Massage and Chiropractic Therapy for Constipation?
Constipation is a common complaint for so many of us – it could be due to lifestyle factors such as not getting enough physical activity on a daily basis or due to not eating enough fiber and nutrient rich foods.
Sometimes the problem could simply be insufficient intake of plain water which can be easily reversed, however there could also be other underlying causes for a sluggish digestive tract which causes the stool to harden, making it difficult to pass.
Taking purgatives and laxatives is something that many may be chary of using, owing to the fact that the system can grow dependent upon them, and may start to rely on them for functioning.
However, alternative therapies can be useful in relieving constipation. We have spoken before about natural remedies for constipation such as diet modifications, herbal remedies and so on; today we speak of how external manipulation can help relieve constipation.
Pub med recently published a study about how abdominal aroma massage and meridian massage can help relieve constipation. Such massage was seen to relieve stress as well. A study looked at the beneficial impact of these massage techniques upon functional constipation.
One study group was assigned the use of an aroma therapy oil blend that contained Cyprus, lavender, rosemary and lemon and for the other group, nine acupressure points were identified as being connected to digestive functions.
Both methodologies were seen to reduce incidences of constipation and were also seen to help individuals reduce the reliance that they placed on suppositories, laxatives, enemas and so on. Even practically, abdominal massage could help stimulate the bowel into functioning better, by aiding the movement of stool.
There is also evidence to show that chiropractic manipulation can help to relieve constipation.
Manipulations and adjustments made, particularly to the lower spine, are beneficial and can help with the problem.
The understanding is that misalignment of the spine can interfere with the regular and normal functioning of the bowel and digestive tract thereby causing constipation.
If the alignment of the spine is restored to normal by chiropractic manipulation, not only is constipation relieved, it may also help with functioning of other organs such as the spleen, liver, kidneys, gall bladder, stomach and so on.
Often the remedies are seen to work best when nutritional therapy is used in conjunction with it – eating lots of high fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables, having lots of soup, drinking plenty of water, and other non caffeinated drinks.
Source: http://www.altmedicinezone.com
