A Constipation is passing motion(stools) less than three times a week.
Severe constipation is passing motion less than one time a week.

In India people have the habit of passing stools daily in the morning,if they don't pass stools,they feel it is constipation.

If you have irregular stools but no discomfort than you need not worry.The area of concern is if you have hard stools, difficulty in passing stools (straining),a sense of incomplete emptying or distension of abdomen then you should take care.

There is no medical reason to have a bowel movement every day. Going without a bowel movement for two or three days does not cause physical discomfort, Only mental distress for some people. Contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence that "toxins" accumulate when bowel movements are infrequent or that constipation leads to cancer.

The number of bowel movements generally decreases with age. Ninety-five percent of adults have bowel movements between three and 21 times per week and this would be considered normal. The most common pattern is one bowel movement a day, but this pattern is seen in less than 50% of people. Moreover, most people are irregular and do not have bowel movements every day or the same number of bowel movements each day.

Constipation also can alternate with diarrhea. This pattern commonly occurs as part of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). One of the extreme types of constipation is faecal impaction. In faecal impaction the stool hardens in the rectum and prevents the passage of any stool.

CAUSES:
Not enough fiber in the diet
Lack of physical activity (especially in the elderly)
Medications
Milk
Irritable bowel syndrome
Changes in life or routine such as pregnancy,ageing, and travel
Abuse of laxatives
Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
Dehydration
Specific diseases or conditions, such as stroke (most common)
Problems with the colon and rectum
Problems with intestinal function (chronic idiopathic constipation)


HOMOEPATHIC TREATMENT:
Constipation can be the only symptom or it may be one of the symptoms of a disease.We try to find out the cause of the constipation and start the treatment.We also take into consideration whether it has started recently or from long duration.We have very good treatment for all types of constipation.
If constipation is left untreated it can lead to piles and fissures.

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES:Apis Mel,Aesculus,Arsenic Alb,Bryonia,Cocculus,Cal carb,Causticum,Collinsonia,Graphitis,Lac defloratum,Lycopodium,Phosphorus,Plumbum etc..