How to treat constipation in elderly people with traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine treatment for constipation in elderly people requires differentiation and treatment. Common methods include traditional Chinese medicine regulation, dietary improvement, acupoint massage, moxibustion therapy, and exercise guidance.

1. Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment:

Constipation in elderly people is often caused by qi deficiency, yin deficiency, or yang deficiency, leading to weak intestinal conduction. For Qi deficiency type, Huangqi decoction can be used to replenish Qi and moisten the intestines. For Yin deficiency type, Zengye decoction is recommended to nourish Yin and promote bowel movements. For Yang deficiency type, Jichuan decoction can be used to warm Yang and promote bowel movements. The dosage of traditional Chinese medicine should be adjusted according to the constitution. For example, Cistanche deserticola and Angelica sinensis can be used in combination to avoid the harm of laxatives such as rhubarb to the righteous qi.

2. Dietary improvement:

Increasing dietary fiber is key in diet. It is recommended to use black sesame paste to moisten the intestines and promote bowel movements. Drinking honey water on an empty stomach in the morning can stimulate intestinal peristalsis. Eat more coarse grains such as sweet potatoes and oats in daily life. Avoid spicy and hot food. Drink cassia seed tea or hemp seed Congee properly to help soften feces.

3. Acupoint massage:

Massage the Tian Shu and Da Heng acupoints in the abdomen clockwise for 3 minutes each day to promote intestinal peristalsis, and press the Zu San Li acupoint to nourish the spleen and stomach. Cooperate with massage techniques such as abdominal massage, massage the navel with the palm of your hand in a circular motion 50 times, once in the morning and once in the evening.

4. Moxibustion therapy:

For constipation of yang deficiency type, moxibustion at Shenque and Guanyuan points for 15 minutes each to warm up yang and dispel cold, once every other day. Ai Tiao should be placed 3 centimeters away from the skin at a local warmth level, and combined with moxibustion at Mingmen acupoint to enhance kidney yang propulsion, it can take effect for two consecutive weeks.

5. Exercise guidance:

It is recommended to practice the "Regulating the Spleen and Stomach with Single Lifting" style of Ba Duan Jin to improve qi and blood circulation, and take a 30 minute walk every day to stimulate intestinal peristalsis. The cloud hand movements of Tai Chi can regulate the function of the internal organs, and combined with deep breathing exercises, enhance the massage effect of the diaphragm on the intestines.

Elderly people with constipation need long-term comprehensive regulation, and their diet should be timed and quantified. They should drink 200ml of warm water on an empty stomach in the morning and rub their abdomen clockwise 100 times after dinner. Recommend eating walnut kernels mixed with spinach to moisten the intestines and avoid prolonged sitting and lying down. Properly practice the action of Wuqinxi "Xiongxi" to strengthen the waist and abdomen strength, and in serious cases, use Tonic Diet such as Bai Ziren and Yu Liren to recuperate. Pay attention to maintaining a relaxed mood, as liver qi stagnation can worsen constipation symptoms. If necessary, use a laxative formula under the guidance of a physician.