Constipation is a condition in which a person has uncomfortable or infrequent bowel movements. A person with constipation produces hard stool that may be difficult to pass. The person may feel as though the rectum has not been completely emptied. Acute constipation begins suddenly and noticeably. Chronic constipation, on the other hand, may begin insidiously and persist for months or years.
Normal elimination should be complete, fast and easy. The stool should be light brown in color, long and large in diameter, “fluffy” in texture and floating on water. There should be no offensive odor and it should break apart with the toilet flushing.
The common cause of acute constipation is a recent change in diet, decrease in physical activity and some medications. Acute constipation occasionally may be caused by serious problems such as an obstruction of the large intestine, poor blood supply to the large intestine, and nerve or spinal cord injury.
Too little physical activity and too little fiber in the diet are common causes of chronic constipation. It also can result from low active thyroid gland, high blood calcium level, Parkinson’s disease and inactive colon. Psychological factors usually lead to acute and chronic constipation.
When a disease is causing constipation, the disease must be treated. Otherwise, constipation is best prevented and treated with a combination of adequate exercise, high-fiber diet, and occasional use of appropriate laxatives. Vegetable, fruits and bran are excellent sources of fiber.
Treatment with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM):
Acupuncture — Reduce stress, help energy flow, stimulate the movement of intestine and colon, improve digestion and increase elimination.
Chinese Meridians Massage — Work on the meridians of small and large intestines, liver, gallbladder and adrenal gland to help digestion and bowel movement.
Herbs — Focus on general health, rebalance digestive and metabolism systems, speed up detoxification and elimination.
For more information, please call Dr. Liyan Lu of Ping’s Acupuncture and Herbs Center at 661-513-9265.