Chronic Constipation – TheTole Treatment & Herbal Approach
Chronic Constipation is a condition characterized by infrequent, difficult, or incomplete bowel movements that persist over weeks or months. It can cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, and reduced quality of life.
Overview
- Chronic constipation occurs when bowel movements are delayed or difficult due to sluggish intestinal motility, poor diet, or functional imbalance.
- Common symptoms include infrequent stools, straining, hard or lumpy stool, bloating, abdominal discomfort, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation.
- Contributing factors include low fiber intake, dehydration, sedentary lifestyle, stress, medications, or underlying functional disorders.
- From a TCM perspective, chronic constipation reflects Spleen Qi deficiency, Blood deficiency, and Liver Qi stagnation, sometimes combined with Dryness-Heat, leading to impaired bowel movement, abdominal discomfort, and sluggish digestion.
TheTole Approach
Treatment Philosophy
- TheTole approach focuses on strengthening Spleen Qi, nourishing Blood, regulating Liver Qi, and moistening the intestines.
- Treatment aims to restore regular bowel movements, relieve bloating and discomfort, and improve overall digestive health.
Acupuncture
- Acupuncture is used to stimulate intestinal motility, strengthen Spleen Qi, harmonize Liver Qi, and alleviate Dryness-Heat.
- Treatment points are selected based on dominant symptoms such as infrequent stools, straining, bloating, or abdominal discomfort.
Herbal Remedies
- Customized herbal formulations are designed to:
- Strengthen Spleen Qi and support digestive function
- Nourish Blood and moisten the intestines
- Relieve Liver Qi stagnation and reduce abdominal tension
- Promote regular bowel movement and improve energy levels
Herbal prescriptions are adjusted according to symptom severity, bowel patterns, and response to treatment.
Lifestyle & Diet
- Lifestyle guidance emphasizes adequate hydration, regular movement, and mindful eating.
- Dietary recommendations include high-fiber foods, moderate healthy fats, hydration, and avoiding excessive processed foods or refined sugars.
- Gentle daily exercise helps stimulate intestinal motility and support digestion.
Treatment Process
- Consultation with Dato’ Tole to assess bowel patterns, digestive habits, and constitutional imbalances.
- Personalized acupuncture sessions to regulate bowel motility, harmonize Qi, and improve Spleen and Liver function.
- Custom herbal prescriptions refined over time based on bowel movement frequency and digestive comfort.
- Ongoing follow-up to maintain regularity, relieve abdominal discomfort, and prevent recurrence.
Home Care Tips
- Drink plenty of water and include soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet.
- Establish regular meal and bowel routines.
- Engage in gentle exercise, such as walking or stretching.
- Avoid overuse of laxatives and focus on natural regulation.
Research & Evidence
- Chronic constipation is recognised as a functional digestive disorder influenced by motility, hydration, diet, and stress.
- TCM strategies that strengthen Spleen Qi, nourish Blood, and regulate Liver Qi improve bowel regularity and relieve discomfort.
- Integrative therapy including acupuncture, herbal support, and lifestyle modification enhances digestive function and quality of life.
FAQs
Q: Can chronic constipation be treated naturally?
A: Yes. Integrative therapy including acupuncture, herbal support, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments can restore regular bowel function.
Q: Why do I feel bloated with constipation?
A: Sluggish bowel movements and impaired intestinal motility can lead to abdominal distension and discomfort.
Q: Can TheTole’s approach prevent recurrence?
A: Yes. By strengthening Spleen Qi, nourishing Blood, and regulating Liver Qi, long-term bowel health and regularity can be maintained.
