Has Constipation Brought You to Your Knees?

Did you know?
• More than 4 million Americans (12-19%) suffer from chronic constipation in the USA (including children, adults and elderly).
• 2.5 million annual doctor’s visits are for constipation.
• More than $700 million is spent on over-the-counter laxative products annually.

In a healthy person, the bowels should move at least once a day and Naturopaths suggest we should have a bowel movement after each meal. When we are constipated, the water in the feces is re-absorbed by the body causing the stools to harden in the colon. Eventually, the colon loses its muscle tone and the condition becomes chronic. Symptoms associated with constipation include infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, straining when passing a movement, cramps, abdominal bloating, flatulence, and a desire to defecate but an inability to pass stools.

What causes constipation?
• Unbalanced diet – documented by research to be the most important factor in chronic constipation. Foods low in fiber and high fat, such as cheese, meats, and eggs, can cause constipation. Even though you have a craving for bread, spaghetti, and/or sweet foods, it is suggested to try to keep away from processed or white foods and eat whole grains.
• Lack of fiber – people with diets that include a good quantity of fiber are significantly less likely to suffer from constipation. It is suggested that women have 25 grams of fiber a day and men have 38 grams or 14 grams per every 1,000 calories consumed.
• Lack of exercise – poor muscle tone and/or slow or minimal peristalsis (movement of contents through the gastrointestinal tract) increases the likelihood of constipation.
• Miscellaneous other causes – obesity, stress, nerve dysfunction, and habitual use of laxatives.

Remedy Options
Fiber and water should be included in your diet to help promote bowel movements and prevent constipation. There are two main types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water, insoluble fiber does not. Fiber cannot be digested. Soluble fiber transforms as it passes through the digestive tract, where it is fermented by bacteria. Soluble fiber absorbs water, and becomes gelatinous as it does so. Insoluble fiber passes through the gut without changing its form. In doing so, the fiber sweeps through the intestines acting like a broom to keep food moving along and prevent it from sticking to the intestinal lining.

Holistic remedy – A combined ear, hand and foot reflexology therapy is excellent for relief from constipation. Some clients have found results in one session yet more often it will take several sessions, averaging 4-6 with a professional Reflexologist before a regular elimination routine is established. A monthly reflexology program is suggested once constipation is eliminated to maintain positive results.

Client Observation – Theresa, age 15, has been coming for monthly reflexology session for chronic constipation since 2011. Theresa has seen several gastrointestinal specialists beginning at the age of 8 and after seven years, Theresa still sees her doctor twice a year for monitoring. Theresa takes two types of medications daily to keep her gastrointestinal tract functioning properly. The medications only work 70% of the time for her on days when she is stressed from being overscheduled with school activities and studying, Theresa has found that reflexology has not only helped her find relief, it also helps her relax.

You can get more information on this and other digestive disorders from from Certified Reflexologist and Certified Energy Medicine Practitioner, Helen Chin Lui’s free E-report, “Proven Alternative Ways to Heal Common Chronic Digestive Problems: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Know Can Keep You From Healing” Visit healingplacemedfield.com to download the report.