Constipation is a common intestinal problem in modern people. Everyone has different bowel habits. What kind of bowel problem is considered pathological? In the past, the medical profession would regard defecation irregularities, reduced frequency (normal frequency can range from three times a day to three times a week), and dry stools that are difficult to discharge as constipation. In recent years, abdominal discomforts such as bloating, abdominal pain, and rectal discomfort such as anal pain and burning, and even no feeling of defecation, they are also regarded as a symptom of constipation, and requires proper treatment. Otherwise, the bowel disorder will become more serious, which can affect your health and cause emotional distress.
Traditional Chinese medicine consider the main pathological change of constipation is the large intestine, but it is related to the dysfunction of the liver, spleen, kidney and other organs. Therefore, the treatment of constipation should not only promote defecation, but remove the real cause of the disease in order to make defecation easier and unobstructed. Traditional Chinese medicine divides constipation into four types. Heat constipation, Qi constipation, cold constipation and deficiency constipation. Each type of diet therapy and improvement methods are different, and individual physiques can have both deficiency and excess at the same time, so the treatment depends should be changed according to the patient’s condition.
Heat constipation: It is caused by gastrointestinal heat buildup, usually after eating spicy grilled food, and accompanied by face redness and body heat, cold drinks, dry mouth, dark yellow urine and other symptoms, treatment should be used to clear the heat and moisturize the intestines. It is suitable for Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei, Semen Cassiae, etc.
Qi constipation: It is caused by emotional disorder, which is common in urban people who are worried too much and sedentary. It is accompanied by bloating, belching, abdominal distension, uncomfortable anus, and other symptoms. The treatment is to straighten out the movement of Qi and eliminate stagnation. It is suitable for Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae, Fructus Aurantii Immaturus, etc.
Cold constipation: It is caused by weakness and Yang deficiency. It is commonly caused by gluttony after cold food and often occurs in elderly. It is accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain, cold hands and feet, and waist and knees comfortable. The treatment is to use warm-yang and laxative methods. It is suitable for Cortex Cinnamomi, Prepared Common Monkshood Daughter Root, etc.
Deficiency constipation: According to the cause, it can be divided into Qi deficiency, blood deficiency and Yin deficiency. Deficiency of Qi patients, lack of defecation, shortness of breath, lazy speech, pale face. It should invigorate the Qi and spleen, it is recommended to use Radix Codonopsis, Radix astragali, etc.; patients with blood deficiency, no blood on the face, dizziness and palpitations, it should replenish Qi and moisturize the intestines, it is recommended to use Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Fructus Mori, etc.; Patients with Yin deficiency have dry stools and dry mouth and tongue. It is recommended to nourish Yin and invigorate the kidney. Radix Ophiopogonis and Radix Scrophulariae are recommended.
