Constipation: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Guide

Constipation in TCM is less about fibre and more about why the intestines are dry, weak or sluggish. Three people with the same complaint can need three opposite remedies.

The patterns behind constipation

• Heat drying the intestines
• Qi stagnation with sluggish motility and bloating
• Qi and blood deficiency where the bowel simply lacks strength

Same complaint, different machinery. That is why a herb that transforms one person's constipation can leave another person unchanged: the pattern underneath is not the same.

The herbs most often used

• Aloe vera (Lu Hui): drains downward in stubborn constipation (inner leaf extract only)
• Dandelion (Pu Gong Ying): clears heat and toxicity, the classic field herb for hot swellings and breast abscess
• Jujube (Da Zao): builds blood and qi for pale face and fatigue

Acupressure you can do yourself

Massage each of these, tianshu, zusanli, with a firm circular pressure for about a minute. Soreness that eases as you press is a good sign you are in the right spot.

Food and daily rhythm

On the plate: Prunes, pears, warm water on waking; sesame and honey for the dry and elderly

In the day: Walk after meals, a morning routine at a fixed time, abdominal massage clockwise

Start low, watch how your body responds, and give it a fair run of a few weeks before judging. If something feels wrong, stop; that feedback matters more than any article.