Constipation is among the problems that most people prefer to keep under wraps. It’s everyone’s little secret.
For some people, constipation is temporary, and only appears after eating certain foods while for others, it is a chronic condition that requires regular medication to manage.
However the case, constipation is not a fun condition to have. The world of alternative medicine is growing at a high rate as people are looking for safer and more natural ways to manage their illnesses.
In the following write up, we discuss acupressure points for constipation to help you get rid of the problem and keep things flowing as they should. Enjoy the read!
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About Acupressure
Acupressure and other forms of alternative medicine such as acupuncture are some of the oldest forms of Chinese medicine.
Acupressure is among a variety of healing methods including herbs, exercises, diet, lifestyle changes that have their roots in ancient Chinese medicine. Other forms with the same roots include shiatsu and acupuncture.
According to legend, acupressure and acupuncture developed when Chinese healers noticed that puncture wounds on certain parts of the body, received by worriers had specific effects on the body. The oldest text describing acupressure dates back to 282 AD.
The Western world and especially the United States came to know about Chinese medicine in the 1970s when Richard Nixon visited China. He was the first president to do so.
On the trip, US journalists observed operations on patients without employing anesthetics.
The patients were wide awake as healers inserted needles into certain parts of their body as a form of pain control. At the same time, James Reston, a New York Time journalist elected to use acupuncture instead of anesthetics when undergoing surgery.
The journalist would later write convincing stories on the effectiveness of the alternative forms of medicine. As a result, acupuncture is among the most practiced form of alternative medicine in the United States.
Benefits
Acupressure is among the various alternative treatment methods that people are turning to for relief of various illnesses and conditions. And the fact that it is without side effects makes it an ideal treatment for many people around the world.
The alternative medicine with no side effects and free of invasive procedures is a form of traditional Chinese medicine. It is more common in parts of Asia than it is in the West. Both acupuncture and acupressure use the same pressure points, but the latter is non-invasive – the main difference.
Some of the common acupressure points are good remedies for a variety of common illnesses that people encounter such as lack of good night sleep, back pains, headache, anxiety, depression, constipation, stress and neck pains.
What is even better about acupressure is that it is easy to self-administer. You only need to locate the right spot and apply pressure or rub slightly, and your problems are no more.
For effectiveness, you should stimulate the acupressure points on a daily basis – the same way you take daily doses of pills.
The amount of pressure you apply must not be so much like in massages. It must be slight and should not cause any pain – you will perfect it over time.
The pressure points you stimulate are all over the body. The main ones are on your hands and feet. You can efficiently work on these spots by yourself. However, there are other areas that you should leave to the experts.
How Acupressure Works
The basis for both acupuncture and acupuncture is theories of chi or life energy. According to Chinese medicine, Chi moves freely throughout the body using pathways referred to as meridians. Your body has 14 channels, with each associated to a particular organ.
Any imbalance or blockage leads to illness. Unlike western medicine, Chinese medicine believes that it is your own responsibility to restore your body to full health. Your actions to improve the energy flow are what make you healthier and better.
The most popular form of acupressure is Tuina.
Others include Shen Tao, and Jin Shin Do, where one uses the fingers to apply light pressure on acupoints and bring about healing. For jin shin do, the patients should be in a meditative state during the acupressure treatment process.
The various acupressure points are valves for the meridians. Working on these valves releases tensions from the muscles, allowing the free flow of energy. The action also leads to the release of endorphins, the feel-good hormones also associated with pain relief.
Acupressure, therefore, contributes to optimal pain relief to make you better.
Some of the benefits of acupressure points have some research backing. For example, studies show acupressure as effective in reducing gastric problems and motion sickness. It also demonstrates effectiveness in the relief of postoperative vomiting and nausea.
The Acupressure for Hairline Fracture (we have an article on the same) among others are universal, and patients swear by their effectiveness.
You can, therefore, rest assured that working on the acupressure points will help make you healthier and a better person to continue enjoying your life.
Facts about Constipation
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The rate of bowel movement varies between individuals and depending on their diet and health. A healthy person has their bowel movements between two and three times a day. Others may have them only a few times within a week.
If you go a few days without passing stool, then it’s possible that you are going to experience constipation. Stool gets harder the longer it stays in the colon.
Constipation is among the most common conditions affecting people of different ages. It affects both the young and the old in equal measure. You will different terms referring to constipation, but they all relate to the same thing. For example, you will come across words such as irregular bowel movement or difficulties passing stool. But what causes the condition?
Inactivity
Sedentary lifestyles, where people spend most of their time indoors and with less activity, constitute a significant cause for a variety of illnesses and health conditions including constipation. Yes, technology is making life more convenient but at what price?
A thirty-minute workout can cure your bowel problems, and you can go back to passing stool smoothly as you should. Exercise is a natural cure for constipation.
