Constipation, within the framework of traditional Chinese medicine (MTC), is often perceived as a disturbance in the circulation of energy, or IQ, and an imbalance in the functions of the internal organs, in particular the spleen, the stomach and the intestines.
Unlike the Western perspective which mainly focuses on physiological aspects,The MTC envisages constipation from a holistic angle,Taking into account emotions, food, physical activity and energy imbalances.
From a clinical point of view,constipation is characterized by stools infrequent or difficult to evacuate,Often due to energy stagnation and/or insufficient body fluids. The stools can then become hard, dry and sometimes painful to pass. This can be occasional or chronic, significantly impacting the quality of life.
On the demographic level, constipation affects a wide range of the world's population, with epidemiological studies suggesting that between 2% and 27% of individuals suffer from this condition. We observeIncreased prevalence in women, the elderly and individuals with a diet low in fiber.
In the continuum of health and well-being that MTC promotes, constipation is not only a simple physical discomfort; It is often a signal indicating a deeper disharmony in the body.
This article proposes to explore the unique perspectives of the MTC on:
- symptoms,
- the causes,
- mechanisms,
- and possible natural treatments to treat and cure constipation.
The main symptoms of constipation
- Less than three stools per week,
- Harsh, dry or grumuleous stools,
- Efforts when passing the stools,
- A feeling that not all stools have passed,
- A feeling that the rectum is blocked,
- Swollen or distended abdomen,
- Nausea or vomiting,
- Bloating,
- Cramps or pain in the belly,
- Gas,
- Loss of appetite.
Chronic constipation manifests itself by two or more of these symptoms for 3 months or more.
Why constipation? What is happening concretely inside
Hard and dry stools are the result of excessive absorption of water by the colon. Normally, when food circulates in the colon (also known as large intestine), the colon absorbs water while forming stool (waste).
The muscular contractions then push the stool to the rectum and, when the stools reach the rectum, the majority of the water has been absorbed, which makes the stool solid.
When the muscle contractions of the colon are slow, the stools move too slowly into the colon, which causes excessive water absorption.Development then becomes difficult and sometimes painful, we then speak of constipation.
The most common causes of constipation
- Medicines,
- Lack of exercise,
- Not enough liquid,
- Not enough fibers in the food,
- Irritable colon syndrome,
- Ignore the desire to go to the saddle,
- Habits or lifestyle changes,
- Intestinal function problem,
- Abuse of laxatives.
Traditional Chinese medicine (MTC), rich in several millennia of experience and wisdom, offers nuanced and holistic approaches to understand and deal with this digestive problem. In MTC,Constipation is not only perceived as an isolated symptom, but as a manifestation of deeper imbalances within the organism.
Understand constipation according to traditional Chinese medicine
According to the MTC, constipation can be caused by various imbalances, including the stagnation of IQ, the intestinal drought due to an insufficiency of yin, or an excess heat which disrupts the normal functioning of the intestines.
We differentiate eight types of constipationwhich have patho-physiological manifestations, symptoms and therefore different therapeutic approaches.
Gapuity constipation
Due to a lack of essence and blood in the elderly and a postpartum blood emptiness and a decrease in liquids.
Wind constipation
It occurs when the wind conflicts with the lungs and is transmitted to the large intestine.
Cold constipation
Due to the emptiness of the yang of the spleen and the kidneys, causing the freezing and the binding of the yin, preventing food from being reheated and displaced.
Qi constipation
Due to the stagnation of Qi or the emptiness of Qi.
Repletion constipation
Caused by the stagnation of heat, mucus or IQ in the gastrointestinal tract.
Constipation by mucus
Due to humid mucosity obstructing the stomach and intestines.
Constipation by excess heat
Caused by heat fixing in the large intestine.
Intestinal drought constipation
Due to the lack of body fluid moistening the intestinal walls.
What foods consume in case of constipation?
In case of constipation,It is recommended to adopt a fiber -rich diet.
Western diet is considered rich in protein and fat, and poor in dietary fiber.The dietary fibers, coming from the cell walls of cereals, vegetables and fruits, are largely composed of cellulose and are indigestible for humans.
The fibers act as an inflatable agent, increasing the volume of the stools, thus triggering the stretch receptors in the intestinal wall. This in turn stimulates intestinal peristalism and decreases the transit time of waste in the intestines.
A lack of fiber and a high proportion of fats, which slow down transit time, contribute significantly to the slowness of the movement of waste in the intestine, and therefore to constipation.
Here are some examples of fiber source food:
Breads and cereals with whole grains
Brown rice
Raw fruits and vegetables
Legumes (dry beans)
Blown corn
Seeds and nuts
"People often eat too much, which leads to food stagnation"
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the typical Western diet is warming and too supplementing.People often eat too much, which leads to food stagnation.An excess of heating and drying of food, such aspeppers, coffee and bitter substances,can dry the intestines and damage the yin. Large quantities of diuretic substances, such asCoffee and cola drinks,may promote excessive urination and unequal distribution of liquids, causing aIntestinal drought.
Acupuncture to treat constipation
Acupuncture is often used to treat constipation. This technique implies the stimulation of specific points of the body to facilitate the circulation of IQ and restore balance. The points, such as Zusanli (stomach 36), Tianshu (stomach 26) and Zhigou (triple home 6)are particularly targeted to improve intestinal function and relieve constipation.
Chinese phytotherapy
Chinese herbs are also widely used in the treatment of constipation. Specific formulas, such as my Zi Ren Wan, composed of herbs like the Da Huang (rhubarb) and the Huo Ma Ren (Hemp seeds), are formulated to lubricate the intestines, reduce inflammation and facilitate defecation.
Diet and lifestyle
The MTC also attaches great importance to food and lifestyle in constipation management.A balanced diet, rich in fiber and liquid, is essential.At Biomed MTC, we offer personalized support in order to help you resume a healthy power that will allow you to improve your intestinal transit and many others.
Meditation to reduce the risk of constipation
In addition, the regular practice of exercises such as Qi-Gong and Tai Chi is encouraged to improve the circulation of IQ and promote intestinal health. There are also many abdominal self-massage techniques that can improve intestinal transit and improve blood circulation. Tip: Lie in your bed and start pressing your abdomen clockwise. This will relieve your intestines and allow IQ, vital energy.
Julie testimony
Patient in Biomed MTC
"Thanks to the MTC, constipation is of the past!" »»
"To be honest, talking about my constipation has never been easy, it's a somewhat taboo subject, but it has long dictated my quality of life. I followed all the possible advice: taken fibers, bugs of liters of water, run miles and swallow all kinds of pills. Nothing seemed to work sustainably.
The impact was going beyond the physical, it touched me morally. It's hard to understand when you never experienced this. But imagine not feeling free on a daily basis.
Then I met a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. At first I was skeptical, but over the weeks, something changed. The acupuncture relaxed me, the herbs had an effect that I could not explain and the food changes began to have effect. Since then I learned to pay attention to my body in a way that I had never considered before. Today I can say that thanks to the MTC constipation is of the past! ».
Conclusion: a global approach
Considering the body as a whole and seeking to restore natural balance, the MTC goes beyond symptomatic relief, aimed at a general improvement in well-being and digestive health. The individualization of treatments, a central characteristic of the MTC, ensures that each individual receives care adapted to his specific needs, opening the way to a more complete and lasting healing.
Live without constipation
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