The term constipation can mean
infrequent or hard stools, or it can refer to difficulty passing stools.
Constipation may involve pain during the passage of a bowel movement, the
inability to have a bowel movement after straining for longer than 10 minutes,
or no bowel movements at all for more than 3 days. Almost everyone gets
constipated at some time during his or her life. It affects approximately 2% of
the population in the U.S. Women and the elderly are more commonly affected.
The most common causes of
constipation include a low-fiber diet, lack of physical activity, stress,
travel, inadequate intake of fluid each day, or delay in going to the bathroom
when you have the urge to defecate. Other causes are IBS, pregnancy, thyroid
conditions, depression, neurological diseases, or certain medications.
In Chinese medicine, constipation is
caused by a deficiency in the spleen and stomach. It is a result in dryness of
the large intestines from foods that do not support the digestive process.
Acupuncture helps restore proper circulation, eliminate pain and balance the
body. Particular acupuncture points have an effect on gastrointestinal
mobility, serving as a remedy for constipation. Acupuncture treatments can
relax the colon, spleen and stomach to stimulate movement. In addition, Chinese
herbs can be made especially for constipation, which will relax stuck qi and
restore intestinal function.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can
treat various gastrointestinal disorders. Not only do they control the
symptoms, they often change the underlying constitution of the body to achieve
long-term results. If you would like to pursue acupuncture & Chinese herbal
treatment or information, please contact Xiaoyan.
Constipation
