Did you know that constipation accounts for over 2.5 million doctor visits every year in North America? It’s one of the most common complaints we hear in clinic. When we ask about bowel habits during consultations, many patients confess they struggle with constipation—even if they didn’t mention it as their chief concern.

The truth is, constipation can affect anyone, regardless of age or health background. And here’s the kicker: if we don’t diagnose correctly, no amount of acupuncture points or herbs will get the bowels moving.

That’s why today, I want to dive into constipation the TCM way—so you leave with practical strategies you can use in your clinic tomorrow.

Clara
TCM Geek

Links mentioned in this video:

📘 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 

Constipation Relief with Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

My Personal Story

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.