Constipation is a common symptom of bowel dysfunction, which is mainly related to the dysfunction of organs such as the spleen, stomach, liver, lungs, and kidneys. In addition to dietary adjustments and timely treatment, massage can also help with bowel movements. So where should we massage for constipation?
Key points for diagnosing constipation
1. Inability to have a bowel movement within 48 hours.
2. Dry and hard stools or difficult bowel movements.
3. Exclude lower gastrointestinal bleeding, etc.
Massage principles for constipation
The general principle is to promote bowel movements.
Clear heat and reduce turbidity for gastric and intestinal dryness and heat; soothe the liver and regulate qi for stagnation of qi; nourish qi and blood for deficiency of qi and blood; dispel cold for cold congealing of yin.
Basic massage techniques for constipation
Massage techniques: one-finger Zen, kneading, pressing, rubbing, and friction.
Acupoints and locations: Zhongwan, Tianshu, Qihai, Guanyuan, Dachangshu, Ganyu, Dan'yu, Piyu, Weiyu, Shenyu.
Procedure:
1. The patient lies prone, and the bladder meridian on both sides of the back is massaged using kneading technique, with a focus on Piyu, Weiyu, Dachangshu, and Baliao.
2. The patient lies supine, and one-finger Zen is used to push Zhongwan, Tianshu, Qihai, and Guanyuan.
3. Massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction.
Massage with differential diagnosis for constipation
Gastric and intestinal dryness and heat: Strongly stimulate Zusanli and Dachangshu; press and knead Waiguan, Hegu, and Quchi to dissipate heat.
Stagnation of qi: Add one-finger Zen to push Shanzhong, Qimen, Zhangmen, Zhongfu, and Yunmen; press and knead Feishu, Ganyu, Danyu, Gegu, and rub the sides of the abdomen with a combing technique.
Deficiency of qi and blood: Knead Zusanli, Sanyinjiao, and Xuehai; use one-finger Zen to push Qihai, Guanyuan, Shenque for a slightly longer time. Rub the bladder meridian on both sides, horizontally rub Baliao, and pinch the spine.
Cold congealing of yin: Knead Mingmen, Shenyu, and use one-finger Zen to push Qihai, Guanyuan for a slightly longer time. Directly rub the bladder meridian, Du meridian, horizontally rub Baliao, and pat the sides of the back.
Daily care precautions for constipation
1. Drink cold or slightly salty water in the morning to promote intestinal peristalsis and accelerate bowel movements.
2. Develop a regular bowel movement habit.
3. Consume more high-fiber foods to promote intestinal peristalsis.
4. Engage in appropriate physical exercise to promote gastrointestinal motility and accelerate bowel movements.
5. Continuously massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction.
6. In the recovery period of acute fever or other illnesses that result in reduced food intake and no bowel movements, once the stomach qi has recovered and food intake returns to normal, bowel movements will naturally become regular again, so there is no need to worry excessively.
