Constipation
Also known as: Constipation, Chronic constipation, Functional constipation, Slow transit constipation, IBS with constipation, IBS-C
Constipation means infrequent, hard or difficult-to-pass stools and is one of the most common digestive complaints, affecting up to one in five adults. Most cases are functional, related to low fibre and fluid intake, inactivity, ignoring the urge, medicines (opioids, iron, some antidepressants) or life stage, but constipation can signal conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes or bowel obstruction [1][2]. First-line management is dietary fibre, fluids, activity and toileting habits, with laxatives used when needed; persistent or changing symptoms warrant medical review [1][2][3]. Randomised trials and meta-analyses suggest acupuncture, particularly electroacupuncture, may improve bowel frequency in chronic functional constipation, though study quality varies [4][5]. In Chinese medicine constipation is differentiated by pattern: Heat accumulating in the Stomach and Large Intestine, Qi stagnation, Qi and Blood deficiency, and Yang deficiency with Cold, each with distinct stool character, accompanying signs and treatment.
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •Build fibre gradually towards 25–30 g daily from vegetables, fruit, wholegrains and legumes, with enough water for it to work [1][2].
- •Drink adequate fluids through the day; dehydration hardens stools [1].
- •Move daily; even walking improves bowel motility [1][2].
- •Set an unhurried toilet routine, ideally after breakfast, and do not ignore the urge [1].
- •Review medicines with the GP or pharmacist if constipation started after a new prescription [1][3].
Cautions & Contraindications
- •Do not treat suspected bowel obstruction with acupuncture; refer immediately [1][2].
- •Avoid strong abdominal needling in pregnancy; LI4 and SP6 are traditionally contraindicated.
- •New changed bowel habit with bleeding, weight loss or anaemia requires medical investigation before adjunctive care [1][2].
- •Acupuncture complements, and does not replace, medical review of chronic or worsening constipation [1][3].
When to reassess or seek care again
Track bowel frequency, stool form (Bristol scale), straining and bloating weekly. Expect a trend towards improvement within four to six sessions; if not, review the pattern and confirm medical causes have been excluded. Any red flag symptom triggers immediate referral [1][2].
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- Healthdirect Australia · 2024
- Australian Family Physician (RACGP) · 2016
- PubMed · 2021
- Annals of Internal Medicine (PubMed) · 2016
- PubMed · 2020
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.