Gan Cao Radix Glycyrrhizae uralensisExplanation
This remedy moves Liver-Qi and subdues rebellious Qi. It is suitable for constipation from
stagnation of Liver-Qi which is more severe than that addressed by the previous remedy.
The pulse presentation appropriate to this remedy is pulse which is Wiry in its overall quality.
Deficiency
Qi Deficiency
Clinical Manifestations
Desire to open the bowels but difficulty in doing so, great effort to open bowels, feeling of
exhaustion afterwards, thin and long stools which are not dry, pale complexion, tiredness.
Tongue: Pale
Pulse: Empty.
This pattern is due to either Spleen- or Lung-Qi deficiency or both. If there is Spleen deficiency
there will also be muscular weakness and poor appetite. If there is Lung deficiency there will be
slight breathlessness on exertion and a weak voice.
The constipation here is due to deficient Spleen-Qi not moving the stools in the intestines or to
deficient Lung-Qi not providing enough Qi to the Large Intestine for the effort of defaecation.
This pattern is common in old people, women after childbirth or anyone after a long, severe
illness.
Treatment Principle
Tonify Qi and moisten the Intestines.
Acupuncture
General Prescription
BL-21 Weishu, BL-25 Dachangshu, SP-15 Daheng, ST-36 Zusanli, Ren-6 Qihai, SP-6
Sanyinjiao. Reinforcing method.