Constipation

For bowels that are slow, hard to pass or never feel finished. We read constipation by pattern, since dryness, stress and depletion each need a different plan, and work alongside your physician.

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Read through

BothWesternClassical

Two lenses, one plan

Metal 金 is the phase it is most often read through. Here the classical lens leads: differential pattern diagnosis decides the treatment, with the Western picture as context.

The Western lensAnatomy, physiology, biomechanics

Slow transit or a stuck exit

Constipation usually comes from one of two problems: stool moving too slowly through the colon, or difficulty at the outlet, where the pelvic floor muscles fail to relax as they should. Many people have a little of both.

Pelvic floor: Straining with soft stool, or needing to press on the perineum, can point to the outlet. A pelvic floor physical therapist can assess this.
Medication and hormones: Opioids, iron, calcium, antacids, some antidepressants and an underactive thyroid can all slow the bowel.
What research looks at: Electro-acupuncture at abdominal points has been studied for chronic functional constipation, and research is ongoing.

The classical lensChannels, patterns, the five phases

The Large Intestine and its partners

The Large Intestine belongs to Metal and conducts waste downward. It depends on the Lung's descending qi, the Spleen's push, and enough fluid and blood to keep the stool moist.

Excess or deficiency: Constipation from heat or stuck qi is an excess pattern and is moved; constipation from depleted qi, blood or yin is a deficiency pattern and is nourished. Purging someone who is already depleted usually leaves them weaker.
The Lung connection: Because Lung and Large Intestine are paired, a shallow breather or someone with a chronic cough may have bowels that slow along with the chest.

Patterns we often see

Heat accumulating in the intestines cháng wèi jī rè 腸胃積熱
Stagnant qi qì jī yù zhì 氣機鬱滯
Blood deficiency with intestinal dryness xuè xū cháng zào 血虛腸燥

Patterns are examples of how this is often read, never a diagnosis. Yours is read at your visit.

How we work: one plan

Acupuncture on the abdomen and lower legs, with electro-acupuncture when appropriate, a classical formula that moves or moistens according to your pattern, food and fluid advice and an acupressure point for the morning. Bring your medication list; your physician stays your primary doctor.

What constipation is

Constipation means fewer bowel movements than is normal for you, stools that are hard or dry, straining, or a feeling that you never quite finish. It often follows low fluid and fiber, little movement, travel, pregnancy, an underactive thyroid or a new medication. Conventional care usually starts with fiber, fluids and activity, then laxatives if needed.

When constipation needs a physician first

See your physician promptly for blood in the stool, a lasting change in your bowel habits after 50, unexplained weight loss, or a family history of bowel cancer. Severe belly pain with vomiting and no passing of gas is an emergency.

Three kinds of slow

The classics separate constipation by what is behind it, and the patient often knows before we do:

Dry and hot. Hard pellets, thirst, a red tongue and bad breath. Heat has dried the intestines; for this picture a practitioner might consider Ma Zi Ren Wan (Hemp Seed Pill, 麻子仁丸), which moistens as it moves.
Tense and stuck. The urge comes and goes, with bloating and belching, and the bowels lock up on stressful days or while traveling. Qi has stopped moving downward.
Tired and dry. Little urge, a weak push and stools that are not especially hard. It is common in older age, after childbirth and in anyone short of blood.

How we work with it

Acupuncture on the abdomen and lower legs, with electro-acupuncture where it helps, works alongside a formula for your pattern. Food advice covers fluids, moistening foods and a morning routine, and you learn an acupressure point for the bathroom. We track frequency, stool form and straining with you.

Formulas here illustrate how pattern diagnosis shapes treatment. They are not recommendations; a practitioner selects and adjusts formulas for the individual.

Questions people ask

Does acupuncture help constipation?

Acupuncture, including electro-acupuncture on points of the abdomen, has been studied for chronic constipation, and research is ongoing. We combine it with herbs and food advice for your pattern.

Are herbal laxatives the same thing?

No. Strong purgative herbs used day after day can leave the bowel more dependent on them. A classical formula is matched to why your bowels are slow, whether that is dryness, tension or depletion, and is adjusted as they improve.

Can a medication cause constipation?

Yes. Opioid pain medicines, iron, some blood pressure drugs, antacids and many others can slow the bowel. Bring your list, and talk to your prescriber before changing anything on it.

Is constipation in pregnancy something you treat?

Constipation is common in pregnancy and after birth. Herbs and points are chosen with extra care during pregnancy, and we work with your OB or midwife's knowledge.

This is general wellness information, not medical advice.

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