What is constipation?
Constipation is characterized by a slowed bowel movement - less than 3 bowel movements per week (according to the WHO), which can be hard and painful to evacuate.
Constipation can be temporary and linked to our lifestyle, or chronic when it sets in over time (more than 6 months).
Temporary constipation
It can be due to our diet (low in fiber), insufficient hydration, stress, pregnancy, disrupted habits, lack of exercise...
Chronic constipation
It may last several months, and in such cases it is essential to identify the cause in order to determine the best course of treatment. Hepato-biliary function can be explored, as well as microbiota and food intolerances.
When should you see a doctor?
When constipation is chronic or comes on suddenly, or is secondary to an illness or suspected obstruction, it's important to consult a specialist to determine the cause and treat the problem from the right angle.
Health and nutrition
A few changes in your daily routine can sometimes help you return to normal transit.
Food advice
Some general dietary recommendations:
- A diet rich in soluble fiber (vegetables, fruit, legumes, wholegrain cereals). When it comes to fruit, spread it out over the day (raw outside meals and cooked at the end of meals). When it comes to cereals, opt for wholegrain (and not overcooked). Give preference to green vegetables.
- Drink at least 1.5 liters of water a day (spread throughout the day). Here are a few tips that may help - don't apply them all at once - ask your doctor or nutritionist for advice:
- Add flax seeds (ground) to your dish (the equivalent of one tablespoon a day) - or chia seeds (soaked in water from the day before).
- Take a short course of prunes (ideally soaked in water for 24 hours - you can also drink the juice).
- Dilute apple juice in Hépar water (rich in minerals)
For personalized support, you can consult a nutritionist who will help you put together your meal plan. For more information, click here.
Healthy living
There are a few rules to follow:
- Regular physical activity
- Try to establish a rhythm - the idea is to be able to go to the bathroom when the urge arises and not have to hold back - having a regular time is possible.
To help you, you can also elevate your feet so that your position is more physiological and therefore easier.
Constipation and colon hydrology?
Constipation is characterized by the storage of fecal matter, which in the short to medium term leads to bloating, gas and varying degrees of discomfort.
Colon hydrology is a method of gentle, thorough and controlled cleansing of the large intestine.
In particular, this technique, performed by trained and recognized therapists, enables the removal of accumulated faecal matter through successive gentle baths. It also awakens and tones that special muscle known as the colon, helping to maintain a healthy bowel movement.
In fact, the main reason for visiting a colon hydrotherapy clinic is temporary or chronic constipation.
For more information on colon hydrology, click here.
Constipation and Chi Nei Tsang?
Chi Nei Tsang is a deep therapeutic belly massage. This massage will drain each of the internal organs (nei tsang) and boost their functionality.
Mechanically, this massage improves digestive comfort, notably by reducing bloating and stimulating transit. It will therefore help you in cases of both chronic and temporary constipation.
Constipation is often linked to our emotions, and this massage, which also works on breathing and the diaphragm, helps us to let go - sometimes necessary to go to the toilet!
For more information on Chi Nei Tsang, click here.
Constipation and traditional Chinese medicine?
According to Chinese medicine, constipation can be classified into two main categories:
- those related to Qi or energy, resulting in a lack of peristalsis (lack of movement); and
- those linked to Jin or body fluid, which causes stools to dry out.
A sedentary, stressful lifestyle can lead to energy stagnation in the internal organs, particularly the colon. To this can be added a diet with too much fat and sugar, which creates internal heat. This consumes body fluids and causes dry stools.
Constipation in children, active people and the elderly is often caused by different factors, requiring different treatment strategies.
The combination of acupuncture and Chinese pharmacopoeia helps to boost this energetic circulation to set peristalsis in motion and encourage the production of these fluids.
For more information on acupuncture, click here.
Constipation and osteopathy
Osteopathy can relieve transit disorders, including chronic constipation.
The therapist will first try to find the cause of the constipation before treating the symptoms themselves.
The osteopath can work on various points:
- On the viscera through visceral manipulation to help improve bowel mobility, but also by performing spinal treatment to help reduce joint restrictions.
- On muscular tension in the abdominal region.
- On the posture that can actually contribute to constipation.
- Stress management through relaxation exercises.
Find out more about osteopathy here.
If you have a specific question, please contact us using the link below:
Thank you for reading.