Pressure points for constipation can boost bowel movements.

Here, discover effective acupressure techniques for relieving constipation.

Think Youve Got Food Poisoning?

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Once upon a time, you may have never given a second thought to pooping every day.

As we age, though, its common to become less and less regular.

In fact, about one-third of older adults have occasional symptoms of constipation.

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New York City-based acupuncturist and herbalist

Before reaching for a laxative, though, consider a more holistic approach with pressure points for constipation.

Just aspressure points for sleepandfoot reflexologyexist, hitting the right spots can also support bowel health.

Keep reading to find out where they are, and how it’s possible for you to take advantage.

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But first, what causes constipation?

Thats why yoga moves likecamel poseorstretches for constipationcan sometimes help, as can other relaxation techniques like acupressure.

How can pressure points for constipation help?

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Constipation is one of the worst feelings.

Acupressure can help with constipation by promoting movement in the bowel system to encourage elimination, Dr.

Sometimes our bodies simply need a bit of a push to get things moving.

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New York City-based acupuncturist and herbalist

If there is some element of blockage, the movement can slow or even come to a halt.

Acupressure can provide manual stimulation locally as well as distal channel balancing to reinstitute proper flow.

In Chinese medicine, we believe stagnancy is what causes disease.

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So, while you may not consider energy and poop to go hand-in-hand, they do.

Energetically speaking, [constipation is] a blockage, says Dr. Auth.

Acupressure can decrease stress and shift us into our rest and digest or parasympathetic nervous system.

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This is why acupressure can be ideal self-help for constipation.

Who can use pressure points for constipation?

One of the biggest misconceptions about acupressure is that you have to be a trained acupuncturist to do it.

Then hold constant pressure and make a circular motion with your thumb, gently massaging the point.

To make the most of these natural constipation remedies, Dr. Auth says to double-check youre comfortable.

Ready to do some acupressure for constipation?

Here are seven specific acupressure techniques for bowel health.

As the resistance releases, gradually apply more pressure.

Breathe slow and deep as you do this and then switch sides.

Keep rubbing until you feel a release in the area for at least 10 deep breaths.

This Medication-Free Poop Hack Could Not Only Help, but Its Fun Too

2.

Ren 12

To find this point on the abdomen, Dr.

So says to look in the mirror.

Oftentimes, it will feel full or tender to the touch.

Hold for 30 seconds and then knead in small clockwise circles for another 60 seconds.

The distance from your belly button will be slightly different on people of different sizes, she says.

Ideally, it is best to find the highest point of your [abdominal] muscles.

Repeat the same technique on the left side point.

5 and 6.

She says its located at the top of the shin about a palms length below the knee.

Gradually apply pressure using a circular motion, dont be afraid to apply deep pressure here.

You should not experience any pain but should feel some sensation.

As the resistance releases gradually apply more pressure.

Breathe slow and deep as you do this and then switch sides.

Keep rubbing until you feel a release in the area.

Move down the shin another palm width and do the same with Stomach 37.

Sher suggests using the four doors approach to relieve constipation.

This includes three points: Stomach 25, Ren 6, and Ren 12.

These points help stimulate the movement of digestive Qi, strengthen digestion, and harmonize the intestines.

I [also] always recommend adding Stomach 36.

This point is one of the most effective points to help strengthen digestion and general longevity in life.

This is the same pattern as our normal intestinal movement.

Cycle through three times, two to three times a day until digestive relief is achieved.

After working your way through your routine forholistic constipation relief, Dr.

So says to end by placing both hands on your low abdomen just below your belly button.

Take five to 10 deep abdominal breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth.

For best results, she says to repeat this sequence five to eight times.

As effective as acupressure is, it doesnt operate in the same way as traditional laxatives.

Overall, Dr. Glathe says acupressure is considered generally safe for most people.

But as useful as pressure points for constipation can be, theyre not always a one-stop solution for relief.

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