Body Wisdom: The Large Intestine – The Art of Release

In Western medicine, the Large Intestine (colon) is seen as the end of the digestive line. Its job: absorb water, form stool, and eliminate waste. Important, yes — but mostly thought of as plumbing, unless something goes wrong with constipation, IBS, or cancer.

In Chinese medicine, the Large Intestine plays a much deeper role. It is paired with the Lungs in the Metal element, which governs clarity, order, and the power to let go. The Large Intestine doesn’t just clear out the body. It helps us release what no longer serves — whether toxins, grief, grudges, or old patterns.

The Large Intestine’s role

Physically, the Large Intestine separates what can still be absorbed from what must be eliminated. When balanced, elimination is smooth, digestion steady, and the body feels light. When imbalanced, there may be constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or a deeper sense of being “stuck.”

Emotionally, the Large Intestine is about transition. Just as the colon lets go of what the body doesn’t need, we are asked to let go of attachments, stories, or burdens. When the system is blocked, we may feel rigid, nostalgic, or unable to move on.

'The Health Official' - The Integrated Qigong Deep Front Meridian from the book Move Life Better by Deniz Paradot. All rights reserved. ©

Its meridian runs from the index finger up the arm, through the neck, and across to the nose. This explains why sinus issues, congestion, or head tension may be treated along this channel — the Large Intestine’s influence reaches far beyond the gut.

Qigong and the Large Intestine

In Qigong, the Large Intestine meridian is opened through movements that stretch and release through the arms, shoulders, and torso. In Integrated Qigong, practices that combine Lung expansion with Large Intestine release mirror their shared theme of “breathe in / let go.”

When we practise with awareness of this system, we don’t just move the bowels — we practise releasing what is stagnant in body and mind. Students often describe a sense of “lighter shoulders” or emotional space after Lung–Large Intestine flows, as if a burden has been quietly set down.

Seasonal care in autumn

The Large Intestine, like the Lungs, belongs to autumn. This is the season of refinement and release. Trees shed leaves; we are asked to shed clutter, both physical and emotional. Supporting the Large Intestine helps us align with this natural rhythm.

Ways to support the Large Intestine in autumn:

• Keep elimination regular – Eat fibre-rich foods, warm cooked vegetables, and drink warm water on waking.

• Declutter inside and out – Let go of unused items, or journal emotions you no longer need to carry.

• Move gently – Daily walking or Qigong supports bowel rhythm and emotional release.

• Protect from cold and dryness – Keep the lower back and abdomen warm; avoid overly dry or spicy foods.

  
  

The Large Intestine in balance

When this system flows, we feel lighter — physically and emotionally. We can take in what is essential, let go of what is not, and move forward with clarity and grace. The Large Intestine teaches that true health isn’t just about holding on — it’s about knowing when to release.

This post is part of my “Body Wisdom: Living in Balance” series — exploring each organ through both Western and Chinese views, and showing how Qigong helps us embody these insights in practice.

Heart | Pericardium | Small Intestine | Lungs | Large Intestine | Liver | Gallbladder | Spleen | Stomach | Kidneys | Bladder | Triple Warmer | Qigong as Movement Medicine