Large Intestine Functions

Question 1

In forming stools, the Large Intestine reabsorbs some of the fluids.

T/F

Answer 1

T

Question 2

Stagnation of food in the Large Intestine can cause:

a) Hair loss.
b) Breathlessness.
c) Muscle weakness.

Answer 2

b) Breathlessness.

Question 3

Which acupuncture point might you use for someone who is unable to let go of issues from the past?

Answer 3

LI-4 Hegu

Question 4

Describe how the Large Intestine and the Lung can affect each other in pathology.

Answer 4

If Lung-Qi is deficient and does not descend, the Qi of the Large Intestine may be unable to descend, causing constipation. If, on the other hand, there is constipation, stagnation in the Large Intestine may impair the descending of Lung-Qi, resulting in breathlessness.

Question 5

The Qi of the Large Intestine moves in which direction?

a) Upwards.
b) In all directions.
c) Downwards.

Answer 5

c) Downwards.

Question 6

The Large Intestine is said to control ‘mainlines and thoroughfares’.

T/F

Answer 6

F

Question 7

Give two symptoms that you might see if stagnation of Qi disrupts the downward flow of Qi of the Large Intestine.

Answer 7

Abdominal distension, constipation.

Question 8

If Lung-Qi is deficient, it can result in constipation.

T/F

Answer 8

T

Question 9

1. Many functions attributed to the Large Intestine in Western medicine are attributed to which organs in Chinese medicine?
   a) Spleen and Heart.
   b) Spleen and Liver.
   c) Small Intestine and Gall Bladder.

Answer 9

b) Spleen and Liver.

Question 10

Diarrhoea is always due to a Large Intestine disharmony.

T/F

Answer 10

F

Question 11

The main function of the Large Intestine is to receive food and drink from the Stomach.

T/F

Answer 11

F

Question 12

The ‘10 Books by Dong Yuan’ mentions that the Large Intestine ‘governs fluids’. How does it do this?

Answer 12

The Large Intestine reabsorbs the appropriate amount of fluids, ensuring that the bowels are neither too dry nor too wet.