CHINESE MEDICINE - ACUPUNCTURE AND HERBAL MEDICINE FOR RELIEVING CONSTIPATION.

When the proper functioning of your digestive system falters, it may result in constipation, a condition where the body holds onto toxins. Surprisingly, addressing constipation often involves treating the liver and eliminating toxins. Although digestion initiates in the stomach, it necessitates the coordinated efforts of various organs—such as the liver, pancreas, small intestines, and colon—to function optimally. Ideally, food should traverse the digestive tract within 20 to 24 hours, a benchmark akin to the "corn on the cob test": consume corn and observe how long it takes to appear in your fecal matter.

In the realm of Chinese medicine, constipation is defined as when defecation takes longer than two days. Clinical characterisation considers factors like the duration, volume of fecal matter, and the ease or difficulty of evacuation. If you've undergone acupuncture with Melinda, you likely discussed your bowel movements and the ease of evacuation.

Acupuncture may aid with relieving constipation by targeting points related to the digestive system to promote better functioning. It is used to aid with relaxing the muscles in the digestive tract, improving blood flow, and stimulating the release of neurotransmitters that can influence bowel movements.

Working with the Liver to remove toxins and stimulating the points on the stomach and lower abdomen area are used during an acupuncture session. Herbal medicine may be prescribed to suit your individual case for a greater effect.

CAUSES (ETIOLOGY):

Examining the origins of constipation reveals several contributing factors:

1. Improper Diet:

   A significant cause of constipation is an inadequate diet, particularly an excess of spicy, hot, or greasy foods. Such foods deplete fluids in the stomach and intestines, leading to dry stools and sluggish movement along the intestinal walls. Cold foods may impede the Spleen's ability to move food downward to the intestines. Insufficient fibre, inadequate fluid intake, and excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to constipation.

2. Febrile Diseases:

   During illness, a rise in body temperature retains heat in the intestines, causing bodily fluids to dry up and resulting in constipation.

3. Emotional Stress / Liver Qi Stagnation:

   Emotional disharmony, toxin accumulation, or preservatives can impact bowel movements, leading to constipation, pain, and bloating. Excessive thinking, worry, and prolonged study can affect the Spleen and impede the smooth flow of food through the intestines.

4. Sedentary Lifestyle:

   Lack of physical activity and poor dietary choices can contribute to constipation.

5. Prescription Medication:

   Post-surgery, bowel movements may slow down during recovery, emphasising the importance of movement and hydration for bowel regularity. Certain medications can directly influence bowel function.

FOODS THAT CAN POSITIVELY IMPACT YOUR WELL-BEING THROUGH DIETARY CHANGES

Foods to Alleviate Constipation:

- Spinach, sesame oil/seeds, walnuts, pine nuts, almond

- Banana, pear, peach, prune, apple, apricot

- Soy products, seaweed

- Chia seeds, carrots, cauliflower, beet

Foods to Promote Bowel Movement:

- Cabbage, papaya, coconut, sweet potato, asparagus, figs, peas, black sesame seeds

- Bran from oats, rice, black beans

Flora-Enhancing Foods:

- Miso, sauerkraut, kefir, dark greens, alfalfa

Foods to Avoid:

- Baking soda, alcohol

- Yeasted bread (opt for sourdough or sprouted bread)

- Refined white foods, such as whole flour products

- White sugar and white rice

Additional Recommendations:

- Incorporate flax seeds, fenugreek, and psyllium into your diet. These can be sourced from health or food stores, markets, or your local supermarket. Soak and consume them; they effectively swell, cleanse, and facilitate bowel movement. Refrigerate flax seeds and consume three tablespoons once or twice daily, integrating them into salads, yogurt, or other foods. Black sesame seeds are also beneficial; incorporate one tablespoon into or sprinkle it on foods twice daily.

Daily Exercise for Bowel Health:

To maintain regular bowel movements, consider the "Circle Massage" as a simple daily exercise:

1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart.

2. Place your hands on your lower abdomen below your navel.

3. Circle your abdomen clockwise for eight slow breaths, repeating eight times.

CAULIFLOWER RICE WITH GINGER AND COCONUT

Cauliflower is an excellent food for promoting bowel regularity and easing constipation. It offers additional benefits, including inflammation reduction, accelerated detoxification, and the potential to combat age-related memory loss.*

This recipe serves 4; prep time: 5 minutes, Cooking time: 5 m

Ingredients:

- 1 head of cauliflower

- 1 tablespoon coconut oil

- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

- ½ cup vegetable broth

- 6 spring onions, thinly sliced

- 1 large lemon, grated

- ¼ cup chopped parsley

- Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Use the head of cauliflower, cut into large chunks, and pulse in a food processor for 10-15 seconds until it resembles rice.

2. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add ginger and stir for 30 seconds. Pour in the broth and simmer for 1 minute.

3. Add the cauliflower rice and cook, stirring frequently, until tender (about 5 minutes; avoid making it mushy).

4. Transfer the cauliflower rice to a large bowl. Stir in the spring onions, lemon zest, and herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy your nutritious and bowel-friendly meal!