According to the 1996 National Health Interview Survey, about 3 million people in the United States have frequent constipation. Those reporting constipation most often are women and adults age 65 and over. Pregnant women may have constipation, and it is a common problem following childbirth or surgery. To understand constipation, it helps to know how the colon (large intestine) works. As food moves through the colon, it absorbs water while forming waste products, or stool. Muscle contractions in the colon push the stool toward the rectum. By the time stool reaches the rectum, it is solid because most of the water has been absorbed.

Homeopathy

Seek a homeopath's advice. "Used in conjunction with diet and lifestyle changes, homeopathic medicines provide an extra little push in relieving constipation," says homeopath Dana Ullman. Among the medicines he prescribes are Bryonia, as a stool softener; Calcarea carbonica, for those who don't feel the urge to go; and Nux vomica, for those who feel the urge but don't pass anything. Which medicine will work best for you depends on your individual symptoms.

Chinese Medicine

Stick to spicy stimulators. Among practicioners of Chinese medicine, it is thought that constipation develops when there is an imbalance in the Large Intestine and Stomach organ systems, according to Efrem Korngold, O.M.D., L.Ac.

When treating patients who have constipation, practitioners of Chinese medicine often prescribe spicy foods to stimulate peristalsis. These foods include ginger, radishes, orange peel, persimmons, and rhubarb. In cases of mild constipation associated with indigestion or a cold, practitioners may also prescribe Curing Pills, which contain 15 different herbs.

Point a finger at the problem. Acupressure has proved effective in stimulating a balky bowel. Michael Reed Gach, founder and director of the Acupressure Institute, recommends applying steady, penetrating finger pressure to each of the following points for 3 minutes.

Large Intestine 11, located at the outer end of your elbow crease on the thumb side

Large Intestine 4, located on the back of your hand where the bones of your thumb and index finger meet

Conception Vessel 6, located three finger-widths directly below your navel

Stomach 25, located four finger-widths to either side of your navel

Stomach 36, located four finger-widths below your kneecap and one finger?width toward the outside of your shin?bone

If acupressure doesn't provide relief from constipation, consult an acupuncturist instead. Frequently, needle stimulation by a professional works when finger pressure doesn't.