Case Sharing
On January 18th, a 45-year-old woman named Lara, an office manager, visited the clinic after scheduling an appointment by phone.
She appeared fatigued, slightly frowning with signs of anxiety. Her complexion looked haggard, her steps slow, and she had abdominal bloating. Her dry skin and pale lips suggested discomfort.
Chief Complaint: Chronic constipation for 6 months.
Bowel movements occurred every 3–4 days, with dry, hard stools requiring straining.
Symptoms: abdominal bloating, dry mouth, irritability, poor sleep, and daytime fatigue.
Diagnosis: Heat accumulation in the intestines with yin deficiency.
Treatment
1. Herbal Prescription (Modified Ma Zi Ren Wan):
Huo Ma Ren, Bai Shao, Zhi Shi, Hou Po, Da Huang, Xing Ren.
Taken as a decoction for 7 days.
2. Acupuncture:
Points: ST25, SP15, LI4, LI11, KD6, SP6.
Twice weekly.
3. Lifestyle: Increase fiber (pears, spinach, sweet potatoes), drink water, avoid spicy/greasy foods, and practice light exercise.
Outcome: After 1 week, Lara’s bowel movements normalized, bloating reduced, and her energy and mood improved.
This case illustrates TCM’s holistic approach in addressing constipation and restoring balance.
