Alternative Constipation Remedies

Natural, Holistic, and Eastern Therapies

Some people prefer to use natural treatments to heal their bodies. When it comes to constipation, you can choose from a range of alternative therapies that may provide relief without resorting to chemically-based solutions.

Massage

Although there is not much research to support this method, the right type of massage to the abdominal area may help alleviate symptoms of constipation. Manipulating and stretching the skin, muscles and joints may lead to improved bowel activity.

Acupressure

Acupressure is an ancient healing method which uses your hands to press key points in the body, to stimulate the body's ability to cure itself. According to accupressure practitioners, by pressing or tapping on certain acupressure points, the abdomen can be relaxed, pain and discomfort reduced and regular bowel movements encouraged.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapists work with the healing properties of essential oils. They recommend abdominal massage with these oils to encourage the downward direction of digestion and to stimulate elimination, for those suffering from constipation.

Hydrotherapy

This form of therapy maintains that constipation is caused by not drinking enough water. Practitioners believe that diet, exercise and drinking 8 – 12 glasses of water a day can keep constipation away forever.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine, which involves inserting needles at various points in the body to readjust the body's energy flow. Acupuncture treatments are said to help to ease the pain of constipation and stimulate the colon to work smoothly again. The acupuncture points for constipation are on either side of the navel.

Homeopathic remedies

Homeopathy, which is a non-toxic, holistic system of medicine, has numerous remedies to help patients with constipation. These usually consist of plant-based remedies, which stimulate the body's curative powers to overcome constipation. Homeopathic remedies are generally available in many health food stores.

Ayurvedic Constipation Remedies

Ayurveda is a 5000-year old system of integrated medicine from India, that treats illness through lifestyle changes and natural therapies. Ayurvedic doctors provide unique health prescriptions to each patient based on their view that each person has a unique mind-body constitution. Ayurvedic therapy heals patients of constipation and other ailments through ayurvedic herbs , nutrition, cleansing and massage. In cases of chronic constipation, for example, an ayurvedic cure would involve getting up before dawn, taking an early morning walk, drinking more water, wearing loose clothes, cutting back on tobacco and caffeine, not sleeping during the day, not sleeping within three hours of eating a meal, eating a few boiled prunes every morning and fasting once a week.

Egyptian Remedies for Constipation

A popular Egyptian remedy for treating constipation is known as aloe forex. It is used as a natural laxative, which is popular for its ability to treat digestive disorders. In addition, senna has been used in Egypt since ancient times and is considered a very safe laxative. In ancient times, the Egyptians also used honey, mixed with warm water, as a natural and effective constipation remedy.

French Remedies for Constipation

French remedies for constipation include eating mustard seeds for their laxative effect. The French also eat various foods made of barley and oat bran as a way to keep constipation at bay.

Chinese Remedies for Constipation

dietary fibre for constipationTraditional Chinese medicine recommends the Jin Yin Hua herb as a cure for constipation. It is not only supposed to cleanse the body's toxicity but also relieve the body's heat. Chinese people often use 6-15 grams of the dried Jin Yin Hua herb to heal intestinal problems. Another natural remedy used by the Chinese is to eat boiled sweet potatoes, to which salt or sugar has been added, before going to bed at night. According to Chinese medicine, constipation can arise from disharmony in the system, which can be due to patterns of excess or patterns of deficiency. The patient is treated with herbs, acupuncture or both.

German Remedies for Constipation

Taking a couple of tablespoons of crushed flaxseed , or linseed, a couple of times a day can treat chronic constipation. Make sure to drink lots of water to help you digest the flaxseed. Another seed, called psyllium , is also popular in Germany as a constipation treatment. Because this seed absorbs a lot of fluid, the swollen seeds cause muscle contractions that can help you have a bowel movement. Drink a lot of water with this remedy as well, or else your digestive system will get blocked further. Look out for any allergic symptoms, as these have been reported.

Food Remedies

Several home remedies for constipation are based on natural foods.

  • Guavas eaten with the seeds may help combat a bout of constipation. The bael fruit is another great choice for treating constipation, as it works naturally to cleanse the body of fecal buildup. It can be used for regular as well as chronic constipation.
  • Have two tablespoons of molasses before bedtime. This can be added to milk, prune juice or fruit juice, if desired.
  • A glass of warm milk, with added honey or sugar, taken before bedtime can help alleviate constipation.
  • Combine a quarter teaspoon of Epsom salts with half a glass of water and drink.
  • Drink half a cup of cabbage juice a couple of times a day.
  • Eat bran cereal to move the bowels. This is a safe and simple remedy for children and teenagers.
  • Mix carrot juice and spinach juice in equal quantities and drink before bedtime.
  • Add a few fennel seeds to a glass of warm water and drink before bedtime.
  • Combine half a cup of orange juice with half a cup of olive oil and drink.
  • Drink a South  American tea, called yerba mate, which helps to soften hardened feces. A few cups a day should do the trick.
  • Ginger tea is considered an excellent home remedy for constipation.
  • Drinking aloe vera juice or eating aloe vera gel can help alleviate constipation.