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Acupuncture for Constipation - Re-Energizing through PointworkAcupuncture for Constipation: Re-Energizing through Pointwork

Symptoms of constipation include:

  • 2 or fewer bowel movements in a week
  • Hard stools a quarter or more of the time
  • Unfinished voiding a quarter or more of the time
  • Straining a majority of the time

Dealing with all or any of the above conditions can be an exhausting struggle. Medications can range from over the counter laxatives and stool softeners to more potent formulas that require a prescription. Dr. Lisanti of Integrative Med Solutions (IMS) is a licensed acupuncturist as well as naturopathic doctor who is capable of naturally relieving your constipation. By using acupuncture, classical Chinese medicine, clinical nutrition and more, a personal protocol can be developed which not only begins healing your condition but also informs you of how to prevent it from re-occurring.

Acupuncture: Re-Energizing through Pointwork
China’s Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences researched the effects of acupuncture on constipation. They found that, “Particular acupuncture points have an effect on gastrointestinal mobility, serving as a remedy for constipation. Acupuncture treatments can relax the colon, spleen and stomach to stimulate movement.” Classical Chinese medicine considers constipation to often be the result of a deficient stomach and spleen therefore points that correlate with these two organs may be worked in order to strengthen their sluggish qi (chee – life energy). This may include Large Intestine (LI) 4 in the web between the thumb and index finger which is also known as ‘The Great Eliminator” and Urinary Bladder (UB) 25 called Dachangshu and is located along either side of the lower spine (4th lumbar vertebra).

Clinical Nutrition: Medicinal Eating
By recommending the adjustment of certain foods, Dr. Lisanti may be able to alleviate a great portion of your constipation challenge. Clinical nutrition is similar to the concept of medicinal eating inasmuch that food can either be damaging or healing to our bodies. For instance, white flour is stripped of all its brown, vital nutrients simply to enhance its aesthetic appearance. When it is ingested it is capable of acting similar to a glue, lining the intestinal and sinus cavities impeding vital nutrient permeation. By reducing white flour foods and increasing whole grain goods these struggling areas will soon repair themselves. Minimally cooked vegetables and hydrating fruits will move along the bowels with their high fiber content and legumes, oats and rye will do the same.

Botanical Medicine: Nature’s Drug Store
Under a naturopathic doctor’s supervision many ailments can be alleviated or sometimes even cured with the use of botanical medicine. An August 2011 study conducted by the Hong Kong, School of Chinese Medicine found that ingesting a hemp seed pill created “…relief in the severity of constipation and straining of evacuation, and effective reduction in the use of rescue therapy [conventional medicine]when compared with placebo.” IMS has a stable of botanical medicines and scores of others that can be recommended. Depending on your medical history, remedies which relax the smooth muscles in the colon and relieve constipation include: dandelion, peppermint oil, aloe vera juice and cascara sagrada.

At Integrative Med Solutions, we will design an acupuncture and naturopathic treatment program that works for you.  In many cases, insurance covers portions of the acupuncture treatment. Allow us to support you to achieve optimal health.  To make an appointment or find out more about how acupuncture and naturopathic medicine can benefit you, please call our office at 914.337.2980 or click here to schedule an online appointment.

*Please CLICK HERE to see a current list of Insurance Companies that commonly carry acupuncture benefits for its members. Please call 914.337.2980 or securely email info@intmedsolutions.com to verify your specific benefits. If you are emailing, please include your full name, date of birth and insurance identification card number.