Constipation

As we in the West eat an increasingly more refined, over-processed diet and take less and less exercise, we pay the price with our health.  There are many ailments brought on by poor diet, but one of the most common and often the first indication that our diet is inadequate is constipation.  It is the direct result of not taking in enough fibre to help the body rid itself of waste products.  Moreover, the strain of trying to pass the ensuing small, hard motions from the bowel can lead to further complications such as bowel disorders, piles, and, in some cases, appendicitis.

According to received medical wisdom there is no standard frequency that denotes “normal” bowel movements – it varies considerably from person to person, with some regularly passing three movements a day and others one every three days.  However, nutritionists and colonics experts agree that everyone should pass a motion at least twice a day.

Everyone is prone to occasional constipation as, for whatever reason, our environment, diet, or drinking water change – if you are visiting friends in a different part of the country, for example, you could be constipated for a few days until your body adjusts or until you return to your customary eating habits and drinking water.  This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.  A better indication of constipation is if, during the normal course of events, your stools are small and hard and you pass them only infrequently.  Moreover, if your constipation lasts more than three days, it is worth seeking advice from a physician.  In rare cases, constipation, particularly if there is blood in the stools when you do finally pass a motion, can signal cancer of the bowel.

Apart from the most common culprit of not enough fibre in our food, other causes of constipation include eating too much meat or dairy produce, not drinking enough fluids (fibre needs water to form soft motions), food allergy, lack of exercise, ignoring the need to pass a motion, dependence on laxatives, the side-effects of some medicines, pregnancy (the pregnancy hormone progesterone relaxes the muscles of the intestine, which slows down bowel movements, making you more likely to become constipated), anxiety, stress, and tension.

THE ORTHODOX APPROACH

Doctors are now inclined to recommend bran for constipation as well as diet high in fluids and fibre.  Laxatives and suppositories are sometimes prescribed to help retrain the bowels, and an enema may be occasionally be needed.  If your constipation is the result of taking iron tablets, perhaps due to anaemia or pregnancy, it is advisable to take any supplements on a full stomach, with plenty of fluid, as these tablets can irritate the stomach and exacerbate constipation.

THE HALE APPROACH

Constipation can be treated very effectively by complementary therapies without the use of drugs.  Visiting a complementary practitioner initially is therefore perfectly acceptable, although a problem that persists or worsens should be investigated by orthodox means through your physician.  Any sudden change of bowel habit lasting longer than a week should be presented to your physician, since this is a common early sign of a treatable bowel cancer.

When constipation has been present over a long period and impacted faeces have become embedded in the colon walls, colonic irrigation is highly recommended and can give very quick relief.  Ayurveda, homeopathy, and acupuncture, supported by reflexology, are also effective in treating constipation.

These treatments will all require some dietary modification, with Ayurveda and colonics in particular placing great emphasis on the change of diet if the treatment is to be effective.

Nutrition is very important in treating constipation and maintaining a healthy diet is crucial in preventing a recurrence.

Surprisingly, stress figures largely in the cases of constipation for some patients, and relief from stress through hypnosis or flower remedies can help with treatment.  Exercise has an important and long-term role not only in relieving stress but in keeping constipation at bay. T’ai Chi, Chi Kung, yoga, and aerobic exercise are all recommended.

HYPNOSIS

“If you can discover any particular situation which causes an attack or if there is a pattern to the constipation, then it can be investigated under hypnosis”, explains one hypnotherapist and psychologist.  He and the client work together on the problem, often using suggestion and visualization to control the physical symptoms.  Hypnotherapy is particularly successful where anxiety or stress are the underlying causes of constipation.  More about hypnosis...

AYURVEDA

This holistic, traditional Indian medicine is “highly successful in the treatment and management of chronic constipation”, according to one of its practitioners.

“Various factors may be involved in causing constipation.  After initial consultation, Ayurvedic preparations such as herbs will be given orally.  Panchakarma (revitalizing) methods are most useful in sustaining improvements”.   More about ayurveda...

