Abstract
Abstract:Background: Constipation is the term describing either infrequent bowel movements, difficult
evacuation of stool, hard stool or a sensation of incomplete defecation (Longmore, 2012). The
effects of constipation compound from impacting on the person’s physical health to effecting
their moods and influencing their social life (Marks, 2012). Most conventional treatments strive
to treat only local symptoms and do not address concomitant symptoms of constipation.
Alternative treatment options such as homeopathy offer a more holistic approach and can be
adopted; however, further research is needed to establish its effectiveness in treating
constipation.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of individualised homeopathic
treatment on chronic constipation in adults.
Methodology: This was a case study research design conducted at the University of
Johannesburg Homeopathy Health Training Centre. Thirteen adults between the ages of 18 to
50 years who met the Rome II criteria for constipation were selected for participation and ten
participants completed the study. The study consisted of four consultations per participant over
a six week period. At the initial meeting a comprehensive case history was taken and analysed
according to the principles of classical homeopathic prescribing and the best suited
homeopathic remedy was administered. Data collection was in the form of case studies, which
were analysed and described. The Bowel Function Diary and Bristol Stool Form Scale were
used to assess changes in defecation quality and frequency and the results of these were then
represented in the form of graphs.
Results: The results of the case studies were positive and holistic. They indicated an
improvement in stool frequency for all ten participants, and an improvement in stool form and
ease of evacuation for the majority of the participants. The participants also reported that they
experienced a better state of general and emotional wellbeing during the course of the research
study. These results support previous findings which suggest that when an individualised
homeopathic approach is correctly applied in a clinical setting, it is an effective approach for
the management of chronic constipation in adults.