloated and stuffy, and warmth feels soothing.
- You feel thirsty and prefer hot water or hot drinks.
- Your urine is pale and you pass a relatively large amount.
- You have a poor appetite, eat little, and find food unappealing.
- Your complexion looks pale and lacking in color.
- You have relied on laxatives for a long time and may go several days without a bowel movement if you do not take them.
- Your tongue is pale, with a thick, greasy coating.
- Your pulse feels deep and slow.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Tonify and support the Spleen and Kidneys, strengthen the foundation, and promote bowel movements.
In plain language:
- Support the functions of the Spleen and Kidneys to help maintain strength and digestive function.
- Strengthen the body’s foundation and support intestinal motility to help make bowel movements easier.
| Related Products
The products listed below are for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
References
- Liu Renhai, Han Ping, Zhang Jianbai. Lectures on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Anorectal Diseases [M]. Beijing: People’s Military Medical Press, 2011.
- Lin Sanren. Advanced Course in Gastroenterology [M]. Beijing: People’s Military Medical Press, 2009.
- Han Bao, Zhang Yansheng. Diagnosis and Treatment of Anorectal Diseases in China [M]. Beijing: People’s Military Medical Press, 2013.