Constipation

One of the most common reasons people seek Chinese medical care is for chronic digestive issues. And one of the most common digestive issues that I see in my office each week is constipation. Many of us are uncomfortable talking about our bowel movements but I view this as a crucial, objective way to see how the body is digesting its energy source. So I hope you’re not too hesitant to keep reading ahead to learn another way to look at this common struggle many of us privately endure. Constipation can be understood as having less than three bowel movements in a week and when a bowel movement does occur it may be difficult to pass, small in size or in dry, hard pieces.

Different Branches of the Same Tree

A basic concept when looking at the body through the lens of Chinese Medicine is to view the elimination of waste as a whole system. Waste happens through the lungs, the skin, the nose, and the large intestine, to name a few. These are all considered part of the same system of waste elimination rather than physical organs that act separately and don’t affect each other. It’s surprisingly common to see signs of imbalance in these various organs that you may not necessarily relate to each other. In Chinese medical understanding, we would consider these symptoms, like constipation, sinusitis, eczema, and asthma, different branches of the same tree. Though this perspective is before the modern microscope and scientific method, recorded medical history has shown this understanding of the body to be a valid and effective approach. It is my personal clinical experience as well.

Bulk, Fluid, and Movement

When there is constipation, there may be a lack of fluids in our waste product or a lack of coordinated movement of the surrounding organ. I am presenting a simplistic understanding for our purposes here and speaking to the gastroenterologist will be more expansive from a Western medical view. We know of a certain amount of fiber needed to provide the bulk in our waste. So those who struggle with constipation often take fiber supplements or try to increase their intake of fruits and vegetables. Also more intake of water is encouraged to provide enough moisture. So we can summarize the need for enough moisture, bulk, and coordinated movement to allow our waste product to move effectively through the entire colon.

Use of Chinese Medicine for Constipation

Certain Chinese herbs have supportive actions to encourage this to happen. Such herbs are used in combinations, sometimes up to fifteen herbs together, rather than in singular form. It’s the synergistic effect of the combination that truly makes the herbs effective, though individual herbs are known to have specific properties. Chinese rhubarb, or da huang, is an example of an herb that has a downward, purging effect, while apricot seed, or xing ren, is moistening to the intestines. This pair is often used together, along with other herbs, as part of a common formula used for constipation. Herbs are often taken in tea form as a combined powder mixed in water, or the raw herbs are soaked and boiled for tea. Herbs are also taken in capsule, tablet, or tincture form.

Specific points stimulated by acupuncture needles or even with the thumb are effective at regulating the functioning of the large intestine. They can stimulate movement and even help retain fluid for use in moving the stool. You may be familiar with point called he gu, located in the muscle between the thumb and index fingers. Strong circular pressure on this point can encourage the large intestine’s function. Another point stimulated to help regulate bowel movements is on either side of the navel, known as tian shu. The Chinese names given to these points on the body thousands of years ago reflect their function and effect when stimulated. Acupressure is the kneading of the points typically with our thumb, while acupuncture is the use of fine, stainless steel needles inserted in the muscles at these specific points.

If this is confusing, that’s to be expected, as it is somewhat incomplete. I simply wanted to share some basics of another way to look at treating constipation. I find looking at the body through the framework of Chinese Medicine to be fascinating and using the tools like acupuncture and herbs to be effective, especially at treating this particular symptom. People who experience constipation are diagnosed individually so that the most appropriate points and herbs are chosen. Feel free to contact myself or another provider of Chinese Medicine to learn more about this topic.</p.