Constipation is found in various conditions, and is mainly due to transmission problems of the large intestine, or inadequate lubrication inside the bowel lumen. According to TCM, this condition can be seen in disharmonies like overheated stomach and intestines, qi stagnation, blood and qi deficiencies, and coldness due to overall weakness. While massage can help relieve the condition, individuals are also advised to eat a well-balanced, high-fiber diet, avoid over consumption of spicy and dry foods, and understand their own bowel habits properly.
| 1. |
Use the middle fingers to knead both sides of the navel (St25), 30 times. |
| 2. |
Knead on the center of the lower abdomen (Rn4), 30 times. |
| 3. |
Cross the hands, place on the lower abdomen and rub clockwise, 50 times. |
| 4. |
Press and knead on both sides of backbone, lateral to the lower thoracic vertebra (Bl20, 21), 30 times. |
| 5. |
Press and knead on the back of forearm, 3-finger-breadths above the mid wrist (Sj6), 30 times on each arm. |
| 6. |
Press and knead the middle part of the palm web, between the thumb and index finger (Li4), 30 times on each hand. |
| 7. |
Press and knead 1-finger-breadth below the anterior crest of the ilia (St36), 30 times on each leg. |
| 8. |
Use the palms to beat on the sides the lower leg, up and down, about 10 times each. |
| 9. |
Grasp the calf muscle, 10 times on each leg. |
For individuals with the following signs:
| Flushed face, mouth dryness, irritability, yellowish and scanty urine |
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Press and knead the sides of the middle lumbar spine (Bl25), 30 times. |
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Press and knead the muscular crest of forearm that appears when it is flexed (Li10), 30 times on each arm. |
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Knead the dorsum of the foot, in the depression between the big toe and the second toe (Lr3), 30 times on each foot. |
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Knead on the dorsum of the feet, in the depression between the second and third toes (St44), 30 times on each foot. |
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| Distention related to the side of the ribs and abdomen, irritability and belching |
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Place the hands on each side of chest and then rub to and fro along the ribs, 30 times. |
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Press below the free end of the eleventh ribs (Lr13), 30 times. |
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Knead the middle of the sternum (Rn17), 30 times. |
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| Limb coldness, back soreness and knee weakness |
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Cross the hands and place on the navel; rub clockwise, then counterclockwise over the area, 30 times. |
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Rub the upper abdomen, 30 times. |
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Wipe transversely across the lumbar and hip region, 30 times. |
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Rub the backbone, about the shoulder level (Du14), 30 times. |
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Knead the kidney area, 30 times. |
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| Massage to relieve constipation |
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