Constipation

Constipation is a common digestive issue characterised by infrequent, difficult, or incomplete bowel movements. It often causes discomfort, bloating, straining, and a feeling of heaviness. Left untreated, chronic constipation can impact overall health and quality of life.

At Vital Duo, we offer natural, holistic treatment for constipation using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), combining acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and lifestyle support to promote regularity, ease digestion, and strengthen gut health.

Understanding Constipation in TCM

In TCM, constipation is typically linked to:

• Heat accumulation drying out the intestines
• Qi stagnation obstructing bowel movements
• Blood deficiency failing to moisten the intestines
• Cold accumulation slowing down digestive processes
• Spleen and Kidney deficiencies weakening intestinal movement

Treatment focuses on clearing Heat or Cold, moving Qi, nourishing Blood, and strengthening digestive function.

How Acupuncture Helps with Constipation

Acupuncture addresses constipation by:

• Stimulating intestinal motility and peristalsis
• Regulating Qi movement in the digestive tract
• Moistening the intestines for easier stool passage
• Calming the nervous system to enhance digestion

Key acupuncture points along the Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, and Ren (Conception Vessel) meridians are selected to support healthy bowel function.

Clinical studies published in the Journal of Gastrointestinal Health (2022) show that acupuncture significantly improves bowel movement frequency, stool consistency, and patient quality of life compared to standard laxative use.

How Chinese Herbal Medicine Supports Bowel Health

Chinese herbal medicine complements acupuncture by working internally to:

• Moisten dryness and nourish the intestines
• Move Qi and Blood to stimulate natural bowel movements
• Clear Heat or Warm Cold affecting digestion
• Strengthen Spleen and Kidney function

Commonly used herbs include:

• Huo Ma Ren (Hemp Seed): Moistens the intestines and promotes bowel movements
• Da Huang (Rhubarb Root): Clears Heat and strongly moves the bowels
• Bai Zi Ren (Biota Seed): Nourishes Blood and moistens dryness
• Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis): Nourishes Blood and harmonises the intestines

Formulas are personalised depending on the specific underlying TCM pattern causing constipation.

Different Patterns of Constipation in TCM

Heat-Type Constipation

Symptoms include:

• Dry, hard stools
• Abdominal distension
• Thirst and irritability

Treatment clears Heat, moistens the intestines, and restores regularity.

Qi Stagnation Constipation

Symptoms include:

• Bloating
• Feeling of incomplete evacuation
• Stress-related symptom fluctuation

Treatment moves Qi and relaxes the bowels.

Deficiency-Type Constipation

Symptoms include:

• Dry stools
• Fatigue
• Pale complexion

Treatment nourishes Blood, moistens dryness, and strengthens Spleen and Kidney Qi.

Cold-Type Constipation

Symptoms include:

• Difficult passage of stool
• Cold limbs
• Preference for warmth

Treatment warms the interior and stimulates digestive movement.

Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations for Healthy Bowels

Daily habits play a major role in bowel health. At Vital Duo, we recommend:

• Eating fibre-rich foods like cooked vegetables, oats, and sweet potatoes
• Drinking sufficient warm water throughout the day
• Avoiding cold, greasy, and excessively processed foods
• Establishing regular meal and bathroom routines
• Managing stress through breathing exercises or gentle activities like Tai Chi
• Practising abdominal massage and light exercise to stimulate bowel function

Proper sleep hygiene and emotional balance also contribute to healthy digestion.

Final Thoughts

Constipation doesn’t have to control your life. With the natural, time-tested methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine, true digestive balance and comfort can be restored.