Have you ever felt the discomfort of constipation and wished for a natural remedy?

Constipation can be incredibly draining. The discomfort of feeling bloated, heavy, and the accompanying nausea or loss of appetite is no joke. While general recommendations like drinking more water, increasing fiber intake, and exercising can be beneficial, they don’t always offer relief to everyone. Medications can assist but often bring along unwanted side effects.

Acupressure, a time-tested technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves massaging specific points on the body to stimulate the body’s innate healing capabilities. Each of these points or “acupoints” lies along meridians or channels in the body, which transport Qi (energy) and blood. Each meridian is associated with a particular organ, and activating its acupoint can influence the organ’s function.

While acupuncture provides a more potent effect, acupressure still offers numerous benefits. It’s non-invasive, needle-free, and you can easily do it yourself.

For best results, consistency is key. When aiming to alleviate constipation, try these techniques twice daily for at least a week.

How Acupressure Can Assist with Constipation:

• Acupressure increases intestinal peristalsis (wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract).
• Facilitates fluid movement, moisturizing the intestines.
• Regulates gastrointestinal tract functions.
• Balances the body’s Qi or energy flow.

Here are 5 acupressure points that can help alleviate constipation:

1. Li4 (Large intestine-4)

Located at the top of your hand, in the soft skin between the thumb and index finger. Massage with your opposite hand with circular pressure for about a minute, then repeat on the other hand.

Note: this point should be avoided during pregnancy.

2. St25 (Stomach-25)

 Situated 2 finger-widths from the belly button. Use a circular motion to massage both sides for a minute.

3. St36 (Stomach-36)

 Found on the leg, 4 finger breadths below the knee, beside the prominent leg bone (tibia). Again, massage each side for about a minute.

4. Lv3 (Liver-3)

 This point is located in the foot, in the soft part between the bones of the big toe and the second toe. Use the same massage technique on both feet.

5. Sj-6 (Sanjiao-6)

 Located on the forearm, 4 finger breadths above the wrist crease, between the two arm bones (radius and ulna). Gently massage for a minute.

There are many more acupressure points that can help alleviate constipation. Interestingly, some of these points are located in the ear. This is because the ear is considered a microsystem of the body, much like the concept in reflexology. Many acupuncturists, including myself, apply “ear seeds” – tiny bead-containing stickers – on these specific ear acupoints, often with remarkable results.

Acupressure offers more than just relief from constipation; it’s a step towards holistic well-being, relaxation, and balanced energy flow. Have you tried these acupressure techniques before? We’d love to hear your experiences.

Always consult with your healthcare practitioner before starting any new treatment. Acupressure is generally safe, but precautions should be taken, especially if you’re pregnant. If in doubt, consult with an acupuncturist or another qualified professional.

Ready to delve deeper into acupressure or acupuncture? Book a session with us today, and let’s embark on a journey to holistic wellness together!

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5388088/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6369316/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10404096/#R14

https://bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-023-03881-7