Introduction
Habitual constipation is marked by unsmooth defecation, retention of dry feces and an interval of over 48 hours between the two defecations for over 48 hours with discomfort. It is caused either by frequent predominance of yang, partiality to pungent and rich foods and addiction to alcohol and smoking; or by mental upsets; or by interior damage due to overstrain and weakness due to senility; dysfunction of the lung, spleen, stomach and kidney as well as insufficiency of body fluid due to failure of the large intestine to transport after illness or non-restoration of qi and blood after labor.
Syndrome differentiation
1. Sthenia-Constipation
Distension and fullness in the epigastrium and abdomen, unpressable pain, dry feces like goat droppings, fever, flushed cheeks, thirst and foul breath, red tongue with yellow and dry fur, full, large and rapid pulse.
2. Asthenia-Constipation
Softness of abdomen, desire to defecate but weakness in trial, lassitude after defecation, dizziness and palpitation, lusterless complexion or flushed cheeks, light-colored tongue with white fur, thin and weak pulse.
3. Cold-Constipation
Constipation, cold pain in the abdomen, aversion to cold and preference for warmth, cold limbs, clear and profuse urine, light-colored tongue with white fur, deep and tense pulse.
Treatment
1. Body Acupuncture
Prescription:
Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25), Zhigou (TE 6), Shangjuxu (ST 37) and Dachangshu (BL 25).
Modification:
For sthenia-heat in the stomach and intestines in sthenia-constipation, Quchi (LI 11) and Neiring (ST 44) are added; for stagnation of the liver and spleen, Hegu (LI 4) and Taichong (LR 3) are added. For asthenia of spleen and lung qi in asthenia-constipation, Pishu (BL 20), Weishu (BL 21), Shenshu (BL 23), Qihai (CV 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) are added; for blood asthenia and yin consumption, Pishu (BL 20), Ganshu (BL 18), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Taixi (KI 3) and Zhaohai (KI 6) are added; for cold constipation, Dazhong (KI 4) and Guanyuan (CV 4) are added.
Performance: Reducing needling technique is used for treating sthenia-constipation, while reinforcing needling technique is used for treating asthenia-constipation. For the treatment of cold-constipation and asthenia-constipation, moxibustion can be used.
2. Ear Acupuncture
Prescription:
Large Intestine ( CO7 ), Rectum (HX2), Lung (CO14), Spleen (CO13), Liver (CO12), Kidney ( CO10 ), Triple Energizer ( CO17 ), Abdomen (AH8), Sympathetic Nerve (AH6a) and Subcortex (AT4).
Performance:
Each time 3 - 5 acupoints are selected and needled with routine procedure and strong stimulation. The needles are retained for 1 - 2 hours and manipulated twice or 3 times at intervals. Or Wangbuliuxingzi (Semen Vaccariae ) is used for ear pressure.