Diet
A low fiber diet such as red meat, eggs, and dairy products is a significant culprit for bowel problems. Processed foods contain high amounts of sugar and salt which can cause an irregular bowel movement.
Mostly, your diet should include fruits, whole grains, and Take sufficient quantities of water with every meal to avoid constipation – the condition is shared among the old because they don’t consume enough water.
Drinking Water
Many people do not take the recommended eight glasses of water. They are just too busy doing other things. Not drinking enough water deprives the digestive system of the much-needed fluidity that water provides.
But you can as well take juice. However, avoid your favorite caffeinated drinks as they can cause dehydration and make the situation worse.
Abuse of Laxatives
Laxatives are an effective and quick way of dealing with constipation. Unfortunately, overdependence can signal to the body to stop dealing with the condition as there is already an effective method in place. Laxatives can as well be a significant cause for diarrhea.
Medications
Particular meds such as allergies, depression, antacids, diuretics, hypertension and pain killers can cause constipation.
Holding Back
You may be working in a busy office environment, and it may not be appropriate to keep rushing to the toilet. However, holding back bowel movement can cause problems later on. Ideally, you should always rush to the bathroom whenever you feel like it.
You will notice that you always poop at the same time every day. Stick to this routine as the longer you hold back, the harder it gets and the more the likelihood of having bowel movement problems.
Typically, use the bathroom after a meal such as a breakfast as it tends to push waste in the colon.
The Signs and Symptoms of Constipation
The most common symptom for constipation includes infrequent bowel movement. Passing stool only a few times, like three times a week, is the best indication that everything is not okay down there and you may need to seek medication.
Another symptom is difficulty in passing stool and feeling that the process was not complete. You feel that there are still some bowel movements that remain within you even after going out of the loo. You may also feel some abdominal pains or swelling around the area.
Pain, vomiting and occasional diarrhea may also occur as a result of obstruction.
Various Types of Acupressure Points for Quick Constipation Relief
Surprisingly, you hold some healing powers on your fingertips. In other words, focusing finger pressure on specific points on your body can quickly bring about constipation relief, and you will not need to take further medication. Most of us don’t fancy the idea of taking pills because of the associated side effects.
Using acupressure for the treatment of constipation also helps avoid any unhealthy dependence on pills. And apart from constipation relief, the technique effectively reduces the associated symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pains and diarrhea.
CV6
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The conception vessel 6 is a useful pressure point for dealing with constipation. The sea of Qi, as some quarters refer to it, is only three fingers away from the belly button.
You should use your fingertips to stimulate the CV6 area swiftly. However, the pressure should not exceed 1 inch, and you should feel something hard below the surface. Maintain the pressure for about 30 seconds, closing your eyes and breathing normally. The process should be as if you are meditating.
CV6 acupressure is one of the most effective Acupressure Points for Quick Constipation Relief, constipation, gas, colitis, and abdominal pains. Other health benefits include the treatment of a hernia, digestive disorders, male impotence, irregular menstruation, and fatigue.
ST36
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The three-mile point or stomach 36 is another effective acupressure for constipation relief. ST36 promotes digestion, relieves intestinal disorders and strengthens the whole body. The point is a short distance below the kneecap, about four finger widths.
You will feel the flexing of the muscles as you move your leg up and down.
Unlike the other acupressure points, you will need to rub the ST36 using the palms of your hands for a minute on both legs. The pressure point is ideal for insomnia, PMS, asthma, nervousness, and depression.
CV12
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The acupressure point is the ideal remedy for all digestive problems you may be suffering from – some of us have a host of these problems due to poor lifestyle habits and diet. The conception vessel 12 is a quick constipation relief method also referred to as the center of power.
The acupressure point is halfway between the belly button and the base of your breastplate. Handle this point with care and should never exceed two minutes, and do it on an empty stomach. If done correctly, pressure on CV12 should relieve constipation along with other associated such as stomach pain, spasms, and heartburn.
It can also deal with emotional stress, vomiting, jaundice, insomnia, and dysentery. However, you should not do it if suffering from hypertension, cancer or heart disease.
LI11
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The large intestine 11 is another effective acupoint for a fast constipation cure. The crooked pond, as various circles refer to it is just outside the elbow crease. Press LI11 firmly with your fingers as you breathe deeply. Do the same for the other hand to relieve constipation and indigestion.
The crooked pond is also ideal for the colon. It helps deal with heat stroke, diarrhea, heat stroke, skin diseases, and high fever.
LI4
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The large intestine 4 is a popular acupressure point with a variety of health benefits. Also known as the joining valley pint, LI4 is the muscle between the thumb and the index finger.
Stimulation includes spreading the index and thumb apart and rubbing the area for about a minute. Take breaths and close your eyes as you do it. Switch sides and repeat the same process for the other hand.
