Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Listen on Amazon Music

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

📘 Get your copy of the Chinese Medicine Treatments Made Easy Book or PDF

🎁 Grab my free TCM Constipation PDF with patterns, point combos & diet advice

💌 Sign up to my FREE newsletter

🌿💊 The Integrative Guide to Vitamins & Nutrients Online Course

💩 Emotional Constipation

☯️ More AcuPro Episodes you’ll love:

The Top 15 Acupuncture Points for Digestive Symptoms

What Really Happens in a TCM Consultation (Live Case!)

Spleen Qi Deficiency in Chinese Medicine: Symptoms, Causes, Acupuncture, Food and more!

Constipation Relief with Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

For those who are new here, hi—I’m Clara from AcuPro Academy. I’ve been practicing acupuncture since 2003 and teaching since 2008.

Even I struggle with constipation when travelling. Every time I fly to visit family in France, those long sedentary hours in the air wreak havoc on my digestion. Constipation is not just a “patient problem”—it’s something we all can face.

What Causes Constipation?

Medically, constipation refers to the difficulty in passing stools or going for long stretches between bowel movements. I once had a patient who only had a BM two to three times a month—imagine the toxic burden on the body!

From a TCM perspective, constipation often develops from:

• Stress and emotions (difficulty “letting go”)

• Poor diet or overconsumption of cold/raw foods

• Lack of movement or a sedentary lifestyle

• Blood loss, chronic illness, or certain medications

In Western medicine, constipation may also be linked to hypothyroidism, IBS, depression, or medication side effects.

TCM Patterns of Constipation

Getting the diagnosis right is everything. Here are the most common TCM constipation patterns:

1. Liver Qi Stagnation

• Symptoms: Incomplete feeling after a BM, worse with stress or PMS

• Points: SJ6, ST37, LI4

2. Phlegm Accumulation

• Symptoms: Sticky stools, hard to clean

• Points: ST40, GB34

3. Food Stagnation

• Symptoms: Bloating, foul odour, worse after overeating

• Points: ST37, Ren12

4. Blood Deficiency

• Symptoms: Dry, pebble-like stools, dizziness, pale nails

• Points: ST36, SP6

5. Qi Deficiency

• Symptoms: Straining to pass stool, fatigue, weak pulse

• Points: Ren6, Ren9, ST25 (the “digestive diamond”)

👉 Clinical Pearl: When in doubt, ear acupuncture is powerful. I often use Liver (movement), Large Intestine (colon), and Shen Men (relaxation).

Lifestyle and Dietary Advice

Constipation treatment goes beyond the needle. Patients must play an active role:

Movement: Encourage daily walking, yoga twists, or qigong. Avoid long periods of sitting.

Diet:

• Add moistening foods: chia seeds, pears, flax, honey, black sesame, spinach

• Favour warm, cooked foods like soups and stews

• Reduce cold/raw foods, dairy, caffeine, and alcohol

Hydration: Sip warm water throughout the day. In winter, add ginger or a pinch of sea salt for Yang support.

Stress Relief: Journaling, meditation, or even quiet tea time after meals helps release Liver Qi stagnation.

Western Supplements That Help

Sometimes, safe supplementation can make a difference alongside acupuncture and TCM diet therapy:

Final Thoughts

Constipation is more than just a digestive issue—it reflects imbalances in Qi, Blood, and lifestyle. With proper diagnosis, acupuncture, and personalized guidance, we can help our patients move forward—literally and figuratively.

So the next time a patient hesitates when you ask about bowel movements, lean in. The large intestine is about letting go—both physically and emotionally. And helping patients with constipation often changes far more than their digestion.

Disclaimer

The AcuPro Show podcast and material shared through AcuPro Academy is a subdivision of Natural Health Sense Incorporated. Designed solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The utilization of information from this podcast or any associated material is at the user’s discretion and risk. This content is not meant to replace the guidance of an acupuncturist. Nor Chinese medicine doctor, medical doctor, physician, or any qualified professional. It is not a substitute for proper diagnosis or treatment. Users are strongly advised not to ignore or postpone seeking medical advice for any existing medical condition with their healthcare professional. Regarding any health concerns.

Need the podcast transcript? Click here!