By Bipasha Mukherjee 6 Comments
Constipation is a topic that very few of
us like to talk about,
and although most of us have experienced this
condition at some point in our lives,
we like to keep it as our own
little secret.
While for some people constipation is an occasional problem caused by some foods,
in others it reveals itself as a chronic
health issue
where they need to take regular medication or laxatives to
keep things moving.
Although, constipation is commonly defined as having
bowel movement less than 3 times a week,
but in reality, it has
different meaning for different people.
While some refer to it as
irregular bowel movement,
others associate it with difficulty to pass stool.
In some cases
constipation may be an associated symptom of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) or diarrhoea.
Constipation can occur in people of all ages
– from
new-born babies to elderlies.
Other than medications and laxatives,
acupressure is an effective natural way of treating constipation
which provides lasting relief without any side-effects.
Poor diet and not getting enough fluids
on a daily basis are considered the most common causes of constipation.
Let us take a look at few of the causes to understand the issue in a better way.
Diet
A diet that is
low in fiber rich foods such as vegetables,
whole grains and fruits is
one of the leading reasons of constipation.
Also a high protein diet
rich in meat, dairy products and eggs can also lead to constipation.
Processed and ready to eat meals are low in fiber
and high in sugar and
salt and it leads to irregular bowel movement.
Constipation is more common among older people
because they don’t drink enough water and other fluids along with their meals.
Excessive Use of Laxatives
Laxatives are an effective cure for constipation,
but using it too often reduces the body’s own capacity to function.
Excessive dependence
on laxatives signals your body to depend on them
and stops you from
having normal bowel movement.
It can also lead to diarrhoea.
Lack of Exercise
The
modern sedentary lifestyle with long periods of inactivity has led to
constipation
and problems in bowel movement in people of all age groups.
Being more physically active and devoting at least 30 minutes to
exercise daily can work
as a natural cure for constipation.
Holding Back Bowel
Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement can lead to constipation at a
later stage.
Some people are strict about having bowel movement only at
home
and they don’t sue the toilets in the office of public places.
But this habit can cause constipation if bowel movement is delayed too long.
Medications
Certain medications and drugs
such as antacids, medicines for depression, allergies, pain killers, hypertension and diuretics can cause constipation.
Medical Conditions
Certain health issues like diabetes or blocked intestines can cause constipation.
In these disorders the muscles and nerves involved in normal bowel movement are affected.
Stimulating these acupressure points
with your fingers can help relax the abdomen
and promote regular bowel
movement without any pain or discomfort.
They also help in relieving the associated symptoms of constipation such as abdominal pain, bloating and gas.
CV6 or Conception Vessel 6 is an important acupressure point for treating constipation.
It is also named the Sea of Qi and this point is located exactly three finger widths below the belly button.
This point should be stimulated using the
fingertips gradually.
The pressing should be no more than 1 inch deep.
You will peel something firm with your fingers as you press.
Maintain
this firm pressure for 30 seconds as your breath normally keeping your
eyes closed.
This point helps in relieving pain in the abdomen,
constipation, colitis and gas.
It is also useful for treating hernia, irregular menstruation, impotence in men, digestive disorders and fatigue.
CV12 or Conception Vessel 12 is yet another vital acupressure point
that is a solution for all types of digestive problems
and provides quick constipation relief.
It is known as the Center of Power and it can be found on the midline of the body,
halfway between
the base of the breastbone and the belly button.
This point should be
stimulated with great care and should not be pressed for more than 2
minutes at a stretch.
It should be pressed on an almost empty stomach.
It is best to avoid this point if you are suffering from heart disease,
cancer or hypertension.
It relieves constipation along with abdominal spasms, stomach pain, indigestion, heartburn and emotional stress.
It is also an effective pressure point for dysentery, jaundice, insomnia and vomiting.
St36 or Stomach 36 is a beneficial point
of acupressure for constipation
that relieves stomach and intestinal
disorders,
promotes digestion and strengthens the whole body.
This is
also known as the Three Mile Point
and it is situated four finger widths
below the kneecap, one finger width towards the outside of the
shinbone.
When you reach the correct spot,
you will feel flexing of a
muscle as you move your foot up and down.
Use your palms to briskly rub this point for one minute on both legs.
It is also a useful point for asthma, PMS, insomnia, depression and nervousness.
LI4 or Large Intestine 4 is by far the
most famous acupressure point
that is a solution for various health
issues
and is an important point for constipation acupressure.
It is called the Joining Valley point
and it is located on the fleshy muscle
between the index finger and the thumb.
Spread your thumb and in index
finger apart
and stimulate this point by squeezing the fleshy webbing
with your fingertips for 1 minute
while you take long, deep breaths.
Now, switch sides and press the point on the other hand for 1 minute.
It
helps to relieve constipation,
chronic pains, eye problems, toothache, and allergies and boosts the immune system.
CAUTION
This point is forbidden for pregnant women because stimulating this point
can lead to premature contractions of the uterus.
LI or Large Intestine 11 is a functional acupressure point that provides quick cure for constipation.
This point is also called the Crooked pond
and it is situated at the outer end of
the elbow crease.
Press this point firmly using your fingers for 1
minute as your breathe deeply.
Switch hands and stimulate the point on
the other arm as well.
This is an effective point to relieve indigestion and constipation.
This is a vital trigger point for the colon.
It also
aids to reduce high fever, skin diseases, diarrhoea and heat stroke.
It is also a local point for elbow pain and tennis elbow.
PC6 or Pericardium 6 is an effective
acupressure point
that is located on the medial aspect of the hand, four finger widths below the wrist,
in the hollow between the tendons.
This
point is also called the Inner Gate point and it should be stimulated by
pressing the point with your fingertips. Apply pressure on the point
for 1 minute
and then switch side and apply pressure on the other arm.
In addition, it is also used to treat upset stomach, motion sickness,
headache,
nausea, carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma, and angina and chest tightness.
Stimulating these acupressure points
along with a healthy fiber rich diet and optimum intake of fluids
can go a long way in relieving constipation without depending on laxatives and medicines.
reference from
https://www.modernreflexology.com/acupressure-points-for-constipation/