Why You Might Be Constipated... Emotionally: The Large Intestine, Letting Go, and Modern Life
- misunwahyafoundati
- May 14
- 2 min read
We all know what constipation feels like physically—sluggish, heavy, uncomfortable. But what if part of the problem isn’t just digestive… but emotional? In East Asian medicine, the Large Intestine isn’t just responsible for moving waste out of the body—it also governs our ability to let go of thoughts, attachments, and experiences that no longer serve us.
So yes—your gut might be stuck, but so might your mindset.
The large intestine is one half of the Metal pair, along with the lungs. These two work together to filter, refine, and release what the body and mind no longer need. When this system is working well, we’re decisive, clear, and regular—in every sense of the word. But when we hold onto old grief, outdated beliefs, or emotional baggage, the body often mirrors this stuckness with bloating, irregular bowels, or skin issues.
From a Western medical view, chronic constipation is linked to the nervous system, stress hormones, hydration, gut flora, and dietary fibre. But what often gets missed is how emotional tension literally slows the bowel. The gut-brain axis is real—and if your mind is clenched, your colon often follows suit.
Traditional acupuncture offers unique approaches to working with the large intestine energetically and emotionally. Considering the inner climate of the body—not just the symptoms—to encourage both physical and emotional movement. Treatments focus on clearing heat, softening rigidity, and supporting downward flow—because sometimes, letting go takes guidance.
Tips to Help Both Gut and Heart Let Go:
Daily movement, especially walking, activates the gut and eases mental tension.
Warm, cooked foods—think soups and stews—are easier on the digestion than raw or cold foods.
Hydration is essential. Drink warm or room-temperature water throughout the day.
Journaling or talking about what you’re holding onto is powerful—emotional release improves physical flow.
Set boundaries with news and screen time; overstimulation can tighten both the gut and the mind.
At the Misun Wahya Foundation on Mort St, Toowoomba City, Dr. Ash Dean, Doctor of East Asian Medicine and licensed Acupuncturist, blends East Asian diagnostic systems with modern insights to support your digestive, emotional, and immune health.
Because sometimes, healing starts with a good release.
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