Pressure Points for Relieving Constipation
Acupressure, which involves applying physical pressure to points on the body to support digestion and induce bowel movements, can relieve constipation.
It's common to feel constipated now and then. It can happen for many reasons, like dehydration or stress. Some medications and medical conditions can also cause constipation.
Fortunately, it's possible to relieve constipation with natural remedies like acupressure.
Acupressure involves applying physical pressure to various points on your body to support digestion and induce bowel movements.
You can apply acupressure yourself or have it done by a trained professional. In either case, it's important to understand how it works and the potential side effects.
How do pressure points work?
Acupressure is a type of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It's a form of acupuncture, which is the practice of stimulating specific points in your body by inserting tiny needles into your skin. When pressure is used to activate these points, as in massage, it's known as acupressure.
According to TCM, your body has a vital energy called qi. This energy flows through channels in your body called meridians. These meridians are thought to be connected to your tissues and organs.
TCM practitioners maintain that a balanced Qi is necessary for good health. If your Qi is blocked or imbalanced, health issues can develop. This includes ailments such as:
pain
discomfort
constipation
Therapies like acupressure are used to balance qi.
In acupressure, a practitioner uses their fingers or hands to apply physical pressure on specific points along your body's meridians. This is said to trigger a response that promotes healing and relief.
There are more than 2,000 pressure points in the body. The specific points used in acupressure depend on your ailment.
How do I use acupressure to relieve constipation?
You can use acupressure for constipation by stimulating the following pressure points. According to TCM, these points are linked to various organs involved in constipation.
San Jiao 6: Branching Ditch
San Jiao 6 (SJ6) is commonly used for constipation. According to Peirano, this point stimulates the lower jiao, which includes the large and small intestines, kidneys, and bladder.
To use this point for acupressure:
Find SJ6, three finger-widths away from your wrist crease on the outer side of your arm.
Press on the point with your opposite thumb or index finger.
Apply circular pressure for 1 to 3 minutes.
Repeat on your other arm.
Stomach 25: Celestial Pivot
Stomach 25 (ST25) is used to balance your digestive system. It can help both constipation and diarrhea, says Peirano.
To use this point for acupressure:
Locate ST25, two finger-widths to the right of your belly button.
Press on the point with your thumb or index finger.
Apply circular pressure for 1 to 3 minutes.
Repeat on the left side.
Spleen 15: Great Horizontal
Spleen 15 (SP15) is located near ST25. It's used to stimulate peristalsis and enhance the effects of ST25.
To use this point for acupressure:
Find SP15, four finger-widths to the right of your belly button.
Press on the point with your thumb or index finger.
Apply circular pressure for 1 to 3 minutes.
Repeat on the left side.
Liver 3: Great Surge
If stress could be the underlying cause of your constipation symptoms, Peirano recommends using Liver 3 (LV3) in your feet. This pressure point for constipation is said to regulate liver qi and relieve stress.
To use this point for acupressure:
Locate the soft skin between your big toe and second toe.
Press on the point with your thumb or index finger.
Apply circular pressure for 1 to 3 minutes.
Repeat on your other foot.
Large Intestine 4: Joining Valley
Like LV3, Large Intestine 4 (LI4) is used for stress. This may help with constipation if your symptoms could be due to emotional stress.
To use this point for acupressure:
Find the soft skin between your thumb and index finger on the top of your hand.
Press on the point with your opposite thumb or index finger.
Apply circular pressure and continue for 1 to 3 minutes.
Repeat on your other hand.
Kidney 6: Shining Sea
Kidney 6 (KI6) is an acupressure point on the foot used to induce bowel movements. According to TCM, it can ease constipation by promoting fluid production.
To use this point for acupressure:
Find the KI6 point below your inner ankle bone.
Press on the point with your thumb or index finger.
Apply circular pressure for 1 to 3 minutes.
Repeat on your other foot.
Can acupressure relieve symptoms of constipation?
Acupressure can help relieve some symptoms of constipation.
According to licensed acupuncturist Dr. Kim Peirano, DACM, LAc, acupressure promotes peristalsis, the movement of your intestinal muscles. This helps move stool through your digestive system.
The practice also activates the vagus nerve, which is involved in healthy digestive function. The vagus nerve sends signals between your brain and the digestive system.
Additionally, according to a 2019 study, acupressure increases endorphins. This relaxes muscles and reduces stress, which is helpful if your constipation symptoms are due to stress.
