Understanding Collapse of the Large Intestine: The Prolapse Pattern

What is "Collapse of the Large Intestine"?

In Chinese Medicine, our digestive system (governed by the Spleen) is responsible for generating Qi and also for creating an "upholding" force that holds all our internal organs in place. Think of this Spleen-Qi as the structural support beams of a building.

In a state of Collapse of the Large Intestine, these support beams have become extremely weak. The foundational energy of the body's core (what we call "Central Qi") is so depleted that it can no longer hold the intestines up. This results in the literal "collapse" or prolapse of the lower bowel.

This is the most extreme manifestation of a pattern called "Spleen-Qi Sinking." It is a pattern of profound deficiency and exhaustion, not an acute attack. It develops over a very long time due to factors that severely deplete the body's core energy, such as:

  • Chronic illness or chronic diarrhea.
  • Extreme overwork and exhaustion over many years.
  • Multiple childbirths close together.
  • Habitual straining, such as with chronic constipation or heavy lifting.

The key signs of a Collapsed Large Intestine are unmistakable:

  • Prolapse of the rectum/anus, especially after a bowel movement or when tired. This is the cardinal sign.
  • Chronic diarrhea or loose stools.
  • A feeling of dragging or bearing down in the abdomen.
  • Hemorrhoids, which may bleed with pale, dripping blood.
  • Profound fatigue and exhaustion, which is worse after a bowel movement.
  • A weak voice, shortness of breath, and a pale complexion.

CRUCIAL MEDICAL NOTE: Rectal prolapse is a serious medical condition that requires evaluation and management by a medical doctor. Our work with acupressure is a powerful and essential supportive therapy to address the profound underlying energy deficiency, but it is a complement to, not a replacement for, necessary medical care.

Lifestyle Advice: Radically Rebuild and Lift Your Qi

The strategy is long-term and non-negotiable: you must radically rest and tonify your Central Qi.

1. Adopt a "Qi-Building" Diet:
Your food must be warm, nourishing, and easy to digest.

  • Eat Warm, Cooked Foods: Congee (rice porridge), slow-cooked soups and stews, and roasted root vegetables (sweet potato, carrot, parsnip) should be your foundation.
  • Focus on Qi-Tonifying Foods: Small amounts of high-quality protein like chicken, beef, or lamb (in soups or stews), as well as shiitake mushrooms, dates, and rice are excellent.
  • AVOID:
    • ALL Raw and Cold Foods. These further damage your weak digestive fire.
    • Greasy, fried foods, dairy, and sugar. These are difficult to digest and create dampness, further weighing down the system.

2. Radical Rest is Your Medicine:
This is the most important part of your recovery.

  • AVOID ALL STRAINING: No heavy lifting, no strenuous exercise, no standing for very long periods.
  • Do not strain on the toilet.
  • Rest after meals. Lie down for 15-20 minutes after eating to allow your body to focus all its energy on digestion.
  • Ensure you get plenty of sleep. Go to bed early.

3. Acupressure at Home:
Here is a crucial combination to rebuild and lift your core energy.

  • Governing Vessel 20 (Baihui - "Hundred Meetings"): The supreme point for raising Qi and treating prolapse.
    • Location: On the very top of your head. Imagine a line going up from the tips of your ears; the point is where that line intersects the midline of your head.
    • How to: Apply gentle but steady downward pressure for 1-2 minutes daily. This has a powerful "lifting" effect on the entire body.
  • Stomach 36 (Zusanli - "Leg Three Miles"): To rebuild the body's foundational energy.
    • Location: On the outside of your lower leg, four finger-widths down from the bottom of your kneecap, one finger-width out from the crest of your shin bone.
    • How to: Apply firm pressure and massage for 1-2 minutes daily. This is the master point for tonifying the Qi and Blood of the entire body.

This is a pattern of deep depletion. Rebuilding your foundation takes time, patience, and profound self-care. Be kind to yourself through this healing process.