When it comes to constipation, many people immediately think of using laxatives. However, for some people, using laxatives only provides temporary relief, and their constipation returns once they stop taking the medication.
Why does this happen? It’s because you need to first understand what type of constipation you have in order to treat it effectively.
Which type of constipation you might belong to:
- Heat Constipation: This type of constipation is characterized by hard and dry stools with a strong odor. Patients often experience symptoms of heat, such as bad breath, mouth sores, and yellow urine. According to Chinese medicine, the lung and large intestine are closely connected, and excess heat in the large intestine can affect the lungs, leading to coughing in some cases.
- Qi Constipation: This type of constipation is often related to emotions and tends to worsen during times of stress. Patients may experience bloating and difficulty passing stools, even if their stools are not hard.
- Cold Constipation: This type of constipation is common in elderly people. Patients experience difficulty passing stools, and may only have a bowel movement once every few days. They may also experience cold limbs, a pale complexion, and a white tongue coating.
- Qi Deficiency Constipation: This type of constipation is often seen in patients with weak qi energy. Patients may feel the urge to have a bowel movement, but are unable to pass stools easily. Their stools may also be alternately hard and loose.
- Yin Deficiency Constipation: In the early stages, this type of constipation is similar to heat constipation, with hard and dry stools resembling sheep feces. As the condition worsens, patients may experience symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, restlessness, night sweats, and soreness in the lower back and legs.
Some simple remedies to address the issue:
- For Heat constipation, which is typically short-term, caused by excess heat in the large intestine, you can use herbs such as honeysuckle and fishy-smelling herb to help clear heat and promote bowel movements.
- For Cold constipation caused by a lack of yang energy, you can use moxibustion or a warm compress on the abdomen to help stimulate digestion.
- Qi constipation can be treated with herbs that promote the smooth flow of qi energy, such as rose, citrus peel, and chrysanthemum.
- For Qi deficiency constipation, herbs like astragalus and codonopsis can be used to nourish qi and stimulate bowel movements.
- Yin deficiency constipation can be treated by drinking plenty of honey water in the morning to help moisten the colon.
In summary, understanding the type of constipation you have is essential for effective treatment. By using simple remedies to address the root cause of your constipation, you can alleviate symptoms and improve your digestive health.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your G.P. or regular healthcare professional. You should not use the information on this site for the self diagnosis or treatment of any health problem, or the prescription of any medication or treatment. You should consult with your regular G.P. before undertaking any changes in your healthcare regime or medication. You should not stop taking any current course of medication without first consulting the prescribing physician.