Large Intestine Flashcards
Functions
- controls passage and conduction
- transforms stool and reabsorbs fluid
Mental aspect
capacity for letting go and not dwelling in the past
LU and LI yin-yang pair
LU Qi xu = constipation
LI function impaired = breathlessness
LI also influences the skin
Affected by
exterior pathogenic factors
1. cold: abdominal pain, diarrhea
2. dampness: be careful sitting on damp ground
Affected by
emotional strain
1. sadness: primarily affects LU = Qi xu
2. worry: depletes LU Qi = fails to descend = LI Qi stagnation (abdominal distension, pain, constipation with bitty stools alternating with diarrhea)
3. anger: Qi stagnation (esp after lunch)
Affected by
diet
Full patterns
- Damp Heat in the LI
- Heat in the LI
- Heat obstructing the LI
- Cold invading the LI
- Qi stagnation in the LI
abdominal pain not relieved by BM, mucous and blood in the stool, scanty dark, diarrhea, abdominal fullness, stinky stool, burning anus, fever if severe, sticky sweat, thirst without desire
T: red with sticky yellow coat
P: slippery, rapid
Damp Heat in the LI
constipation with dry stools, burning in the mouth, burning and swollen anus, scanty urine, dry tongue coat
T: thick yellow coat (or brown or black)
P: full, rapid
Heat in the LI
high or tidal fever, abdominal distention and pain that is worse with pressure, constipation, burning anus, sweaty limbs, vomiting, thirst, delirium
T: red body with thick, dry yellow or black-brown coat
P: deep-full
Heat obstructing the LI
sudden cramping abdominal pain, diarrhea with pain, cold sensation in abdomen, feeling of cold
T: thick white coat
P: deep-tight
Cold invading the LI
constipation with bitty stools, condition that worsens with mood, irritability, abdominal distention and pain
T: normal or slight red on the sides
P: wiry bilateral chi
Qi stagnation in the LI
Empty Patterns
- LI xu Dry
- LI xu Cold
- Collapse of LI
dry stools that are difficult to expel, dry mouth and throat, thin body, could breath, dizzy
T: dry, pale or red, rootless coat
P: fine
LI xu Dry
loose stools like duck droppings, borborygmus, dull abdominal pain, pale urine, cold limbs
T: pale
P: deep-weak
LI xu Cold