What are the potential downsides of acupressure?
Acupressure is generally considered safe, but it may not be for everyone.
Use caution if you're pregnant. Some pressure points can induce labor. To reduce the risk of complications, consult a trained acupressure professional.
You should also avoid acupressure if you have:
lung, kidney, or heart disease
a pacemaker
inflamed or injured skin
Additionally, the practice has potential side effects, including:
bruising
soreness
lightheadedness
Avoid using hard, deep pressure to help prevent these side effects.
What are some other ways to prevent and relieve constipation?
You can try several other strategies to prevent and relieve constipation. In addition to acupressure, you might try the following:
Eat high fiber foods. Fiber softens and bulks up your stools, making them easier to pass. High fiber foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Stay hydrated. Drinking extra fluids will also soften your stools. It's important to stay hydrated as you eat more fiber.
Stay active. Routine exercise can promote regular bowel movements. Try aerobic exercise or yoga to get things moving.
Take magnesium citrate. Magnesium citrate is a natural remedy for constipation. Limit your dosage to 350 mg daily for females or 400 mg for males, as taking higher dosages can potentially cause kidney problems.s
Manage stress. Stress can cause or worsen constipation. Focusing on stress relief can naturally relieve your symptoms.
Train your bowels. It can be helpful if you're able to have a bowel movement at the same time every day. You should also pass stool as soon as you feel the urge.
Take an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment. OTC medications like laxatives, stool softeners, or fiber supplements may also help. Check with your doctor before taking any of these treatments.
Change your medications. Some medications may worsen constipation. Talk with a doctor about changing the dose or taking a different medication.
When to seek medical care for constipation
Contact a healthcare professional if your constipation doesn't improve with home remedies. You should also get medical help if you have constipation with:
persistent abdominal pain
bloody stools
painful bowel movements
vomiting
fever
lower back pain
unexplained weight loss
difficulty passing gas
sudden changes in your bowel movements
The takeaway
Acupressure is a natural remedy for constipation.
According to practitioners, it triggers bowel movements by promoting peristalsis and increases gastric juices. The practice is also said to relieve stress, a common cause of constipation.
You can perform acupressure on yourself at home. Avoid applying hard pressure, as this can cause bruising and soreness.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Hot weather: How to sleep in the heat
It can be hard to get a good night's sleep when the weather is hot. Here are some simple tips which could help. Hot weather can make us feel a bit lethargic during the day. That is because we are using more energy to regulate our internal temperature. But if your sleep is disturbed at night, try to avoid napping during the day. When it is hot, sleepiness can be precious - save it for bedtime. Hot weather can encourage you to change your habits. Don't. That can disrupt sleep. Try to keep to your usual bedtime and routines. Do the things you normally do before bed. Take steps to make sure your bedroom is as cool as it can be at night. During the day, draw the curtains or blinds to keep out the sun. Make sure you close the windows on the sunny side of your home, to keep out hot air. Open all the windows before you go to bed, to get a through breeze. Six ways to keep your home cool What is humidity and why does it make us feel so uncomfortable? Reduce your bedding but keep covers handy. Thin cotton sheets will absorb sweat. However hot it is in your bedroom, your body temperature will fall during the night. That is why we sometimes wake up feeling cold. Using even a small fan can be sensible in hot weather, especially when it is humid. It encourages the evaporation of sweat and makes it easier for your body to regulate your internal temperature. If you do not have a fan, try filling your hot water bottle with ice cold liquid instead. Alternatively, cool socks in the fridge and put those on. Cooling your feet lowers the overall temperature of your skin and body. Drink enough water throughout the day but avoid drinking very large amounts before bed. You probably do not want to wake up thirsty - but you do not want to take an additional trip to the bathroom in the early hours either. How much water should you drink a day? How does sunscreen work? Be careful about soft drinks. Many contain large amounts of caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system and makes us feel more awake. Avoid drinking too much alcohol as well. Many people drink more when the weather is hot. Alcohol might help us fall asleep but it promotes early morning waking and a poorer quality of sleep overall. Dehydration: Drink enough water to make sure you replace that lost through urination, sweating and breathing Overheating: This can be a particular problem for those with heart or breathing problems. Symptoms include tingling skin, headaches and nausea Exhaustion: This is when you start to lose water or salt from your body. Feeling faint, weak, or