Section 1:
Welcome

This section is all about preparing you to get the most out of this course.We’ll talk about how to navigate course materials, how we recommend taking the course, and what you can expect to get out of this experience.

Section 2:
Nutrition

There’s tons of nutrition advice and information out there - but we’ve boiled it down in this section to the elements that are most important for relieving constipation:• Fiber
• Hydration
• Foods that help constipation
• Food sensitivities/intolerances
• Foods to avoid for constipationFor each, you'll learn specific strategies for determining if any of these areas might be the root cause of your constipation, and if so, what you can do about it.

Section 3:
Gut Health

This section is all about gut health. You'll learn the tools and strategies you need to optimize your gut health in a way that relieves constipation.We’ll cover:• IMO
• “The Beet Test”
• Autoimmune SIBO
• What gut dysbiosis is
• Impaired Migrating Motor Complex

Section 4:
Medical Considerations

This section covers medical concerns that can cause constipation.Sometimes constipation is the symptom of another condition - and this section will help you determine if that’s the case for you and what you can do about it, including a script you can give to your provider to ask for testing.

Section 5:
Stress

Even people who wouldn't think of themselves as “stressed” are often surprised to find out how effective some simple relaxation practices can be in relieving their constipation.In this section, we’re going to talk about:• A simple “stress test”
• Trauma and Emotional distress
• How stress causes constipation
• Stress management techniques

Section 6:
Exercise and Movement

Exercise and movement is another lifestyle factor where a little effort can lead to outsized results in terms of constipation relief.This section details how to pinpoint if movement might be an area for you to focus on, and some specific movements and exercises that can help relieve constipation:• How to increase blood flow
• How to breathe optimally
• The importance of core strength

Section 7:
Acupuncture

Acupuncture is another powerful tool we can add to our constipation-relief toolbelt - and unfortunately, it’s often overlooked by conventional medicine practitioners.In this section, you'll learn:• Why constipation occurs from an acupuncturists perspective
• Where energy imbalances come from and how to correct them
• A specific acupressure point for constipation relief
• A “bathroom meditation” practice

Section 8:
Supplements

In this section, you'll learn about using supplements for constipation.From pro-kinetics, to herbal supplements, to bitters, to probiotics.You should talk to your medical provider before taking any new supplement - and supplements should be viewed as a support in your journey to relieve constipation, not the sole answer.
That being said, there are some supplements we'll discuss here that can have a huge positive impact on constipation for some people.

Section 9:
Testing Recommendations

We'll cover our general testing recommendations and guide you through discovering the root cause of your constipation, so you can be targeted and strategic about the interventions you choose to use from this course.

Section 10:
Common Questions

In this section, we'll answer some of the most common questions we get about constipation:• Why does constipation get worse when I travel?
• I can't tell if my probiotic is working - should I keep taking it?
• What is the difference between Pro-kinetics and Laxatives?
• Why do I experience swings between constipation and diarrhea?
• What do to if badly constipated/bloated for 5-7 days?
• And more!

ARACELI BENAVIDES, CNS, IFMCP

Araceli will be your main instructor.She is a functional nutritionist at Capital Integrative Health. She has a master's degree in integrative medicine from Georgetown University, is a Certified Nutrition Specialist, and is a licensed dietician and nutritionist.Araceli has helped 100s of patients overcome constipation with personalized natural interventions.

Dr. Andrew Wong, MD IFMCP

Dr. Wong is the Medical Director of Capital Integrative Health.He specializes in root cause medicine with extensive advanced training and certifications in holistic, integrative, and functional medicine, acupuncture, and meditation.

Silvia Hazel, FNP

Silvia is a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with a passion for working with patients to help them understand subtle cues of the body, as well as recognizing any mental and emotional barriers to healing.Silvia has worked extensively with patients struggling with tick born infections, mold toxicity and heavy toxic loads, gut dysfunction, and hormonal concerns.

Kari Willford, LMT

Kari is a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) and an expert-level, John F. Barnes (JFB) myofascial release therapist.Kari believes in your personal empowerment and guiding you in self-treatment techniques beyond the treatment room.

Jared Urchek, M.Ac, L.Ac, CZB

Jared is a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac), Certified Zero Balancing Practitioner, and Reiki practitioner.He holds a master's degree in Acupuncture with deep, focused training in the Five-Element system.

Dr. Hiza Mbwana, DPT

Dr. Hiza Mbwana is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).He earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Northeastern University and has been practicing in Maryland for over 13 years. He is passionate about helping his clients reach optimal wellness by addressing the whole body.

"CIH has been an important step in my wellness. I've always been pretty uncomfortable and skeptical with members of the medical community, but this practice [has] been a completely different experience!"

S.W., DC Area

"Compassionate care delivered by a team trained through the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM)."

V.M., DC Area

"My mind was blown. A doctor that's actually has my best interest in mind, interested in working with me to discover a holistic plan for my wellness and and isn't just rushing me through my appointment to get to the next patient!? Capital Integrative Health has raised the health care system's bar in my opinion and I look forward to continuing my health and wellness journey with them."

J.M., DC Area