Chinese Medicine for the Treatment of Constipation

Acupuncture for constipation, Redmond Acupuncture, Bellevue AcupunctureConstipation is a condition that may be distinguished by a number of symptoms, including stomach aches, infrequent bowel movements, and unusually hard stools. An estimated 42 million Americans persistently suffer from the condition, making constipation one of the most common Gastro-intenstinal issues in the United States. Occasional bouts of these symptoms are typically nothing to worry about. However, chronic constipation may lead to more serious complications such as colonic conditions and urological disorders, while having an overall negative impact on quality of life.

At the core of constipation is an imbalance in the body that causes these uncomfortable symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) recognizes three main roots of constipation: an excess of cold in the body, an excess of warmth, and the disruption of qi, the vital force that keeps our energy flowing smoothly. While many may reach for over-the-counter laxatives to provide quick relief, practitioners of TCM understand that each of type of constipation needs to be treated differently. What’s more, prolonged use of these laxatives may form a dependency that can cause changes in the colon, possibly even leading to cancer.

The proper treatment of constipation depends on its cause. Those suffering from an excess of cold may find herbal remedies to be especially effective. These may include but are not limited to rhubarb, aloe, and bitter orange. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that an ancient six-herb formula was 82 percent more effective in increasing the number of bowel movements, while significantly lowering the number of laxative tablets needed.

In most causes of constipation, acupuncture may help alleviate the condition by opening the channels through which our qi flows. A variety of acupuncture points can be employed, depending on the needs of the patient.The most commonly used are known as tianshu (towards the middle of the stomach), da chang shu (lower back), daheng (mid outer stomach), and neiting (base of the second toe). These have been shown to help move qi into the lower abdomen, cool the intestines, and soften the stool. A 2010 study found that stimulating a combination of acupoints had a 68 percent effectiveness rate on symptoms of constipation, with tianshu perhaps being particularly useful.

As with all medical treatments, it’s important to meet with a qualified practitioner to determine the cause of your symptoms and help design a plan specifically for your needs. If you suffer from chronic constipation, acupuncture and other forms of TCM may be just what you need to find relief from the condition for good. Schedule an appointment today.

Dry Needling for the Management of Muscle Pain

Adult male physiotherapist is doing acupuncture on the back of a female patient. Patient is lying down on a bed and is covered with royal blue towels.

Known by many different names, dry needling is a variation of acupuncture that’s recently been gaining popularity in Western cultures. The difference between the two treatments comes down to the philosophy. Unlike traditional acupuncture, which uses energetic pathways called meridians to improve the flow of qi, dry needling incorporates the scientific study of the musculoskeletal system. Instead of inserting needles into acupoints that correspond to the area being treated, needles are inserted into tender and irritated muscle tissue. When stimulated, these trigger spots (known as “ashi” points) are released.

Here’s how it works: When the needle is inserted into the tissue, the tiny injury causes the body to produce a local healing response. This prompts the production of chemicals in the the neural pathways, which block the pain by disrupting the messages that are sent to the central nervous system. The trigger points, in turn, are able to relax and the tissue is restored to normal function.

The effectiveness of the treatment has been confirmed by numerous studies. A review of these studies, published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy in 2014, found that dry needling can decrease pain immediately after treatment and possibly up to four weeks. It can address several conditions, including tendonitis, headaches, whiplash, lower back pain, and sports-related injuries. In fact, it’s been found to be so effective that NFL teams are even incorporating it into their sports therapy routines.

While dry needling is effective in addressing muscular pain, during the treatment the trigger point are may feel somewhat uncomfortable, indicating that the therapy is working. “Generally speaking, the greater the injury, the more intense the treatment will be,” writes Andrew Nugent-Head in the Journal of Chinese Medicine. The muscles may be slightly weakened directly after treatment, but the patient will see immediate improvement in range of motion and joint use.

Physical therapists and other health professionals have used dry needling for many years with good results and  Acupuncturists are specifically licensed in the use of acupuncture needles to perform dry needling.  In Washington State, there is new legislation restricting Physical Therapists from doing dry needling, although this may not be so in other states.  If you are unable to receive dry needling at a facility where you have done so in the past, look for a licensed Acupuncturist.  If you think you may benefit from the treatment and have not tried it in the past, it’s important to search out a qualified practitioner who has the breadth of training and education to provide treatment that’s effective and safe.  Schedule an appointment today to have a plan designed for your needs.