having muscle cramps are just some of the symptoms Heatstroke: Once a body temperature reaches 40C or higher, heatstroke can set in. Indicators are similar to heat exhaustion but the person may lose consciousness, have dry skin and stop sweating What do heatwaves do to the body? If you are struggling to sleep, get up and do something calming. Try reading, writing, or even folding your washing. Just make sure you do not play on your phone or a video game - the blue light wakes us up and the activity is stimulating. Return to bed when you feel sleepy. Children are often quite robust sleepers - but they can be very sensitive to changes in family "mood" and routine. Make sure usual bedtimes and bath times do not go out of the window just because it is warm. As part of the bedtime routine, lukewarm baths are recommended by the NHS UK website. Make sure they are not too cold, as that will boost circulation (your body's way of keeping warm). A baby cannot let you know if they are too hot or too cold, so it is important to monitor their temperature. They generally sleep best when the room temperature is kept between 16C and 20C. You could install a thermometer where the baby is sleeping. Most of us need about seven to eight hours of good-quality sleep, external each night to function properly. But remember that most people can function well after a night or two of disturbed sleep. Although you might yawn a little more frequently than usual, you will probably be fine. These tips were based on suggestions by Prof Kevin Morgan, former director of the Clinical Sleep Research Unit at Loughborough University, and Lisa Artis, of the Sleep Council. This article was first published in July 2019.
Bloomberg
3 hours ago
- Bloomberg
Talc Isn't Just in Baby Powder. It's Also in Vitamins and Drugs
Hey there, it's Anna in Virginia. I recently learned about a startling ingredient in many popular vitamins and drugs, but before we get to that ... Multivitamins, cholesterol drugs, antibiotics. Besides aiming to make us healthier, these capsules and tablets have another thing in common: some of them contain talc.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Will we ever know for sure how COVID-19 began? Not without more data from China, WHO says
Scientists still aren't sure how the COVID-19 pandemic – the worst health emergency in a century – began. That was the unsatisfying conclusion from an expert group charged by the World Health Organization (WHO) to investigate the pandemic's origins in its final report. Marietjie Venter, the group's chair, said at a press briefing that most scientific data supports the hypothesis that the new coronavirus jumped to humans from animals. That was also the conclusion drawn by the first WHO expert group that investigated the pandemic's origins in 2021, when scientists concluded the virus likely spread from bats to humans, via another intermediary animal. At the time, WHO said a lab leak was 'extremely unlikely'. Related Five years after COVID appeared, mysteries remain. Here's what we know Venter said that after more than three years of work, WHO's expert group was unable to get the necessary data to evaluate whether or not COVID-19 was the result of a lab accident, despite repeated requests for hundreds of genetic sequences and more detailed biosecurity information that were made to the Chinese government. 'Therefore, this hypothesis could not be investigated or excluded,' she said. 'It was deemed to be very speculative, based on political opinions and not backed up by science'. She said that the 27-member group did not reach a consensus; one member resigned earlier this week and three others asked for their names to be removed from the report. Venter said there was no evidence to prove that COVID-19 had been manipulated in a lab, nor was there any indication that the virus had been spreading before December 2019 anywhere outside of China. Related Italy honours COVID-19 victims on remembrance day, five years after pandemic hit 'Until more scientific data becomes available, the origins of how SARS-CoV-2 entered human populations will remain inconclusive,' Venter said, referring to the scientific name for the COVID-19 virus. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said it was a 'moral imperative' to determine how COVID began, noting that the virus killed at least 20 million people, wiped at least $10 trillion (€8.8 trillion) from the global economy and upended the lives of billions of people. Last year, the AP found that the Chinese government froze meaningful domestic and international efforts to trace the virus' origins in the first weeks of the outbreak in 2020 and that WHO itself may have missed early opportunities to investigate how COVID-19 began. Related New CIA assessment claims COVID-19 virus 'probably' came from Chinese laboratory US President Donald Trump has long blamed the emergence of the coronavirus on a laboratory accident in China, while a US intelligence analysis found there was insufficient evidence to prove the theory. Chinese officials have repeatedly dismissed the idea that the pandemic could have started in a lab, saying that the search for its origins should be conducted in other countries. Last September, researchers zeroed in on a short list of animals they think might have spread COVID-19 to humans, including racoon dogs, civet cats, and bamboo rats.
