Constipation is a condition characterized by difficulty in passing stool, prolonged time to defecate, or straining during bowel movements. It is commonly seen in various acute and chronic diseases. In addition to dietary adjustments and medication, massage therapy can also alleviate the symptoms of constipation. Let's take a look at the techniques for adult constipation massage.
Principles of Massage Therapy for Adult Constipation
The principles of massage therapy for adult constipation aim to promote intestinal peristalsis. For individuals with excessive heat in the stomach and intestines, clearing heat and reducing turbidity is recommended. For those with deficiency of qi and blood, strengthening the qi and blood is advisable. For those with stagnation of qi, liver-soothing and qi-regulating techniques are suitable. For those with cold congealing, warming the middle and dispersing cold is recommended.
Massage Techniques for Adult Constipation
Acupoints: Zhongwan, Tian Shu, Guan Yuan, Fei Yu, Pi Yu, Wei Yu, San Jiao Yu, Shen Yu, Ba Liao, Chang Qiang, Zu San Li
Massage Techniques:
1. The patient lies supine, and the masseur uses the one-finger Zen technique to massage the acupoints Zhongwan, Tian Shu, and Guan Yuan for 1-2 minutes each.
2. Using palm rubbing technique along the direction of intestinal peristalsis, the abdomen is massaged for about 5 minutes.
3. The patient lies prone, and the masseur uses the one-finger Zen technique or circular rubbing technique along both sides of the spine, starting from Fei Yu and continuing along Pi Yu, Wei Yu, San Jiao Yu, Shen Yu, until reaching Ba Liao. The treatment is performed back and forth for about 5 minutes, and the acupoints mentioned above, as well as Chang Qiang and Zu San Li, are kneaded.
Differentiation and Treatment of Adult Constipation Massage
1. For individuals with excessive heat in the stomach and intestines, direct rubbing of Ba Liao acupoint is recommended, with the degree of heat dispersion as the measure. Kneading Hegu, Qu Chi, Zhi Gou, and Zu San Li acupoints is advised, with the degree of acid distension as the measure.
2. For individuals with deficiency of qi and blood, horizontal rubbing of the upper chest, direct rubbing of the back and lumbar sacral region are recommended, with the degree of heat dispersion as the measure. Subsequently, kneading Zu San Li, Sanyinjiao, Qu Chi, Zhi Gou, and rubbing Yongquan acupoint for 1 minute each.
3. For individuals with stagnation of qi, kneading acupoints Zhongwan, Zhang Men, and Zhong Fu on the chest and abdomen, as well as Fei Yu and Gan Yu on the back, and pressing Taichong and Xing Jian for 1 minute each. Horizontal rubbing of the upper chest and diagonal rubbing of the sides are recommended, with the degree of heat dispersion as the measure.
4. For individuals with cold congealing, horizontal rubbing of the epigastric and abdominal regions, direct rubbing of the Du meridian on the back are recommended, with the degree of heat dispersion as the measure.
Benefits of Adult Constipation Massage
Constipation is mainly caused by dysfunction of the large intestine's transit function, leading to prolonged retention of feces, excessive water absorption, and dryness of feces. Massage therapy can stimulate the intestines and stomach, promote peristalsis, and therefore have a significant therapeutic effect on constipation.
Precautions for Adult Constipation Massage
1. For individuals with excess syndrome, promoting bowel movement is the priority, and the therapy can be performed once daily. For individuals with deficiency syndrome, gentle techniques are recommended, and each treatment session should be longer, with a longer treatment course.
2. Develop a regular bowel movement habit.
3. Drink plenty of water, consume more fruits and vegetables, and avoid spicy foods.
4. Engage in outdoor activities, avoid prolonged sitting and lack of movement, perform squatting, standing up, and supine exercises, and maintain a positive mental state.
