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Postpartum Constipationaccording to TCM

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Symptom family: Postpartum issues

Parent symptom: Constipation

What is Postpartum Constipation?

Postpartum constipation is a common condition experienced by women after childbirth. This condition involves difficulty in passing stools or infrequent bowel movements, often accompanied by discomfort or strain.

It's a prevalent issue in the postnatal period, influenced by factors such as hormonal changes, reduced physical activity, and the effects of labor and delivery. Addressing postpartum constipation is essential for ensuring comfort and overall health in new mothers.

How Does TCM View Postpartum Constipation?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views postpartum constipation as a disruption in the body's natural processes, often linked to imbalances in internal organ systems. TCM identifies various patterns of disharmony that can lead to constipation, emphasizing the significance of understanding the individual's specific condition. Treatment in TCM is tailored to address these unique patterns, focusing on restoring balance and promoting the body's innate healing abilities.

Causes of Postpartum Constipation According to TCM

In TCM, postpartum constipation can arise from several underlying patterns. One common cause is Kidney Yang Deficiency, where the body lacks the vital energy to maintain optimal function in the intestines. This Deficiency can lead to a sluggish bowel movement and constipation. The patterns reflect the TCM principle of treating the root cause of symptoms, rather than just the symptoms themselves.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Postpartum Constipation

To address postpartum constipation, TCM practitioners often recommend specific formulas and herbs that align with the underlying patterns of disharmony. For instances of Kidney Yang Deficiency, Ji Chuan Jian, which includes Desert-Living Cistanches (Rou Cong Rong) as a key herb, is often used.

This formula works to warm the kidneys, nourish the blood, strengthen the essence, moisten the intestines, and unblock bowels, effectively addressing the root causes of constipation in this context. Through such targeted treatments, TCM seeks to restore the natural balance and facilitate recovery in the postpartum period.

See more details below about Ji Chuan Jian, a herbal formula used to address postpartum constipation.

  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that moisten intestines and unblock bowels

Formulas that moisten Intestines and unblock bowels

Postpartum constipation can be treated by these formulas if it results from dryness affecting the intestines, leading to constipation or difficulty in bowel movement.

One such formula is Ji Chuan Jian, with desert-living cistanche as a key herb.

TCM Herbs for Postpartum Constipation

See more details below about Desert-Living Cistanches (Rou Cong Rong), a herb used to address postpartum constipation.

  • By Herb Category
  • Tonic herbs for yang deficiency

Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency

Postpartum constipation can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.

One such herb is Desert-Living Cistanches (Rou Cong Rong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for postpartum constipation, like Ji Chuan Jian.