In Singapore’s fast-paced lifestyle, many suffer from constipation: spending half an hour on the toilet with "no results," enduring uncomfortable bloating, and battling acne breakouts. Long-term constipation can also lead to bad breath, acne, dull skin, dryness, and more!
Dr. Qiu Baorun of Gongfangtang TCM Singapore emphasizes that TCM addresses constipation through "unblocking and nourishing" (通补结合), resolving the root cause by improving overall constitution.
Common Types & Causes of Constipation:
Gastrointestinal Heat Accumulation (胃肠积热型):
Often due to excessive spicy/fried foods. Symptoms: dry, pellet-like stools (like goat feces), dry mouth, bad breath.
Qi Deficiency (气虚型):
Common in sedentary individuals or chronic illness patients. Symptoms: difficulty passing stools despite straining, shortness of breath, fatigue.
Yin Deficiency (阴虚型):
Caused by insufficient body fluids. Symptoms: constipation with hot palms/soles, insomnia.
Yang Deficiency (阳虚型):
Common in the elderly. Symptoms: non-dry stools but difficulty passing, cold intolerance, weak lower back/knees.
Personalized TCM Treatments:
Custom Herbal Formulas (中药汤剂):
Tailored to tongue/pulse patterns. Examples: Rhubarb (大黄) & Mirabilite (芒硝) for heat accumulation; Astragalus (黄芪) & Atractylodes (白术) for Qi deficiency to boost intestinal motility.
Specialized Acupuncture (特色针灸疗法):
Stimulates points like Tianshu (ST25), Shangjuxu (ST37), and Zhigou (SJ6) to regulate gut function. For needle-sensitive patients, herbal patch application on acupoints offers gentle relief.
Therapeutic Massage (推拿按摩):
Therapists use abdominal techniques with acupressure on Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) to enhance intestinal Qi/blood flow and motility.
Case Study :
Patient: Ms. Wang, 39. Recurrent constipation for decades. Symptoms: non-hard but difficult-to-pass stools, scant volume, tenesmus, anal heaviness, bloating. Western diagnosis: functional constipation (colonoscopy normal).
Initial Visit: Pale-red tongue, thin white coating, wiry pulse.
TCM Diagnosis: Qi Stagnation Constipation (气秘) – Liver Qi Stagnation.
Treatment Principle: Soothe Liver, Resolve Stagnation, Move Qi, Unblock Bowels.
Formula: Modified Liu Mo Tang (六磨汤, Six Milling Herbs Decoction).
Herbs: Bupleurum (柴胡), Angelica (当归), White Peony (白芍), Poria (茯苓), Atractylodes (白术), Finger Citron (佛手), Cyperus (香附), Aucklandia (木香), Immature Bitter Orange (枳实), Lindera (乌药), Honey-fried Licorice (炙甘草), Rhubarb (大黄)*.
*Rhubarb added post-decoction initially; discontinued after bowel movement improved. 7 doses total.*
Outcome: Daily spontaneous bowel movements after 3 doses; 70% bloating reduction. After 7 doses: well-formed stools, improved sleep.
Daily Diet & Lifestyle Tips:
Diet:
Heat Accumulation: Celery, dragon fruit (clearing heat).
Qi Deficiency: Millet & yam congee (tonify Qi).
Yin Deficiency: Snow fungus & lily soup (nourish Yin).
Yang Deficiency: Mutton & radish soup (warm Yang).
Habits:
Drink warm water on an empty stomach each morning.
Establish regular bowel routines.
Avoid prolonged sitting; walk 15 mins daily or practice Ba Duan Jin (八段锦).
Important Note: TCM treatment is pattern-specific and personalized. Herbal formulas must be prescribed and adjusted by licensed TCM practitioners after diagnosis. Never self-medicate.