COLONIC HYDROTHERAPY

This gentle process of flushing out the bowel exercises the muscles of the colon and can re-establish muscle tone in a very out-of-shape colon.  It also helps to correct or re-introduce normal bowel habits.  Treatment lasts about 40 minutes and may include and abdominal massage.  Diet is discussed and sticking to a follow-up diet is very important.  There is an immediate sensation of relief as the waste is passed.

“Colonics works by rehydrating the bowel”, explains one colonic therapist. “If the body is dehydrated, it extracts every bit of liquid from the large intestine and so the stools become hard and very difficult to pass.  By taking in enough fluid in our diet and introducing water into the bowel, we can retrain the bowel muscle.  The bowels need to be exercises like any other muscle. Colonics does this, as does a diet high in fibre and water”.

Colonics can also help to produce the right environment for the correct bacteria to grow in the bowel.  Probiotics (beneficial bacteria that live naturally in the body) may be given during a treatment.  In severe cases of constipation, there can be a connection with a toxic liver and colonics will also help to flush the liver through.  More about colonic...

NUTRITION

Attention to diet is paramount in defeating constipation.  One nutritionist recommends that we eat lots of vegetables, brown rice, whole grains, millet and that we drink lots of water but not with food.  Contrary to popular belief, wheat should be avoided, especially wheat bran, since this irritates the bowel.  In addition, you should cut out diuretics such as coffee, salt, sugar, and alcohol.  Supplements may also be recommended, particularly if you have been taking laxatives, which increase the risk of vitamin and mineral deficiency.  Two teaspoons of linseed washed down with lots of water first thing in the morning are excellent for constipation.  More about nutrition...

ACUPUNCTURE

Constipation may be due to dryness and a shortage of liquid in the body, or it may be due to overheating and energy blockages.  More yin may be needed.  An acupuncturist will work on the stomach, liver and spleen meridians and four to six sessions are likely to be needed to “break through the blockage”. Dietary advice and a recommendation to take more exercise would also be given during these treatments. More about acupuncture...

HOMEOPATHY

When there is no desire to pass a motion for some days, Alumina can be beneficial.  However, if you feel the call to move the bowels but nothing is forthcoming, or if constipation is as a result of laxative abuse, Nux vomica is recommended.  For those with piles or particularly hard stools, Collinsonia canadensis can be helpful and Plumbum metallicum is good for long-term constipation with stomach pain.  Constitutional treatment is recommended in long-standing cases. More about homeopathy...

SUPPORTIVE TREATMENTS

Maya Abdominal Massage

A non-invasive massage technique that specialises in treating gynaecological and digestive conditions.  It improves organ function by relieving congestion, enhancing blood supply; increasing lymphatic drainage and aiding nerve supply to the pelvic and reproductive organs. Further Details

Reflexology/Healing

These treatments complement the beneficial effects of other therapies mentioned in this section and work in harmony with them.  In the case of reflexology; the areas massaged related to the small and large intestines, the adrenal glands, solar plexus, liver and lower spine.

Shiatsu

This Japanese pressure-point massage is good for most gastric problems, especially constipation.  There is always a knot on the left side of the belly button in these cases that must be massaged away.  Patients should avoid cold drinks late at night or first thing in the morning; they should also eat more fibre and cut out sweet things and eating between meals.

Remedial Yoga

Yoga encourages the natural flow in the alimentary canal, enhancing digestion, encouraging absorption of life-giving energy and nutrients, and freeing up blockages within our system.

TIPS

•           Drink two to three glasses of water as soon as you wake up in the morning.

•           Walk on your heels for two to five minutes first thing in the morning this helps to synchronize the intestines.

•           Eat a high-fibre breakfast.

•           Take one tablespoon of the herb isphaghula with a glass of water before bedtime.

•           Take an Ayurvedic bowel tonic.

SELF-CARE

Nutrition

You can apply the Tips given above or those gleaned from a nutritional consultation during your daily routine.  Good diet with plenty of fluids and exercise will keep constipation at bay.

Flower Remedies

Flower essences can be most beneficial in treating constipation. One expert recommends poppy (Petite Fleur), cedar (FES) and Pink Seaweed (Pacific) in particular.