How Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Helps Relieve Constipation

What is Constipation?

Constipation refers to a condition where stool remains in the intestines for too long, leading to reduced bowel movements or difficulty passing stool. Symptoms of irregularity include having fewer than three bowel movements per week, hard stools, or straining during defecation. This issue is common in daily life and can either be temporary or develop into a chronic condition, severely affecting quality of life.

What Causes Constipation?

The causes of irregular bowel movements are diverse. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), constipation is often linked to dysfunctions of the internal organs. Here are some common TCM types and causes of impaired bowel movements:

Dietary Imbalance: Long-term consumption of spicy, greasy, or dry foods, or insufficient fiber intake, can result in dryness in the intestines, leading to hard stools that are difficult to pass.

Emotional Stress: Emotional distress and stress can cause liver qi stagnation, disrupting the normal flow of qi in the large intestine, resulting in sluggish bowels. The modern lifestyle, with increased work pressure and mental tension, has led to a rise in emotionally-induced constipation.

Qi and Blood Deficiency: Those with qi deficiency may lack the strength to push stools through the intestines, making bowel movements difficult. Blood deficiency can result in insufficient moisture in the intestines, leading to dryness and irregularity.

Yin and Yang Imbalance: Yin deficiency causes a lack of fluids, making it difficult for the large intestine to lubricate, resulting in infrequent bowel movements. Yang deficiency, on the other hand, causes cold stagnation in the intestines, impairing peristalsis.

Sedentary Lifestyle: Prolonged sitting or lack of exercise can slow down intestinal motility, causing stools to remain in the intestines for too long, resulting in dehydration and hard stools.

The Risks of Constipation

Chronic constipation not only causes daily discomfort but can also lead to several health problems:

Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures: Straining during bowel movements can increase pressure on the blood vessels around the anus, causing hemorrhoids. Hard stools can also scratch the anal area, leading to fissures.

Intestinal Diseases: Prolonged difficulty in bowel movements can overburden the intestines, leading to conditions like intestinal obstruction, colitis, or even an increased risk of colon cancer.

Toxin Build-Up: When stool remains in the intestines for too long, toxins from metabolic waste can re-enter the bloodstream, causing issues like bad breath, rough skin, or acne.

Emotional Impact: Long-term irregularity can cause discomfort and anxiety, leading to irritability or even depression, affecting work and social life.

TCM Treatments for Constipation

In TCM, treating constipation involves regulating internal organ function and balancing yin and yang. A combination of internal and external therapies can help restore normal intestinal function. Here are some commonly used TCM methods for relieving sluggish bowels:

Gua Sha

Gua Sha stimulates specific meridians and acupoints to promote blood circulation and regulate organ function, easing difficulty in passing stools. Common Gua Sha methods include:

Neck and Shoulder Gua Sha: This technique focuses on the neck and shoulders to promote upper body circulation, relieve liver qi stagnation, and improve intestinal motility.

Abdominal Gua Sha: This method targets the abdomen, especially around the navel and lower abdomen, to directly regulate kidney function and strengthen the body’s qi. By promoting intestinal peristalsis, it’s particularly effective for those with qi or yang deficiency-related constipation.

Tui Na Massage

Tui Na involves massaging specific acupoints to regulate the meridians and organ function, enhancing intestinal motility. For those struggling with difficulty passing stools, Tui Na can promote the flow of qi and blood, easing intestinal blockages. Key acupoints include:

Tianshu (2 inches beside the navel): The key acupoint for the large intestine, massaging this area promotes intestinal motility and aids in easier defecation.

Guanyuan (3 inches below the navel): This acupoint helps regulate qi in the lower abdomen, especially effective for those with qi deficiency.

Zusanli (3 inches below the knee, outer side): As a major acupoint on the stomach meridian, massaging Zusanli improves digestion and relieves symptoms of irregular bowel movements.

Shangwan and Zhongwan: Located in the upper abdomen, these acupoints correspond to the stomach and spleen, promoting digestion and assisting with bowel movements, especially for diet-induced sluggishness.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion involves using heat from burning moxa to stimulate acupoints, warming the body and unblocking the meridians. It’s particularly effective for treating yang deficiency constipation, which is often accompanied by cold symptoms in the abdomen, hard stools, and cold limbs.

Dietary Tips for Relieving Constipation

Dietary therapy is an important aspect of TCM for regulating bowel function. By making appropriate dietary choices, you can help lubricate the intestines and promote bowel movements:

Honey Water: Honey has a lubricating effect, making it suitable for those with qi deficiency-related irregularity. Drinking a cup of warm honey water in the morning can help soften stools.

Sesame and Walnut Porridge: Both sesame and walnuts have moisturizing effects. When made into porridge, they help nourish the liver and kidneys, easing dry stools.

Banana and Yogurt: Bananas are high in fiber and help soften stools, while yogurt contains probiotics that help regulate intestinal flora.

Sweet Potato Porridge: Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and help stimulate intestinal movement, making them an excellent option for chronic constipation sufferers.

How to Prevent Constipation in Daily Life

Preventing constipation requires not only treatments but also adjustments in daily habits. Here are some practical ways to avoid difficulty in passing stools:

Drink Plenty of Water: Dehydration is a common cause of sluggish bowels. Drinking at least 8 cups of water daily helps keep the intestines lubricated.

Increase Dietary Fiber: Fiber-rich foods like whole grains, vegetables, and fruits help add bulk to stools and stimulate intestinal movement.

Establish Regular Bowel Habits: Cultivating a habit of going to the bathroom at the same time daily can help regulate bowel movements.

Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, baduanjin,  or yoga, can improve intestinal motility.

Maintain a Positive Mood: Emotional well-being plays a significant role in bowel health. Keeping stress levels low helps prevent stress-related constipation.

Conclusion

Though constipation is a common issue, it can be effectively managed through TCM treatments and lifestyle changes. Gua Sha, Tui Na, moxibustion, along with dietary adjustments and proper daily habits, can improve intestinal function and help you overcome difficulty in passing stools. Maintaining a healthy gut is key to a high quality of life, and by balancing your body’s energy, you not only relieve constipation but also enhance your overall well-being.

Common Queries about Constipation