We’re discussing treatments for feline constipation, which we’ve divided into fluids, soluble and insoluble fiber, prebiotics & probiotics. Now, let’s consider using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM includes many forms of therapy: energy work, nutrition, herbs, acupuncture, and moxa. Let’s focus mostly on herbs, and slightly mention Western herbs, acupuncture and moxa.
TCM Diagnosis
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnoses constipation differently than western medicine does. To make the diagnosis, we assess the history, signs and symptoms, tongue, pulse, and sensitivity along acupuncture meridians. Using this information, a TCM diagnoses for constipation could include organ or meridian dysfunction, blocked energy flow, fluid deficiency and excess heat. Names given to some of these problems include:
• Liver Qi stagnation
• Spleen Qi stagnation
• Spleen Qi deficiency
• Liver-Spleen disharmony
• Yin deficiency
• Phlegm stagnation
Chinese herbs for constipation
The following herbal formulas are some of those used to treat constipation and are dosed in very small amounts, usually 1/8 teaspoon per 8-lb cat per day. The dose is divided and given as 1/16 of a teaspoon twice a day.
• Bupleurum Disperse Liver (Chai Hu Shu Gan San)
• Ledebouriella Powder that Sagely Unblocks or Ledebouriella with Magical Therapeutic Effects (Fang Feng Tong Sheng San)
• Free & Easy Wanderer Plus or Bupleurum & Peony (Jia Wei Xiao Yao San)
• Augmented Four Materials Decoction or Tang Kuei & Salvia (Jia Wei Si Wu Tang)
• Poria 15 (Shi Wu Wei Fu Ling Pian)
• Ma Zi Ren Wan
Constipated cats that are anxious or depressed and tend to be anorexic with nausea and vomiting because of liver disease would be prescribed Bupleurum Disperse Liver. Constipated cats that appear hot, have fevers, skin sores, hives, and voracious appetites are prescribed Ledebouriella Powder that Sagely Unblocks. Constipated cats that are old, weak, wobbly, anemic, and have brittle nails and dry skin are prescribed Augmented Four Materials Decoction.
Constipated cats that are irritable, angry, aggressive and have red eyes are prescribed Free & Easy Wanderer. Obese, edematous cats that have problems with food stagnation as well as constipation are prescribed Poria 15. Cats that have developed a large dilated colon (megacolon) are prescribed Ma Zi Ren Wan, which, unlike some formulas, can be given for the life of the cat.
Safety of Chinese herbs
Chinese herbal formulas are prescribed by veterinarians after carefully assessing the cat. Used correctly, they tend to be safe, but some herbs are not safe if they are used for a long period. Just as cats treated with western medicine require periodic vet visits, cats taking herbs need periodic vet visits.
Acupuncture benefits constipated cats
Acupuncture points are chosen to stimulate Qi, address deficiencies, and relieve heat and damp, according to the TCM diagnosis. Commonly treated acupuncture points include: BL25, LV 2, CV04, CV06, CV08, CV12, SP06, SP09, ST25, ST36, and TH06. If you’re curious about the location of these points, ask your veterinarian to paint them on your cat’s fur so that you can massage them at home. Or, look at the book 4 Paws 5 Directions by Dr. Cheryl Schwartz, which has good drawings and explanations of where to find the points.
Moxa
Moxa is an herb that is rolled up like a cigar. We light one end of the moxa cigar and hold the warm end near acupuncture points to warm the skin. Moxa therapy is ideal for treating constipation in weak, cold, or geriatric cats. Inhaling the burning moxa is beneficial for cats, just as the warmth is, but some asthmatic cats may react poorly to moxa.
Western herbs
Western herbs used for constipated cats are chosen as carefully as Chinese herbs. Western herbs for constipation may include chickweed, marshmallow, licorice, barberry root, dandelion root, anise, and aloe.
Coming Up
We’ll cover enemas, laxatives, suppositories, and drugs used to treat feline constipation in the coming days.
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