>> Diseases
and Conditions Treated by Chinese Medicine
and Acupuncture
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine for
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a blanket term for several digestive problems affecting the intestines and bowel. IBS is a “functional” diagnosis—meaning that a patient diagnosed with IBS exhibits symptoms of illness—like compromised or irregular bowel function--and the problem cannot be linked to any known virus, bacteria or disease. IBS can be an uncomfortable, sometimes embarrassing, and even painful problem for many Americans. In fact, 10 to 15% of the American population are said to suffer from IBS—and IBS affects three times more women than men.
IBS is can be characterized by several symptoms including: gas, abdominal pain, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, mucus in the stool, and irregular bowel movements. There is no known single cause for IBS, but it IBS flare-ups have been found to be triggered by a few specific factors, the most common of which are: stress, food, change in exercise patterns, and hormonal imbalances. Often times, IBS flare-ups are related to a woman’s menstrual activity.
There may be several causes for developing IBS. Frequently IBS can be linked to dietary issues. Heavily processed foods containing excess grease, sugars or chemicals are difficult for the body to assimilate. Eating these foods can weigh down the digestive system, causing an imbalance that Chinese medical practitioners refer to as “dampness.” Another trigger of digestive woes can be an excess of stress or worry. These emotions create tension that can physically disrupt the digestive process, causing IBS symptoms. Irregular or difficult menstrual cycles are also linked to irritable bowel symptoms. All these problems can be addressed and alleviated with the guidance of a Chinese medical practitioner.
Acupuncture is especially well suited to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) focus on healing the root cause of the patient’s IBS, as opposed to the Western medical model of simply treating the symptoms. To treat the root, acupuncture and Chinese herbs are used to both strengthen the digestive system while they also reduce the stress and tension affecting the digestive system. A more robust digestive system is much more able to withstand the effects of stress and reduced stress gives the digestive system the space to strengthen and heal. Since each person experiences IBS with their own unique set of symptoms, the acupuncturist will come up with a unique treatment plan for the individual patient’s needs.
If you are experiencing IBS, I
encourage you to give acupuncture a try. It is an
effective, non-invasive, and drug free way to finally
experience relief from this elusive disorder.
Acupuncture is such an effective treatment for IBS, in
fact, that both the National Institute of Health and the
World Health Organization deemed acupuncture as an
appropriate treatment for IBS symptoms like cramping,
bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Please call to
talk, or to set up an appointment if you are ready to
look into acupuncture to restore your health.
