What is Constipation?
Individuals define constipation depending on familial and cultural influences, as well as personal experience. Many individuals think they have constipation if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- Stools that are difficult to pass-through
- Repeated unsatisfactory bowel motions
- Bowel motions are infrequent.
Bowel motions between three per day to three per week, according to the American College of Gastroenterology, are considered “normal.” However, it seems to be a wide definition of ‘normal,’ since it excludes the very helpful Bristol scale. The term also fails to account for the intangible satisfaction it provides. It is critical to identify the kind of constipation a person is experiencing.
Bowel movements that are difficult, uncomfortable, or less frequent. It is frequently caused by childhood bowel habits, a lack of exercise, a poor diet, emotional stress, physiological dysfunctions, or drugs. A person may have the sense of a partially empty rectum or create firm, difficult-to-pass stools. An acute disease manifests itself suddenly with prominent symptoms. A chronic disease has a dangerously inconspicuous beginning and can last for months or years.
Excessive consumption of hot and caustic foods, as well as alcohol, causes heat to collect in the stomach, weakening the intestines. Heat also destroys the Yin, and the stools become dried and stiff as a result of a lack of Yin and fluids. Emotional pressures and excessive pensiveness promote Qi blockage in the Liver and Middle Burner, resulting in digestive system failure.
Overwork, severe exhaustion, postpartum weakness, or weakness following an illness can all result in Qi Deficiency, which leads to Large Intestine dysfunction. Blood deficiency, which might result from a lack of Yin and Fluids, is unable to moisten the Large Intestine, resulting in constipation.
Yang Deficiency, which causes Internal Cold, can be caused by constitutional weakness or the aging process. The Cold may join with the Yin and become stagnant in the Intestines, causing constipation. Febrile illness, caused by the invasion of external pathogens, can harm the Yin and Fluids and create dryness in the intestines, resulting in constipation.
Constipation is classified into two types based on its onset and symptoms: simple habitual constipation and complex constipation. Simple constipation can be classified into three patterns: Qi Stagnation, Qi Deficiency, and Blood and Body Fluids Deficiency. Heat constipation, Qi constipation, constipation owing to blood stasis, constipation due to Qi Deficiency, and constipation due to Blood Deficiency are the five forms of complicated constipation. In this blog I’m going to explain four types.
Four Types of Causes of Constipation
Heat type
Excessive heat in the body, particularly in the large intestine, causes this. In Chinese Medicine, excessive heat depletes bodily fluids, causing feces in the colon to get stuck and unable to flow easily. The feces are dry or firm, and you may also have foul breath, a dry mouth, black urine, a bloated stomach, and a flushed complexion.
Constipation, dry stools, a burning sensation in the anus, and sparse yellow urine are all symptoms. Dry mouth, halitosis, irritability, abdominal distention, and pain that is increased by pressure, abdominal masses, red face, and fever are all symptoms as well. Tongue is red with a dry yellow coating, or in extreme cases, a black or brown coating. The pulse is sluggish and rapid, or it is overflowing and rapid with vigor.
To promote bowel motions, clear heat, unclog the intestines, eliminate harmful heat, and moisturize the intestines.
Cold type
The stool is either dry or normal, but it is difficult to pass. Other symptoms may include a pale complexion, chilly limbs, a distaste for cold temperatures, and discomfort that does not go away when you apply pressure to your stomach. When you look in the mirror, your tongue may seem pale.
Constipation, distention, and pain in the hypochondrium, belly, and breasts are all symptoms. Sighing, belching, and hiccuping frequently, plum-pit syndrome (globus hystericus), and weak appetite with food retention. In severe situations, emotional tensions and irritability, premenstrual breast discomfort and/or distention, irregular periods, or amenorrhea. The tongue is covered in a thin white covering. The pulse is jangly.
Qi type
Constipation induced by Qi stagnation manifests as trouble passing stools despite having the desire, stomach bloating, frequent burp, and premenstrual syndrome. Your tongue usually has a thin, white covering. You may also have a low appetite.
Symptoms include constipation, distention, and pain in the hypochondrium, tummy, and breasts. Frequent sighing, belching, and hiccuping, plum-pit syndrome (globus hystericus), and a loss of appetite with food retention. Emotional tensions and irritation, premenstrual breast soreness and/or distention, irregular periods, or amenorrhea in severe cases. A thin white covering covers the tongue. The pulse beat is jangly.
Deficiency type
There is a strong need to urinate, yet it takes a lot of effort to do so. This is only one of several constipation symptoms caused by a deficit. The dry stools may resemble tiny stones in certain instances. Other symptoms include tiredness, dry skin, and dry hair. When you check your tongue in the mirror if you have these signs of deficient type constipation, it will seem pale.
Constipation with firm stools, a dull complexion, pale lips, dizziness, and palpitation are all symptoms of constipation. The tongue is whitish.
Fine and choppy pulse. Treatment – encourage bowel movement, nourish the blood and moisturize the intestines.
Chinese Herbal Formula For Constipation
Huo Ma Ren
Hemp Seeds When it comes to smoothing bowel motions, these small seeds offer a lot of promise. Hemp seeds, also known as Huo ma ren in Chinese medicine, are used in formulations to treat dry or weak constipation. These seeds help to keep the intestines wet, boost energy, and encourage smooth stool output. To assist keep your bowels flowing on a regular basis, add hemp seeds to smoothies, salads, cereal, or other meals.
Hei Zi Ma
Sesame Seeds, Black Black sesame seeds are excellent for blood and yin tonification. They improve the body’s fluids and promote regular, smooth bowel motions. The natural oils in the seeds nourish the intestines and soften the feces, resulting in hard, dry, or pellet-like stool.
Xing Ren
Apricot Kernel is a common herb that is utilized in numerous Chinese recipes for both Lung and Large Intestine problems. The Lung and Large Intestine are paired organs in Chinese medicine that often suffer from a disease together. Apricot kernels lubricate and loosen bowel movements, making it an excellent herb for constipation.
Bo He
Peppermint Peppermint is an excellent daily tea for people who suffer from stagnation and obstruction. The warmth of the tea not only warms, loosens, and activates the bowels, but it also helps to decrease stress, improve qi flow, and reduce irritation.
Sheng Jiang
Fresh ginger is not a bowel-moving plant in and of itself, but its fragrant, warming, and energy-boosting qualities make it beneficial for raising activity in the stomach and large intestine and improving the whole digestive process. Add to meals or drink as a tea steep.
Fan Xie Ye
Leaf of Senna Senna leaf is often used as a herbal medicine tea. While this plant is widely available in herbal shops and certain grocery stores, it is potent and should be taken in combination with a Chinese medical recipe.
REFERENCES:
Constipation Cures – Chinese Herbal Medicine & Lifestyle Techniques
Constipation Types and Remedies in Chinese Medicine
Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture for Constipation
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