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Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staffIn many cases, simple changes to your lifestyle and diet can help relieve the symptoms of constipation. Several alternative approaches may also provide relief, although they have not been studied extensively.
- Massage. Massage works by manipulating, compressing and stretching the skin, muscles and joints. Techniques include acupressure and shiatsu. When applied to the abdominal area, massage may help relax the muscles that support the bladder and intestines and help promote bowel activity.
- Acupuncture. This traditional Chinese medicine involves the insertion and manipulation of fine needles in various parts of the body. The therapy may help stimulate the colon and relieve pain from constipation, although its efficacy for this has not been proved.
- Homeopathic remedies. Homeopathy is a holistic, nontoxic system of medicine that's individualized to your symptoms. Numerous homeopathic remedies exist for constipation, and they typically consist of plant-based laxatives. However, just because they're natural doesn't mean they're safe. For example, many herbal supplements are associated with dangerous drug interactions and side effects. Always talk with your doctor before trying a new homeopathic remedy.
References
- Constipation. National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/constipation/. Accessed Dec. 16, 2010.
- Lembo AJ, et al. Constipation. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6189-2..X0001-7--TOP&isbn=978-1-4160-6189-2&about=true&uniqId=229935664-2192. Accessed Dec. 16, 2010.
- Wald A. Etiology and evaluation of chronic constipation in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 16, 2010.
- Wald A. Management of chronic constipation in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 16, 2010.
- Constipation. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec02/ch008/ch008b.html . Accessed Dec. 16, 2010.
- Hass DJ. Complementary and alternative medicine. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6189-2..X0001-7--TOP&isbn=978-1-4160-6189-2&about=true&uniqId=229935664-2192. Accessed Dec. 16, 2010.
- How much physical activity do adults need? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/adults.html. Accessed Dec. 16, 2010.
- Picco MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 20, 2010.
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