Acupuncture for Constipation
ACUPUNCTURE FOR CONSTIPATION
Acupuncture helps normalize circulation and balance the body. To an acupuncturist, constipation is often caused by a deficiency in the spleen and stomach or dryness of the large intestine. This leads to poor downward flow of digestive energy.
Certain acupuncture points have an effect on gastrointestinal flow, and help relieve constipation. Acupuncture treatments can relax the colon, spleen and stomach to stimulate movement. In addition, acupuncturists will often use herbs for constipation, which can relax stuck flow and help intestinal function.
Acupuncture can vary from person to person depending on whether the constipation is caused by weak qi (energy), dryness, stress, or obstruction.
Acupuncture Points for Constipation
Acupuncture Point Tian Shu • Stomach 25 Celestial Pivot. Front Mu Point of the Large Intestine that connects with acupuncture point BL25.
Location: On the abdomen, about 2 inches (cun) lateral to the umbilicus.
Contraindication: Do Not Needle If Pregnancy is known or suspected
Acupuncture Point Da Chang Shu • Bladder 25 Back Shu of the Large Intestine that connects with acupuncture point ST25.
Location: On the lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4).
Acupuncture Point Nei Ting • Stomach 44 Inner Court. Ying Spring Point on the Stomach Channel. Water Point on Earth Meridian.
Location: On the dorsum of the foot, at the proximal end of the web between the second and third toes.
Acupuncture Point Zu San Li • Stomach 36 Leg Three Li. He Sea Point on the Stomach Channel. Special Command Point for the Abdomen. Earth Point on the Earth Meridian.
Location: On the leg, one finger breadth lateral to the tibia's anterior crest, 3 cun inferior to ST 35 in the depression to the lateral side of the patella.
Other Useful Acupuncture Points:
Acupuncture Point TH 6 - constipation, esp. w/heat involvement
Acupuncture Point KD 6 - nourish yin/fluids
Acupuncture Point TH 6 - clear heat and conduct qi downwards
Acupuncture Point LI 11 - cools heat in intestines
Herbal Medicine for constipation used by acupuncturists
