Constipation is a common and complex symptom in clinical practice, rather than a disease. It mainly refers to decreased frequency of bowel movements, decreased stool volume, dry and hard stool, and difficulty in defecation. The presence of constipation should be determined based on the characteristics of the stool, individual bowel habits, and whether there is difficulty in defecation. If it lasts for more than 6 months, it is considered chronic constipation.
The prevalence of constipation in the population is as high as 27%, but only a small portion of constipated individuals seek medical attention. Constipation can affect people of all age groups, with more cases in females than males and more cases in the elderly than in young and middle-aged individuals. Due to the high incidence and complex etiology of constipation, patients often experience a lot of distress. Severe constipation can also affect quality of life.
Common manifestations of constipation include: reduced urge to defecate, reduced frequency of bowel movements, difficulty and straining during defecation, incomplete evacuation, dry and hard stools, and abdominal pain or discomfort. Some patients may also experience insomnia, irritability, vivid dreams, depression, anxiety, and other psychological disorders.
As constipation is a common symptom with varying severity, many people often do not pay special attention to it, thinking that constipation is not a disease and does not require treatment. However, constipation can have serious consequences. "Alarm" signs of constipation include rectal bleeding, anemia, weight loss, fever, black stools, abdominal pain, and a family history of tumors.
Massage of acupoints can help treat constipation. So, which acupoints can be massaged to treat constipation?
Methods for Massage to Treat Constipation
1. Alternately rub the upper abdomen from the epigastrium to the lower abdomen with both hands for 50 times.
2. Rub the back from the ribs to the coccyx with the palms of both hands for 10 times, then rub from the back to the pubic bone for 10 times.
3. Place the palms of both hands together, rotate and massage in a clockwise direction for 100 times around the navel.
4. Place both hands above the navel and make small circular rotations for 10 to 20 times.
5. Make a fist with both hands and place them below the 4th lumbar spinous process on the back, 5 centimeters apart, and tap 20 to 30 times.
Massage can effectively prevent constipation, but it is necessary to massage 1 to 3 times a day consistently in order to enhance the digestive function of the intestines and stomach and effectively prevent and treat constipation.
Acupoints for Massage to Treat Constipation
1. Rub and press Zusanli (ST36)
Sit on the bed with both knee joints naturally extended. Use the thumb pad to rub and press on the Zusanli (ST36) acupoint on the same side, while the other four fingers are closely attached to the back of the calf. Rub and press with moderate force for 30 to 50 times.
2. Rub and press Shenshu (BL23)
In the same sitting position as above, place both hands on the waist, press the thumb forward on the rib end on the same side, and press and rub the Shenshu (BL23) acupoint with moderate force for 30 to 50 times.
3. Rub and press Tianshu (ST25)
Lie on your back, fold both hands on the waist, place the thumb pad of the middle finger on the same side on the Tianshu (ST25) acupoint, and place the thumb on the outside of the abdomen. Rub and press the acupoint with moderate force for 30 to 50 times.
4. Rub and press Zhongwan (CV12)
Lie supine on the bed with both legs naturally extended. Place the palm of the right hand on top of the left hand, and press the palm of the left hand firmly against the Zhongwan (CV12) acupoint. Rub and press with moderate force for 30 to 50 times.
5. Rub and press Guanyuan (CV4)
In the same supine position as above, place the thumb pad of one hand on the Guanyuan (CV4) acupoint, and rub and press with moderate force for 30 to 50 times.
Fun Fact:
Zusanli (ST36): Located 3 cun below the lateral knee eye, about 1 cun lateral to the shinbone.
Shenshu (BL23): Located below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to it.
Zhongwan (CV12): Located on the midline of the abdomen, 4 cun above the navel.
Tianshu (ST25): Located 2 cun beside the navel.
Guanyuan (CV4): Located on the midline of the abdomen, 3 cun below the navel.
