Understanding Heat in the Large Intestine: The "Dry Constipation" Pattern

What is "Heat in the Large Intestine"?

One of the main jobs of the Large Intestine is to absorb the last bit of water from digested food before forming and passing the stool. To do this properly, it needs to be in a balanced, moist environment.

In this pattern, a true "fire" or excess Heat has accumulated in the Large Intestine. Think of it like an oven. This intense Heat is baking the contents of the bowel, drying up all the moisture. Without sufficient fluid, the stool becomes dry, hard, and very difficult to pass. This is the root cause of the specific type of constipation seen in this pattern.

This is very different from "Damp-Heat." In that pattern, a sticky "swamp" causes foul diarrhea. Here, a dry "oven" causes dry constipation. The Heat is the common factor, but its effect is opposite depending on whether Damp is present. This Heat is almost always generated by a long-term diet of hot, spicy, and drying foods (like chilli, curries, and grilled meats) and alcohol.

The key signs of Heat in the Large Intestine are very distinct:

  • Constipation with dry, hard stools that are difficult to pass. This is the cardinal sign.
  • A burning sensation in the mouth and anus.
  • Bad breath and a dry mouth.
  • A strong thirst for cold drinks.
  • Dark, scanty urine, as the body's fluids are being consumed by the Heat.
  • A red face and a general feeling of heat in the body.

While this pattern explains the mechanism, any sudden and severe change in bowel habits or persistent constipation should be discussed with your doctor. Our work is a powerful supportive therapy to address the underlying imbalance.

Lifestyle Advice: Douse the Fire and Add Moisture

Our strategy is simple and direct: we must clear the Heat and moisten the Intestines to promote comfortable bowel movements.

1. Adopt a "Cool and Moist" Diet:
This is the most critical part of your healing.

  • Eat Cooling and Moistening Foods: Pears, apples, bananas, celery, cucumber, spinach, and tofu are all excellent for generating fluids and clearing heat.
  • Increase Soluble Fibre: Ground flaxseed, chia seeds (soaked in water), and psyllium husks can help to retain water in the bowel and soften the stool.
  • DRINK PLENTY OF WATER: This is essential. You must provide the body with the fluids it needs to combat the dryness. Drink room-temperature water throughout the day.
  • Drink Cooling Teas: Peppermint and chrysanthemum tea are wonderful for clearing heat.
  • ABSOLUTELY AVOID ALL HEATING & DRYING FOODS:
    • ALL Spicy Foods (chilli, hot sauce, curry, black pepper, ginger, garlic).
    • Coffee and Alcohol.
    • Grilled, Barbecued, Roasted, and Fried Foods.

2. Acupressure at Home:
Here is a crucial combination to clear Heat and promote bowel function.

  • Large Intestine 11 (Quchi - "Pool at the Crook"): The master point for clearing Heat from the body.
    • Location: At the outer end of your elbow crease when your arm is bent at a 90-degree angle.
    • How to: Apply very firm pressure for 1-2 minutes. This is like turning on the master air-conditioner for your system.
  • Stomach 25 (Tianshu - "Heaven's Pivot"): The front-alarm point of the Large Intestine.
    • Location: On your abdomen, three finger-widths to the left and right of your navel.
    • How to: Apply firm, deep pressure to both points simultaneously for 1-2 minutes, or massage them in a circular motion. This point directly regulates the function of the bowels.

By being disciplined with these cooling and moistening strategies, you can effectively resolve this uncomfortable condition and restore regularity.