In Chinese medicine the Large Intestine continues to move the food materials downward. It absorbs the remaining Water and eliminates the solid waste material as faeces. Disharmonies of the Large Intestine manifest as abnormal bowel movements or abdominal pain.
The Large Intestine is the Yang Organ of the element Metal and is paired with the Yin Organ of Metal, the Lung. Metal is concerned with energy concentration and transfer and symbolizes connection with the environment. Whilst the Lung receives the life energy, the Qi of heaven, the Large Intestine (together with the skin and Lung) is the eliminator of waste from the body into the environment. This applies equally on the mental and spiritual planes as on the physical.