Constipation & Diarrhea

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be extremely effective in managing chronic constipation and diarrhea, which while very common, are one of the least talked-about physical complaints. Regular waste elimination is a very important part of general health, and the effects of poor nutrient absorption associated with irregular bowel movements include fatigue, , pain in the lower abdomen, upset in appetite and weight control, sallow complexion and frequent break-outs and more. Moreover, the body’s inability to eliminate waste at a regular consistency and frequency is an indication of a deeper imbalance within the body.

Diarrhea may be due to many different causes, such as stress or emotional upset, a diet of heavy, rich, or greasy foods, or it may be a side effect of medication. Regardless of the cause, the condition is a manifestation of the body’s inability to properly digest and process food. Treatment of diarrhea with Oriental Medicine focuses on determining the root cause of the imbalance, and correcting it, so that the body may heal. When your food is digested properly, your body is able to absorb more energy and nutrients from the food you eat, resulting in increased vitality and general improvement in all the body’s systems.

The most common causes of constipation include a low-fiber diet, lack of physical activity, stress, travel, and inadequate fluid intake. Other possible causes include IBS, pregnancy, thyroid conditions, depression, neurological diseases, or certain medications. There are generally two types of constipation, one characterized by dry and hard-to-pass stools indicating heat or fluid deficiency in the body, and the other resulting from qi deficiency, causing sluggish bowel movements with stools that are difficult to express. Acupuncture, along with Chinese herbal therapy and nutritional and lifestyle counseling has shown to have excellent clinical results in helping regain normal bowel function and relieve the symptoms of constipation by either clearing heat and nourishing fluids, or by tonifying qi, depending on the root cause.