Intestinal Obstruction may occur due to mechanical obstruction caused by intestinal adhesions, bowel endometriosis, tumors, bowel twisting, inflammation, infection, etc. Malfunction of the peristaltic muscles due to injury and medications also leads to intestinal blockage. It can also be the result of post-surgery complications. However, the symptoms experienced are more or less similar in all the cases. The main symptoms of intestinal obstruction in TCM include:

1. Vomiting: Nausea followed by vomiting, especially a green colored vomit indicating the presence of bile, is an indication of bowel obstruction.

2. Abdominal distention: An inflammation in the intestinal lining occurs due to persistent blockage and infection, leading to abdominal swelling and distention.

3. Blood in stools: A damage in the intestinal lining may cause bleeding in the intestines which is indicated by the presence of blood in stools.

4. Bloating: The accumulation of chyme and gas gives rise to a feeling of fullness and causes bloating.

5. Diarrhea and constipation: Frequent episodes of passing loose, liquid stools may occur due to partial intestinal blockage.

6. Infrequent urination: Dehydration due to diarrhea and vomiting, results in the loss of body fluids and electrolytes.

7. Intestinal strangulation: In severe cases, intestinal obstruction hampers blood supply to the intestines. Persistence of such ischemia leads to necrosis or gangrene of the intestinal tissue.

8. Fatigue: Obstruction and the resulting digestive inability hampers the absorption of vitamins and other nutrients from food, leading to weakness, headache and dizziness.

9. Fever: In case of infection and intestinal blockage due to cancers, fever accompanied with fatigue is a common symptom.