LI4 is quite effective at relieving chronic pains, allergies, toothaches, eye problems and, of course, constipation. The pressure point also helps boost the immune system so that you can enjoy a healthy lifestyle. However, LI4 is a no-go zone for pregnant women as it enhances the chances of premature uterus contractions.
As such, it is among the various pressure points to induce labor – you can read about here.
PC6
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Pericardium 6 is a short distance away from the wrist – about four fingers width away. Stimulate this inner gate point by using your fingers and repeat the same for the other hand. The pressure should be a minute long.
Other conditions that PC6 can alleviate effectively include nausea, headache, motion sickness, upset stomach, asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome, chest tightness, and angina.
Other Remedies for Treating Constipation
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Cabbage Soup
Soup made from beetroot and cabbages, taken every night after meals will help with bowel movement. It will serve as lubrication, making it easier for you.
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Water and Honey
Take a glass of warm water mixed with a tablespoonful of honey the first thing in the morning. It should be on an empty stomach. Take a stroll outside before heading for the bathroom.
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Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe Vera juice is not a fun drink but has a host of benefits. Aloe Vera juice will treat constipation within two weeks. Take a glass on an empty stomach daily, and you will love the results at the end of it all.
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Abdominal Massage
A simple abdominal massage, lying on your back and applying circular motions with your hands can help improve the bowel movement. Do the massage for about 15 minutes.
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Herbal Tea
Green tea is a sort of staple in the Asian content. Taking green on a regular basis cannot only prevent bowel movement problems but will also keep you healthy.
Some of the Foods that will Help Relieve Constipation
As earlier mentioned, your diet determines whether you have constipation or not. Ideally, the foods that have high water and fiber content will keep bowel movement problems at bay. That includes fruits such as peaches, bananas, prunes, grapefruits, and apples.
It also includes vegetables such as beets, avocado, cabbage, spinach, choy, bok and cauliflower. Dry fruits such as pine nuts, walnuts, apricots are also ideal. You should also take omega 3-rich seeds and fish.
Some of the foods that you should strive to avoid include fried foods, red meat, and animal fats.
Stay away from refined sugars and simple carbs as they have a clogging effect on your digestive system and will not help in any way with the bowel movement. It will only make it worse.
How do you stimulate a bowel movement quickly?
You may be having piles of workloads whose deadline is due within a short time. At the same time, you may feel that the bowel movement is much slower than average and you would love if the issue speeded up.
The CV12 pressure point below the belly button is what we refer to as the poop button. Applying pressure here using three fingers will help things flow quickly as they should.
How do you poop when you are constipated?
The virtue of patience may fail you especially when the bowel movement is slow. There are other things to do, and as such you apply pressure on the rectum to speed things up.
However, that would be a bad idea as it could lead to injury and pain, a condition known as fatal heart arrhythmia.
Patience is a virtue.
Let the bowel movement take its time without any pressure. And if you want to speed it up, use the acupressure point below the belly button.
Exercising to Ease Constipation
Modern life is leaning too much towards inactivity, and that is not a good thing for your health in the long run.
According to experts, you can help the digestive system by being active.
Well, exercising on a daily basis will not only make you healthier but will help tone your heart and keep thing moving smoothly in the digestive system.
But how does Exercising Help?
Exercises and activity help by reducing the time that food stays in the digestive system. It also limits the amount of water your body gets from the stool.
Furthermore, aerobic exercises increase your breathing and heart rates, which aid in faster and efficient contraction of muscles in the body.
When is the Best time to Exercise?
Ideally, you should wait about an hour before you can start your exercise regimen. You see, your digestive system depends on blood flow into it to help with the contractions and keep things moving along.
Blood provides the stomach muscles with the necessary nutrients and energy for fast and efficient contractions.
However, if you exercise right after having your meals, the blood flows to your muscles, where you need more energy. That deprives your bowel muscles of sufficient blood flow, and as a result, their performance becomes sluggish.
Sluggish performance of gut muscles leads to constipation and bloating. Therefore, give your body some space to its job of digesting the food before you can begin running or any other exercise.
The Best Exercises to Help with Constipation
The easiest way to help reduce constipation is through exercises.
Getting up and walking for about 15 minutes daily is sufficient to help alleviate constipation. If you are comfortable, you can as well slot in aerobic exercises into your daily program.
Activity and exercising on a regular basis will keep every muscle in your body healthy, and things moving as they should.
Stretching exercises may remove any tension on the muscles, and your gut muscles become more efficient. Yoga may also help.
Wrapping Up
The acupressure points for constipation are effective natural methods of restoring a smooth bowel movement.
However, you should not treat it as the only constipation treatment methods.
Consume a fiber-rich diet and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Stimulating the acupressure points the right way keeps the laxatives away, and you accrue additional health benefits such as a better immune system and relief of digestive problems among others.
However, there’s a limit to all this. If your constipation is persistent and accompanied by severe belly pain, consult a doctor.
Don’t wait any longer.