Acupuncture Treatment for Constipation
【Overview】
Constipation refers to intestinal obstruction and difficulty in defecation, defined as inability to pass stool independently for more than two days. It primarily results from dysfunction of intestinal transmission, closely related to the spleen, stomach, and kidneys. Based on clinical features, it is divided into deficiency and excess types. Habitual constipation in modern medicine can be treated accordingly.
【Etiology and Pathogenesis】
(1) Excess Constipation
1. Yang excess and indulgence in spicy, rich foods: Individuals with inherent yang excess who indulge in spicy, greasy foods develop intestinal heat, depleting body fluids and causing dry intestines and constipation.
2. Emotional distress: Chronic worry and emotional suppression lead to stagnation of qi, poor distribution of body fluids, and impaired intestinal transmission, resulting in constipation.
(2) Deficiency Constipation
1. Deficiency of both Qi and Blood: After illness, failure to recover Qi and blood, or advanced age and frailty, leads to deficiency of both Qi and blood. Qi deficiency weakens intestinal propulsion; blood deficiency reduces body fluids, failing to moisten the intestines, thus causing constipation.
2. Lower Jiao Cold Deficiency: Insufficient yang energy in the lower jiao leads to cold coagulation, obstructing intestinal qi and causing constipation.
【Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment】
(1) Excess Constipation
Principal Symptoms: Hard, difficult-to-pass stools, occurring every three to five days or longer. Or fever, thirst, bad breath, rapid pulse, yellow dry coating; or distension and pain in the hypochondrium, frequent belching, reduced appetite, thick greasy coating, wiry pulse.
(2) Deficiency Constipation
Principal Symptoms: Constipation with weak defecation effort, or pale complexion and lips, dizziness, palpitations, fatigue, weak pulse, pale tongue with thin coating; or cold abdominal pain, preference for warmth, aversion to cold, pale tongue, white moist coating, deep slow pulse.
Treatment Principle: Primarily select acupoints from Dachangshu, the front-mu point of the large intestine, and points along the Sanjiao and Kidney meridians. Use reducing technique for excess constipation to clear heat, moisten the intestines, and regulate liver qi; use reinforcing technique for deficiency constipation to tonify Qi and blood, moisten the intestines, and promote bowel movements; for cold constipation, add moxibustion to warm the lower jiao and relieve constipation.
Prescription: Dachangshu, Tianshu, Zhigou, Zhaohai, Left Shuidao
Supplementary Points According to Syndrome: For excessive heat, add Quchi and Hegu; for qi stagnation, add Zhongwan and Taichong; for deficiency of both Qi and blood, add Pishu, Weishu, and Zusanli; for lower jiao cold deficiency, moxibustion at Shengque and Qihai.
Explanation: Although the etiology of constipation varies, its essence lies in inadequate moisture from body fluids to lubricate the intestines, disrupting intestinal transmission. Dachangshu is the back-shu point of the large intestine, Tianshu is the front-mu point of the large intestine; combining back-shu and front-mu points clears intestinal qi, restores normal transmission, and stops constipation. Zhigou, a fire point of the Sanjiao meridian, disperses heat from the Sanjiao to promote bowel movements. Zhaohai nourishes kidney water to increase body fluids and moisten the intestines. Quchi and Hegu reduce intestinal heat to relieve constipation. Zhongwan regulates Sanjiao qi, Taichong regulates liver qi to unblock intestinal function. Reinforcing Pishu, Weishu, and Zusanli strengthens central Qi, enhances spleen and stomach function to generate Qi and blood—this is the fundamental treatment for deficiency constipation. Moxibustion at Shengque and Qihai warms the lower jiao and relieves qi stagnation to promote bowel movements. Left Shuidao is an empirically effective point for treating constipation.
【Other Therapies】
1. Auricular Acupuncture
Points: Lower rectum segment, Large Intestine, Brain
Method: Twisting with moderate to strong stimulation, retain needle for 20–30 minutes.
【Note】
Acupuncture treatment for constipation shows good results. If ineffective after multiple sessions, combine multiple therapies and further investigate the underlying cause to avoid delaying diagnosis. Regular physical exercise and increased intake of vegetables are recommended, along with establishing a habit of regular bowel movements.