Effective Ways to Address Constipation Using Traditional Chinese Medicine

Sudden shifts in your bathroom routine, difficulty passing stools, or lingering discomfort after bowel movements could indicate constipation. This condition arises when stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract.

Several factors can lead to constipation, such as insufficient fluid intake, lack of dietary fiber, sedentary lifestyle, ignoring the urge to defecate, certain medications, and excessive laxative use. It may also be linked to serious health issues like depression, hyperthyroidism, and colon cancer.

Constipation Resulting from Excess Patterns of Disharmony

Constipation can stem from various patterns of disharmony, including excess heat and qi stagnation. When external heat invades the body, it may impact the large intestine, leading to symptoms like high fever, thirst, and excessive sweating. A rapid, full pulse and a red tongue with a yellow coating are common signs. Herbs with cooling and purgative properties, such as rhubarb root (da huang), are often used. A straightforward yet potent remedy is Xiao Cheng Qi Tang ("Less Drastic Purgative Decoction"). For milder cases of constipation due to excess heat, the patent formula Peach Kernel Pills is highly effective.

Constipation caused by stagnant qi often worsens during periods of stress. Herbal remedies that alleviate qi stagnation and improve intestinal motility are typically prescribed. A recommended combination of patent medicines for this condition includes Xiao Yao Wan and Mu Xiang Shun Qi Wan.

Constipation Resulting from Deficiency Patterns of Disharmony

Deficiencies in qi, blood, yin, or yang can also lead to constipation. When qi is deficient, individuals lack the energy to pass stools and often feel drained afterward. Symptoms include a pale complexion and tongue, and sweating during bowel movements. Shen Qi Da Bu Wan, containing qi-boosting herbs like Astragalus (huang qi) and Codonopsis (dang shen), is an effective remedy. Adding Cannabis seeds (huo ma ren), a nourishing laxative, is beneficial. These are now available as hemp seed oil in health stores.

If yang deficiency is present, the person may experience cold sensations and lower back pain. In such cases, the formula should include Cistanches (rou cong rong), and walnuts (hu tao ren), a yang-nourishing food, are recommended.

For yin deficiency, symptoms include small, hard stools, thirst, night sweats, and a red tongue with minimal coating. The patent medicine Rehmannia Teapills, combined with hemp seed oil, is suitable for this pattern.

Addressing Constipation Through Acupuncture

Acute constipation can often be alleviated with just one or two acupuncture sessions combined with herbal laxatives. A key acupuncture point for this issue is Stomach 25 ("Heaven's Axis"), situated on either side of the navel.

Strategies for Managing Constipation

The intensity of constipation determines the choice of herbal laxatives, ranging from gentle lubricants to potent purgatives, often providing relief within a day. Chronic constipation usually stems from a deficiency in vital substances, necessitating tonifying herbs. Treatment involves selecting herbs and acupuncture points based on the specific deficiency. Restoring balance may take days to months, with weekly acupuncture sessions ensuring smooth qi flow through the intestines.

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Bill Schoenbart has been a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) since 1991, after obtaining a Masters degree in the field. He instructs on TCM theory and herbal medicine at a California-based acupuncture school and also runs a private practice.

Ellen Shefi is a certified massage therapist, licensed acupuncturist, and registered dietitian. She holds memberships in the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, the American Herb Association, and the Oregon Acupuncture Association.