Constipation is found in various conditions, and is mainly due to transmission problems of the large intestine, or inadequate lubrication inside the bowel lumen. According to TCM, constipation can be seen in disharmonies like overheated stomach and intestines, qi stagnation, blood and qi deficiencies, and coldness due to overall weakness. While massage can help relieve constipation, individuals are also advised to eat a well-balanced, high-fiber diet, avoid over consumption of spicy and dry foods, as well as keep regular bowel habits.

1. Use the middle fingertips to press on the sides of navel (St 25), and knead for 30 times;
2. Knead at the center of the lower abdomen (Rn 4), 30 times;
3. Cross the hands and place on the lower abdomen, rub in clockwise motion for 50 times;
4. Use fingertips to knead on the sides of backbone, lateral to the lower thoracic vertebra (Bl 20〜21), 30 times;
5. Use the thumb to knead zhi gou (Sj 6, back of forearm, 3-finger-breadth above the mid wrist), 30 times on each arm;
6. Nip and knead the middle part of the palm web, between the thumb and the index finger (Li 4), 30 times on each hand;
7. Use the thumb to knead at 1-finger-breadth below the anterior crest of each tibia (St 36), 30 times on each leg;
8. Use the palms or palm roots to beat the back of lower leg, up and down about 10 times on each leg;
9. Grasp the calf muscle, 10 times on each leg.

In addition, further steps are selected according to the accompanied signs of individuals:

Flushed face, mouth dryness, irritability, yellowish and scanty urine 

1. Clench the fists and use the knuckles to forcefully knead on the sides of middle lumbar spine (Bl 25), 30 times;
2. Use the thumb to knead at shou san li (Li 10, the muscular crest of forearm with elbow flexed), 30 times on each arm;
3. Knead at tai chong (Lr 3, depression between big toe and second toe on the dorsum of the foot), 30 times each foot;
4. Knead at nei ting (St 44, depression between the second and third toes on the dorsum of the foot), 30 times on each foot.

Distention in the chest and abdomen, belching and dry stools 

1. Place the hands on the sides of rib cage and then rub to and fro along the ribs, 30 times;
2. Use the middle fingertips to press below the free end of the eleventh ribs (Lr 13), and knead for 30 times;
3. Use middle fingertip to knead at the midpoint between the two nipples (Rn 17), 30 times.

Limb coldness, lumbar soreness, knee weakness, difficult to pass stool 

1. Cross the hands and place on the navel, rub in clockwise and then counterclockwise motions over the area, 30 times;
2. Cross the hands and place on the upper abdomen, rub for 30 times;
3. Use the palms to wipe transversely across the lumbar and hip regions, 30 times;
4. Use fingertips to knead at the root of neck (Du 14), 30 times;
5. Clench the fists and use the knuckles to forcefully knead on the kidney area, 30 times.

Difficult to pass tool, an incomplete feeling after defecation, sweating, breathe shortness, and fatigue

1. Clench the fists and use the knuckles to forcefully knead on the sides of lower backbone, 30 times;
2. Use middle fingertip to knead at the midpoint between the two nipples (Rn 17), 30 times;
3. Knead chang qiang (Du 1, the midpoint between the tip of the coccyx and the anus), 30 times.

Massage to relieve constipation