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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 can 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 into 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. A homeopathic doctor may prescribe the herb bryonia to treat hard stools, while recommending sulfur for stools that are painful and difficult to pass. If you have questions, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
References
- Constipation. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/constipation/. Accessed Nov. 10, 2008.
- Wald A, et al. Treatment of chronic constipation in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 10, 2008.
- Wald A, et al. Etiology and evaluation of chronic constipation in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 10, 2008.
- Pohl D, et al. Pharmacologic treatment of constipation: What is new? Current Opinion in Pharmacology. 2008;8:724.
- Constipation. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. http://www.fascrs.org/patients/conditions/constipation. Accessed Nov. 10, 2008.
- Constipation. American Gastroenterological Association. http://www.gastro.org/wmspage.cfm?parm1=687. Accessed Nov. 10, 2008.
- Bharucha A. Constipation. Best Practice and Research Clinical Gastroenterology. 2007;21:709.
- Patel S, et al. Constipation. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://ww.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/113047217-6/780888909/1389/98.html?printing=true. Accessed Nov. 10, 2008.
- Culbert T, et al. Integrative approaches to childhood constipation and encopresis. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2007;54:927.
