Holding It In: The emotional roots of constipation
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body and mind are viewed as deeply interconnected—emotional health impacts physical health and vice versa. This relationship is particularly evident in digestive health, especially when it comes to constipation. While Western medicine often views constipation as a purely physical issue, perhaps just a matter of fibre or hydration, TCM takes a more holistic approach by recognizing all factors, including emotions. So, let’s get to the bottom of this and explore the emotional roots of constipation.
The Many Causes of Constipation
Constipation has many potential causes. It could be diet related for many reasons—not enough fibre, not enough hydration through foods or fluid intake. Someone could be lacking the Qi (energy) to properly move the stool. They could have too much internal heat that is consuming the hydration necessary for health bowels and stools. Someone may have a Blood deficiency that is failing to maintain healthy tissues. Perhaps there is another issue with water metabolism in the body related to the Kidneys.
The other element has to do with the directional flow of Qi in the body. We require a downward flow of energy produced by the Lung, Stomach, Small Intestine and Large Intestine. Not to mention a smooth flow of Qi throughout the body, a responsibility held by the Liver. The point is, a lot needs to fall into place for us to poop.
How Emotions Affect the Body in TCM
Emotions are a natural and integral part of the human experience. It’s when our emotions become excessive, prolonged, or repressed, they can create imbalances in the body's production and flow of Qi, Blood and Body Fluids. In TCM, specific emotions are associated with a specific organ. For instance:
Anger affects the Liver
Worry & Overthinking affect the Spleen and Stomach.
Grief affects the Lungs.
Fear affects the Kidneys.
When emotions disrupt the smooth flow of Qi, it can lead to stagnation, deficiency, or excess which can manifest as physical symptoms, including constipation.
Liver Qi Stagnation & Constipation
One of the most common emotional patterns linked to constipation in TCM is Liver Qi Stagnation. The Liver is responsible for the free flow of Qi throughout the body. When emotions such as frustration, anger, or stress overwhelm us, the Liver becomes stagnant, and the flow of Qi slows or becomes blocked. This stagnation can directly impact the digestive system, especially the Large Intestine, leading to constipation.
People experiencing Liver Qi stagnation may notice a range of emotional and physical symptoms, such as irritability, mood swings, hypochondriac pain or distension, headaches, and a feeling of being “stuck” in life. The constipation itself can be characterized by difficulty in passing stool or a sense of incomplete bowel movements.
Spleen Deficiency: Worry, Overthinking & Digestion
Another emotional cause of constipation relates to the Spleen. In TCM, the Spleen governs digestion, transforming food into Qi and Blood. Excessive worry, pensiveness, or overthinking can weaken the Spleen’s function, leading to Spleen Qi deficiency. This can result in poor digestion, fatigue, bloating, and constipation. With Spleen Qi deficiency, stools may be dry and difficult to pass, or there may be a sense of sluggishness in the digestive process.
The Lung & Large Intestine From a Five Element Perspective
The Lung and Large Intestine are Yin and Yang pair that make up the Metal element in TCM. The Metal Element is associated with autumn, a season marked by the shedding of leaves and the preparation for the dormant winter. Similarly, the Metal Element represents the energy of contraction, consolidation, and refinement. In our philosophy, the Metal Element governs the Lung, Large Intestine and skin reflecting their roles in physical and emotional detoxification.
The Lung is also associated with grief and sadness. By embracing the Metal Element's energy, we can learn to acknowledge and let go of emotional burdens, fostering a sense of freedom and lightness.
The Large Intestine, partnered with the Lung in the Metal Element, serves as the body's waste disposal system. It takes in the refined nutrients and expels the waste material, allowing for the assimilation of what is valuable and the removal of what is not. From a symbolic perspective, the Large Intestine encourages us to let go of emotional and mental clutter, just as it rids the body of physical waste. This process of elimination leaves room for fresh experiences and ideas to take root.
Practical tips for embracing letting go with acupuncture:
Acupuncture: Seek guidance from a licensed acupuncturist who can assess your specific needs and design a treatment plan tailored to you.
Healthy Eating: Consume foods rich in fibre to support the Large Intestine's function and consider a cleanse this time of year to rejuvenate your body and mind.
Exercise & movement: When we move our body, we move Qi, Blood and emotions. Our body’s are designed to move in every sense of the word.
Breathwork & meditation: Practice deep breathing and meditation to connect with the Lung's energy. Inhale positive intentions and exhale emotional burdens.
Decluttering: Regularly declutter physical spaces to create an environment conducive to mental clarity and focus.
Journaling: Write down your thoughts and emotions, then consciously choose to release any negativity onto the pages.
Consistency: First build healthy habits, then your healthy habits will build you. The body loves consistency—sleep, diet, etc.
Letting go is hard to do, but necessary. Honouring the moment helps us get there. The wisdom of the Metal Element, is a gentle reminder that life is a continuous cycle of growth, release, and renewal. By tapping into this ancient knowledge combined with the therapeutic power of acupuncture, it offers a holistic approach to embracing the art of letting go, allowing space for new experiences, emotions, and possibilities.