Run Chang Wan: A Classic TCM Formula for Relieving Constipation and Promoting Gut Health

Run Chang Wan, documented in Volume 15 of Weisheng Baojian, is a time-honored traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription renowned for its ability to relieve constipation.

This classic formula targets constipation caused by spleen and stomach heat, wind stagnation, and blood stasis, using a blend of herbs to moisten the intestines, promote bowel movements, and clear internal heat. With roots tracing back to the early evolution of Chinese medicine, Run Chang Wan remains a cherished remedy for digestive health, blending ancient wisdom with practical efficacy.

Formula Composition of Run Chang Wan

Run Chang Wan combines a variety of herbs, organized according to the TCM principle of “monarch, minister, assistant, and envoy” to address constipation and related symptoms holistically:

• Monarch Herbs:

  • Huo Ma Ren (Hemp Seed): Lubricates the intestines to soften stools and promote bowel movements.

  • Tao Ren (Peach Kernel): Activates blood circulation, dissolves stasis, and enhances intestinal motility.

  • Dang Gui (Angelica Root): Nourishes and invigorates blood, combating intestinal dryness.

• Minister Herbs:

  • Da Huang (Rhubarb): Clears heat and purges the intestines with its bitter, cold properties to relieve constipation.

  • Qiang Huo: Expels wind, promotes Qi flow, and alleviates chest tightness or bloating.

• Adjuvant Herbs:

  • Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga): Clears heat, detoxifies, and lifts Yang to support normal bowel function.

  • Hong Hua (Safflower): Enhances blood circulation and relieves stasis, aiding intestinal health.

  • Bai He (Lily): Moistens the intestines to ease stool passage.

• Envoy Herbs:

  • Zhi Shi (Citrus Aurantium): Moves Qi to reduce bloating and abdominal discomfort.

  • Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel): Regulates Qi and relieves stagnation for smoother digestion.

  • Mu Xiang (Costus Root): Promotes Qi flow and eases fullness or pain.

  • Bin Lang (Betel Nut): Clears stagnation and alleviates bloating.

Additional supportive herbs like ginseng, white peony root, and licorice may be included to strengthen spleen Qi and harmonize digestion, ensuring a balanced approach to gut health.

Run Chang Wan

Pathogenesis: Understanding the Condition

Run Chang Wan addresses constipation caused by several TCM imbalances:

• Spleen and Stomach Fire: Excessive heat in the spleen and stomach depletes body fluids, drying the intestines and causing hard, difficult-to-pass stools.

• Wind Stagnation: External wind combines with heat and dryness, obstructing intestinal Qi and impairing bowel function.

• Blood Stasis: Poor blood circulation or blood deficiency leads to intestinal blockages, worsening constipation.

• Body Fluid Deficiency: Fluid loss from sweating or urination dehydrates the intestines, hindering stool passage.

• Triple Burner Disharmony: Stagnation in the body’s Qi flow disrupts water metabolism and digestion, exacerbating constipation.

These factors result in symptoms like dry stools, abdominal bloating, chest discomfort, indigestion, reduced appetite, and, in pregnancy, hardened abdomen or ribs.

Run Chang Wan

Therapeutic Effects of Run Chang Wan

Run Chang Wan offers a multi-faceted approach to relieving constipation:

• Moistening the Intestines: Oil-rich herbs like hemp seed, peach kernel, and lily lubricate the intestines, softening stools for easier passage.

• Promoting Blood Circulation: Angelica, peach kernel, and safflower dissolve blood stasis, improving intestinal blood flow and motility.

• Clearing Heat: Rhubarb and Cimicifuga purge internal heat, restoring normal bowel function.

• Regulating Qi: Zhi Shi, Chen Pi, and Mu Xiang alleviate bloating and stagnation, enhancing digestive comfort.

This combination ensures effective relief from constipation while addressing underlying imbalances, making it ideal for heat- or stasis-related digestive issues.

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Modern Applications

Run Chang Wan remains a trusted remedy in modern TCM for:

• Chronic or acute constipation, particularly due to heat or blood stasis.

• Digestive disorders like indigestion, intestinal dryness, or bloating.

• Pregnancy-related constipation with abdominal discomfort.

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Modern research confirms its benefits, highlighting the laxative, anti-inflammatory, and blood-circulation-enhancing properties of its herbs. Beyond constipation, it shows promise in supporting overall gut health and alleviating related symptoms like chest fullness or poor appetite.

Precautions for Use

When using Run Chang Wan, keep the following in mind:

• Syndrome Differentiation: The formula is tailored for constipation caused by spleen-stomach heat, wind, or blood stasis. It may not suit constipation from other causes (e.g., cold or deficiency), so consult a TCM practitioner for proper diagnosis.

• Medical Supervision: Pregnant women or those with chronic conditions should use under professional advice to ensure safety.

Conclusion

Run Chang Wan is a gem of TCM, expertly crafted to relieve constipation by moistening the intestines, clearing heat, and promoting blood and Qi flow. Rooted in ancient texts like Weisheng Baojian, its blend of herbs addresses both symptoms and causes of digestive stagnation, offering relief for dry stools, bloating, and discomfort.

Widely used in modern medicine, it remains a go-to remedy for heat- or stasis-related constipation. With proper syndrome differentiation and dosage control, Run Chang Wan provides a natural, effective solution for restoring gut health and improving overall well-being.