Constipation

What is Constipation?

Constipation is a common digestive condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, and difficulty passing stools. It can vary from acute episodes to chronic conditions, significantly impacting an individual's quality of life. In TCM, one should ideally have at least one bowel movement a day.

How Does TCM View Constipation?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views constipation as a symptom of underlying disharmony within the body's organ systems, particularly focusing on the Spleen, Liver, and Kidneys. TCM emphasizes the importance of identifying the specific pattern of disharmony causing constipation to effectively restore balance, contrasting with Western medicine's symptomatic approach.

Root Causes of Constipation in TCM

TCM identifies several patterns that can lead to constipation:

Heat in the Blood: This pattern presents with dry stools and a sensation of heat in the body. Treatment aims to clear Heat and moisten the Intestines.
Interior Wind: Constipation accompanied by neurological symptoms indicates an Interior Wind pattern. Treatment focuses on calming the Liver and nourishing Yin to suppress Wind.
Yin Deficiency: Insufficient body fluids lead to Dryness, causing constipation. Treatment involves nourishing Yin and promoting fluid production to lubricate the Intestines.

Each pattern reflects an imbalance in the body’s Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang, requiring a tailored treatment approach to address both the symptoms of constipation and their underlying causes effectively.

By addressing the root causes identified through TCM diagnosis, practitioners aim to restore harmony in the body’s organ systems, promote regular bowel movements, and alleviate constipation effectively.