Can traditional Chinese medicine cure constipation

Constipation can usually achieve good results through traditional Chinese medicine treatment. The main methods include Chinese medicine conditioning, acupuncture and moxibustion therapy, massage, diet adjustment, exercise therapy, etc. Constipation is often caused by factors such as gastrointestinal heat accumulation, qi stagnation, and insufficient qi and blood. It needs to be treated based on individual constitution differentiation.

1. Traditional Chinese Medicine Conditioning

Commonly used formulas in traditional Chinese medicine for moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements, such as Maziren Pills, can alleviate constipation caused by dryness and heat, and contain ingredients such as Huomahen and bitter almonds; Jichuan decoction is suitable for constipation caused by yang deficiency, containing warm yang moisturizing herbs such as Cistanche deserticola and Angelica sinensis. It is necessary for a physician to determine the deficiency or excess of cold and heat based on tongue and pulse conditions, in order to avoid self medication exacerbating symptoms. Typical accompanying symptoms include difficulty in defecation, burning sensation in the anus, or cold pain in the abdomen.

2. acupuncture and moxibustion therapy

Acupuncture at acupoints such as Dachangshu and Tianshu can regulate intestinal peristalsis, and the effect of electroacupuncture stimulation is more significant. The method of purging is often used for excess constipation, and the method of tonifying or warming acupuncture and moxibustion is used for deficiency syndrome. During the treatment, there may be deqi reactions such as increased bowel sounds, which should be operated by a professional acupuncture and moxibustion. Long term stubborn constipation can be treated with ear acupressure therapy.

3. Massage

Clockwise rubbing of the abdomen with acupoints such as Zhongwan and Guanyuan can promote intestinal peristalsis, especially suitable for elderly and frail patients. Massage for 10 minutes every morning, combined with respiratory regulation for better results. When massaging, pay attention to even pressure to avoid discomfort caused by violent pressing. Pediatric constipation can be assisted by spinal therapy.

4. Dietary Adjustment

Increase the intake of moisturizing foods such as black sesame and honey, and consume high fiber vegetables such as spinach and celery in moderation. Avoid eating spicy and hot foods, and those with yang deficiency should avoid eating raw and cold foods. You can drink light salt water or cassia seed tea on an empty stomach in the morning. Yin deficiency constitution is suitable for yin nourishing meals such as Broth of white fungus.

5. Exercise therapy

Traditional guidance techniques such as regulating the spleen and stomach with a single lift and playing with five birds and bears in the Eight Section Brocade can improve the operation of qi. Persist in brisk walking for more than 30 minutes every day, and exercise the diaphragm with abdominal breathing. For sedentary individuals, it is recommended to get up and move around every hour to avoid exacerbating constipation due to blood stasis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes comprehensive lifestyle interventions for treating constipation. If acute constipation persists for 3-5 days or is accompanied by severe abdominal pain and bloody stools, prompt medical attention is required. Maintain regular bowel movements in daily life and avoid excessive reliance on laxatives. People with damp heat constitution should eat less fat, sweet and thick flavor, and patients with qi deficiency can take astragalus Congee appropriately to benefit the spleen and stomach. Recording bowel movements during treatment is convenient for physicians to adjust their plans.