The article was professionally consulted by Nhuyen Huyen Nhung,MSc,MD - Gastroenterologist, Department of Outpatient and Internal Medicine, Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Managing colonic spasms at home is a concern for many individuals who have experienced this discomfort. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective remedies that can be practiced at home, such as deep breathing exercises, performing specific yoga poses, or gently massaging the abdomen.
Colonic spasms refer to abdominal pain caused by functional disturbances in the colon. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as cramping abdominal pain (ranging from mild to severe), fever, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and more.
Below are some easy and practical home remedies to help relieve colonic spasms. While these methods may provide temporary relief, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional afterward to ensure proper treatment and to prevent recurrence or complications that could affect overall health.
1. Relieving Colon Spasms at Home with Herbal Teas
Herbal teas, such as ginger tea and chamomile tea, are simple yet effective remedies for managing colon spasms at home.
Ginger is rich in antioxidants and boasts powerful anti-inflammatory properties, while chamomile is known for its antispasmodic effects. Together, they can help alleviate colon spasms and provide relief from digestive discomforts like bloating.
Another widely used home remedy for colitis is guava leaves, which many people have found beneficial.
2. Abdominal Massage for Effective Relief of Colonic Spasms
Abdominal massage is a simple yet highly effective method to reduce pain from colonic spasms. To perform this technique, patients can either lie down or stand, placing their palm over the navel and gently massaging in a clockwise motion. The massage should be slow and gentle, lasting for 5-10 minutes.
This technique, when done from right to left, helps stimulate digestion, soothe intestinal contractions, prevent constipation, and alleviate the pain associated with colonic spasms. It’s beneficial not only during episodes of pain but also as a daily practice (twice a day) to help regulate bowel movements. However, it’s important to avoid massaging the abdomen immediately after eating a large meal, when the stomach is empty, or when the body is fatigued.
3. Home Remedy for Colonic Spasms - Warm Compress for the Abdomen
In addition to abdominal massage, using heat to soothe colonic spasms is an effective remedy. Patients can apply a warm compress, either by using a heat pad or by heating salt or rice, placing it in a cloth bag, and gently pressing it against the abdomen. The warmth enhances blood circulation in the area, providing relief and easing the pain.
4. Yoga for Effectively Relieving Colonic Spasms
Yoga is an excellent method for managing colonic spasms, as it promotes physical relaxation and mental well-being. Below are a few simple yoga poses that can be easily practiced at home to alleviate colonic spasms:
- Deep Breathing in Supine Position: Lie on your back and focus on deep breathing. This exercise can be continued for an additional 10 minutes, maintaining normal breathing rhythm.
- Coordinated Stretching: Sit on a mat or bed, keeping your back straight and legs extended. Relax your arms by your sides. Inhale deeply while raising both arms above your head, extending them forward with your palms facing each other, and direct your gaze toward your fingertips. Hold the position, then gently bend forward, trying to touch your fingertips to your ankles. Stay in this position for a few minutes, then slowly return to the starting posture. Performing this yoga stretch regularly, especially in the mornings, can bring noticeable improvements.
- Abdominal Crunches: Start by lying on your back with your legs straight and your hands placed on your chest. Inhale deeply, and as you exhale, use your heels and hips to lift your upper body into a sitting position while gently wrapping your arms around your abdomen.
5. Using Herbal Remedies to Relieve Colonic Spasms
There are various ways to alleviate the pain associated with colonic spasms at home, such as abdominal massage, warm compresses, drinking herbal teas, or practicing yoga.
In addition to lifestyle and dietary changes, the use of herbal remedies combined with natural active ingredients can significantly help reduce colonic spasms and prevent recurrence. Recently, researchers have discovered that a combination of certain herbs, such as Fructus Quisqualis, ImmunebioV, and other beneficial botanicals, has shown promising results for individuals suffering from colonic spasms. Specifically:
Zinc gluconate and ImmunebioV (Lactobacillus rhamnosus cell wall): This compound has been found to effectively modulate and stimulate the immune system. After the bacterial cell wall is broken down, it has been shown to be significantly more effective at stimulating the immune system compared to live bacteria.
Fructus Quisqualis, Cinnabar, and Atractylodes: These herbs help prevent the causes of colitis and support the healing of damaged intestinal mucosa.
Atractylodes, ImmunebioV (Lactobacillus rhamnosus cell wall), Scutellaria baicalensis, Fructus Quisqualis, Cinnabar, and DMG: This combination improves digestion, promotes the healing of the intestinal lining, and alleviates symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, and loose stools caused by colonic spasms.
The therapeutic effects of herbs like Fructus Quisqualis, ImmunebioV, Cinnabar, and Atractylodes are enhanced when prepared using advanced technologies, which ensure optimal concentrations of active compounds. Therefore, patients should consider purchasing products that contain these ingredients, carefully formulated and manufactured using modern production methods to achieve maximum effectiveness in treating colonic spasms.
In conclusion, to improve symptoms of colonic spasms, patients can incorporate these herbal remedies alongside other home treatments while adhering to their prescribed treatment plan and using herbal products daily.
