Traditional Chinese Medicine And Constipation

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views the body as a universe in which everything must function in harmony and be in balance for the there to be health. It is often said, “Qi and blood in harmony, then health will follow.” Why is this? Blood is like a river in our bodies and it must carry the Qi which is in turn like a boat carrying all kinds of nutrients and good things to nourish the internal organs and tendons and cells.

Proper Qi Flow heals injuries, using liniments like Dit Da Jow and Iron Palm promote the movement of Qi.

If the river is blocked, then how can Qi go through? Even if the river flows too slowly, then the goods may not arrive where they are needed in a timely fashion. Conversely, if the river flows too fast, it is like a flood and Qi may be carried past its destination without being able to give goods where it is needed.

Qi is needed in order for us to survive. There are many kinds of Qi but each will support and nourish a particular part of the body, mind or spirit.

Digestion and Qi

One way which we obtain Qi is through fresh air, taking it in through our lungs. Another is through food. When we take in food, it is first processed in the mouth, then the esophagus and then by the stomach which helps continue the digestion process. Then, the main nutrients are absorbed by the spleen which is responsible for transforming the food into essential substances and then transporting it to other parts of the body, which help complete the transformation and transportation process.

This process helps to form Qi and blood and to nourish the whole body. The spleen Qi is responsible for keeping the blood flowing within the vessels and preventing weakness.When spleen Qi is strong then the muscles of the body will be strong. When spleen Qi is weak, then the muscles of the body will be thin, weak or even paralyzed. This can cause weakness in the extremities, cold and tiredness and too weak to even stand.

The spleen Qi must be replenished or it will also directly affect all of the other internal organs and their functions. When this system breaks down, then it will affect the entire body and will cause various problems, depending on whether it is due to a spleen deficiency (Yin) or spleen excess (Yang). So in TCM terms, good functioning of the spleen Qi is the basis of all the functions of the other parts of the body.

When there is a deficiency of spleen-Yin, then a person will exhibit such symptoms as poor appetite, dry mouth, dry and red tongue, pale completion and constipation. Because the spleen is represented by the mouth, we can see by the color of the mouth, the condition of the spleen.

Constipation is due to lack of lubrication in the body. If the spleen is not functioning normally, then it will not produce enough nutrients and Qi and blood to nourish the rest of the body. Qigong will help restore the normal functioning of the body, however, if we continue to eat improperly or take strong medications that disrupt the functioning of the body, then even the affects of Qigong will be constrained by our improper habits.

We must consider all aspects of our living in order to be healthy, from eating and drinking, to exercise and sleep, to proper exercise and even proper sitting and standing which will affect the flow of Qi.We must also try to regulate our thinking as the mind can disrupt and damage the functioning of the spleen and also other organs.

Constipation is actually a very common occurrence in elderly people but many people in the West are also afflicted by it as well. This is because the food is too high nutrition or will create too much heat in the body. For instance, eating beef is not a problem, but Chinese will mix it with vegetables and also eat rice or noodles with it in order to balance the Yang of the meat with the Yin of cooling foods.

If there is too much heat in the body, it will dry up all the water. If there is no lubrication in the intestines, then waste will become impacted and not be able to be excreted easily. Many people will resort to laxatives or other chemicals but this does not solve the problem and will in fact make the intestines lose their natural function.

It is would better to consider what is put into the mouth as this is what will affect what comes out of the body. Chinese have used foods as cures for illness and a means of restoring and maintaining balance in the body for many centuries. It relies on the understanding on Yin and Yang and the Five Elements. There exist many food cures for helping constipation but should be taken in balance with Qigong exercise and also consideration of your lifestyle and see what factors are contributing to the constipation.

Long term constipation is not normal and will damage the body, causing toxins to be reabsorbed back into the system as they cannot be eliminated. Below are some traditional Chinese food cure recipes for helping to relieve constipation.

Spinach and Water Chestnut Soup
Spinach one small bunch
Water chestnut 10 whole chopped or ½ cup sliced
Crystal rock sugar (to taste- available in Chinese supermarkets but white sugar can be substituted or even omitted.)
Boil water and then reduce to a simmer. Meanwhile, wash and chop spinach and water chestnuts. Add to water and cook for 15 minutes and add sugar if desired just before serving. Eat vegetables and drink the soup.
Good for sore throat, relieving internal heat in the body that can lead to constipation.
Pine Nut Candy
Dried Fried Pine Nuts250g
Sugar 500g
Lightly oil a plate and set aside. In a heavy bottom pan, dry fry the pine nuts until lightly toasted.
Place sugar in a separate pan with a little water and cook over very low heat until threads form when dripped. Remove from heat and immediately mix in the pine nuts. Pour immediately onto the oiled plate and press flat.
Score the candy with a knife and then when completely cooled, break into small pieces.
Good for constipation, improving function of spleen, coughing and spitting of blood and good for chronic bronchitis.
Banana and Black Sesame Seed
Ripe banana 2
Black sesame seed 4 tsps.
In a dry pan, lightly heat the sesame seeds until they are half toasted. Remove and put into a dish. Eat one of bananas after lightly dusting it in the half of the sesame seeds. Eat one in the morning and one at evening. Good for constipation and hypertension.
Carrot with Honey
Carrot 2
Honey to taste
Boil the carrot until done and then cut in pieces and eat with honey. Eat twice a day. Good for constipation.
Taro Gruel
Taro 1 medium sized
Rice 1 cup (cooked)
Peel and chop the taro into cubes. Place in pan with 3 rice bowls of water and rice and slowly cook, stirring frequently and adding more water if becomes too thick. Add salt and a little bit of oil for eating. Good for hard and dry stools, helping to lubricate the intestines and cool down heat in the body.