Large Intestine & Stomach

Question 1

What are the functions of the Large Intestine?

Answer 1

1. Controls Passage & Conduction
   
   • ​​Moves digested foods from the Small Intestine & conducts it downward
   • Conducts the stools downward for excretion
2. Transforms Stools and Reabsorbs Water​​
   
   • Transforms digested food to form stools
   • Reabsorbs some of the fluids
3. Mental-Emotional aspect on our capacity for “letting go” and not dwelling in the past
4. Relationship with the Lungs
   
   • ​​Lung Qi descends to aid the Large Intestine’s downward movement
   • Descending of the Large Intestine Qi helps descending of Lung Qi

Question 2

What is the general etiology of the large intestine?

Answer 2

• Exterior pathogenic factors: cold, dampness
• Emotional strain: Sadness, worry, anger
• Diet

Question 3

What are the basic pathogentic patterns of the large intestine?

Answer 3

• Damp heat in the large intestine
• Intestinal humor depletion

Question 4

What is the etiology of damp heat in the large intestine?

Answer 4

• Dampness and heat damage Qi and interfere with Large Intestine function of absorbing and expelling stool

Question 5

What are the signs and symptoms of damp heat in the large intestine? What is the treatment?

Answer 5

Signs & Symptoms of Damp Heat in the Large Intestine:

• Loose stools
• Tenemus, abdominal pain
• Mucus in stool, heavy sensation in rectum
• Bloody stool, burning in rectum, foul smell, bitter taste
• Dysentery
• Tongue - greasy, yellow coat
• Pulse - rapid, slippery

Treatment:

• clear heat
• dispel diarrhea, dysentery

Question 6

What is the Etiology of Intestinal Humor Depletion?

Answer 6

• Poor or irregular eating habits causes ST/LI yin vacuity and dryness of the intestines leading to retention of food

Question 7

What are the signs & symptoms of Intestinal Humor Depletion? What is the treatment?

Answer 7

Signs & Symptoms of Intestinal Humor Depletion:

• hard, dry stools with diffcult defecation
• generally without abdominal pain or distention, often with weakness and bad breath
• Tongue - pale or red with a dry coat
• Pulse - fine

Treatment:

• Promote fluids in the large intestine

Question 8

What are the functions of the stomach?

Answer 8

1. Controls Receiving
2. Controls the “rotting & ripening of food”
3. Controls the transportation of food and essence
4. Controls the descending of qi
5. The origin of fluids
6. Mental Emotional - Stomach fire and Phlegm fire can harass the mind/shen leading to confusion, anxiety, and mania
7. Relationship with the Spleen