Constipation or Diarrhea. Constipation is passage of small amounts of hard, dry bowel movements, usually fewer than three times per week.
Constipation/Diarrhea Definition:
Constipation is defined as infrequent bowel movements that maybe harder to pass and lasts from several weeks or longer. Diarrhea is frequent, sometimes watery and loose bowel movements.Constipation/Diarrhea Causes:
Constipation may have several causes including but not limited to:
- dehydration
- low fiber intake
- underlying thyroid conditions
- blockages in digestive tract/bowel obstruction
- anal fissures
- food allergies
Diarrhea maybe caused by:
- food poisoning: viral or bacterial infections
- other digestive diseases: Celiac, Crohn’s, Ulcerative colitis, IBD
- medications
- lactose intolerance
- parasites
Constipation/Diarrhea Symptoms:
Symptoms of constipation include: hard to pass stools, straining to have a bowel movement, feeling of incomplete bowel movement.
Symptoms of diarrhea include: loose or water stools, more frequent bowel movements, abdominal cramping, may have blood in the stool, fever, and bloating after bowel movements.
Constipation/Diarrhea Treatments:
Acupuncture and natural medicine can help to regulate digestion, ease constipation, decrease bloating or abdominal pain associated with digestion. As well as helping with the opposite problem, diarrhea or more frequent stools. In addition to using acupuncture to help improve digestion, the cause of constipation or diarrhea will be explored. Dietary and lifestyle modifications, food allergy testing, hydration, and herbal supplementation may also be used to remove any triggers causing symptoms, repair any damage to the gut, and replenishing any good bacteria to lead to a healthy digestion!
