Acupuncture Treatment for Constipation
Constipation is a condition characterized by difficulty in bowel movements due to dysfunction of the large intestine, with prolonged time between bowel movements as a clinical feature. In recent years, an increasing number of people have experienced constipation due to fast-paced lifestyles, irregular diets, and lack of exercise. Constipation not only affects quality of life but can also lead to insomnia, abdominal bloating, discomfort in the stomach area, and many other health issues.
Since the introduction of the flash cupping therapy at the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) department of the Central Hospital in Xinghualing District, we have accumulated rich clinical experience in treating constipation and achieved significant results. Flash cupping therapy stimulates the meridians and harmonizes Qi and blood through gentle techniques, avoiding excessive stimulation while effectively improving intestinal function. Through numerous clinical practices, we have found that flash cupping for constipation not only alleviates symptoms caused by Qi stagnation, blood deficiency, and dry intestines but also regulates intestinal peristalsis and enhances digestive absorption capacity. This therapy provides a safe, side-effect-free, and long-lasting treatment option, especially for the elderly and patients with chronic constipation. Below, we present a case study.
Patient Liu, male, 84 years old, has suffered from long-term constipation with difficulty in bowel movements, accompanied by severe abdominal bloating and discomfort, and feelings of fatigue after defecation. For many years, the elderly man has relied on laxatives and enemas to assist with bowel movements, but the effectiveness of the medications has diminished, leading to dependency and further weakening of intestinal function. Each time before a bowel movement, he feels fear, worried about not being able to pass stool smoothly again, and sometimes experiences severe abdominal pain from straining, resulting in low mood and a significant decline in quality of life. He came to our outpatient department for treatment.
Under the guidance of Director Song Jiyu, the TCM physician selected several acupuncture points closely related to the gastrointestinal system, such as Tianshu (Stomach 25), Zhongwan (Ren 12), and Qihai (Ren 6), for flash cupping therapy. By generating suction through negative pressure, the flash cupping was applied quickly at each acupuncture point, with 3-5 applications per point, each lasting about 2-3 seconds, gradually stimulating the meridians to promote intestinal peristalsis and improve Qi and blood circulation.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Knowledge
Flash cupping therapy is a gentle TCM treatment method that stimulates specific meridians and acupuncture points on the body surface through rapid suction and removal of the cups, promoting the flow of Qi and blood and regulating organ functions. Compared to traditional cupping, flash cupping is shorter in duration and less painful, with patients experiencing minimal discomfort, making it suitable for all demographics, especially for pain-sensitive elderly individuals and children. Its treatment cost is low, the operation is simple, requiring no complex instruments or medications, and it does not rely on drug side effects. Flash cupping therapy is widely used for digestive system diseases, Qi and blood deficiency, and other issues, with significant and lasting effects, making it a cost-effective natural therapy.
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Department Introduction – TCM Department
The TCM Department of the Central Hospital in Xinghualing District, Taiyuan City, is dedicated to inheriting TCM culture and alleviating the suffering of the public. Currently, the 13th floor of the comprehensive building has inpatient wards, the 3rd floor has specialized outpatient clinics for insomnia and constipation, and the southwest corner of the 1st floor has spacious and comfortable treatment rooms.
Our department can treat diseases such as common internal medicine conditions (e.g., colds, coughs, abdominal pain, dizziness), cervical and lumbar spine-related diseases (e.g., cervical and lumbar disc herniation, shoulder periarthritis, knee joint degenerative diseases and related complications), gynecological diseases (e.g., menstrual irregularities, infertility), and pediatric diseases (e.g., pediatric cough, pneumonia, anorexia).
The department is vigorously developing suitable TCM techniques: currently, we offer projects such as acupuncture, tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage), moxibustion, cupping, and guasha (scraping therapy), and we provide extended outpatient services during lunch and weekends to meet the needs of working individuals and students who cannot take leave for treatment.
Contributed by: TCM Department Duan Liangkun
Editor: Party Office
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Hospital Address
Address: No. 8, Fuxi Street, Xinghualing District, Taiyuan City
Transportation Guide: Walk 130 meters west from Exit A2 of Fuxi Street Metro Station (Line 2).
Take bus routes 10, 4, 19, 502, 602, 851, and 4 Inner Loop, and get off at the bus stop at the intersection of Fuxi Street and Sanqiao Street. For bus routes 502, 610, 809, 828 Inner Loop, 863, and K809, get off at the bus stop at the intersection of Jiefang Road and Fuxi Street.
Phone: 0351—4070241