A lot of individuals suffering from IBS or irritable bowel syndrome feel like no type of treatment are good enough to relieve them of their symptoms. However, based on numerous studies, traditional Chinese medicine such as acupuncture has been shown to provide promising results in the treatment of IBS. These studies have recorded that acupuncture can definitely resolve IBS in a very safe way without requiring the use of pharmaceutical drugs.

Irritable bowel syndrome, sometimes called mucus colitis or spastic colon is considered a syndrome since it comprises a number of symptoms that differ from patient to patient. It is an abnormal movement of the large and small intestines. Symptoms manifested in IBS can include diarrhea or constipation usually in alternating instances, diarrhea and/or constipation and stomach pain and cramping. IBS can also manifest along with other gastrointestinal conditions such as nausea, bloating and gas. Stress can exacerbate the symptoms of IBS although they can also get worse by eating – the symptoms are usually lessened after a bowel movement. In the United States, about 10% to 20% of the whole population suffers from IBS symptoms of IBS. Women are thrice more likely to be affected by this condition than men.

The real reason that causes IBS is a mystery to the medical establishment. This disorder is not due to a structural problem. This means that IBS is not an infectious or a biochemical disorder and the body does not undergo an anatomical change because of it. Researchers are testing the theory that the gut and the brain are connected to each other which helps explain why a lot of flare ups are affected by emotional stress or upsets.

For Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM, IBS is seen as an imbalance between the Spleen and the Liver. The organ system governing the normal flow of substances all over the body is the Liver. Due to high stress or emotions, the flow can slow down or stagnate the blood and vital energy (chi) can be upset by emotions or stress, leading to the slow down of blood or energy. TCM sees the Spleen as connected with the digestive function and the conversion of food into blood and chi collectively known as energy. Lack of exercise, fatigue, over worrying, overwork, and too much intake of poor quality foods are some of the factors that can weaken the spleen system. An unsmooth flowing Liver and a weak Spleen causes the Liver to overact on the Spleen causing symptoms that manifest as IBS.

A disharmony in the Liver and Spleen may look the same to an episode of diarrhea and a short-term appetite loss during certain times of emotional stress. The difference is that with IBS, the phenomenon happens in a slow pace – the stress or emotional trauma occurs over a long period of time with the IBS symptoms lasting last for years.

Acupuncturists are well trained to deal with a disharmony of the Liver/Spleen. What TCM modality to be used (lifestyle modifications, diet modifications, Chinese herbal remedies and acupuncture) may differ from patient to patient.

Certain changes in lifestyle that can help resolve IBS symptoms can involve:

• Performing adequate exercise that helps relieve constipation normalizes the bowels, moves energy and relieves stress
• Availing techniques to relieve stress like quiet time, breathing exercises, yoga, visualization or meditation. The relief of stress is very important to better manage IBS symptoms.
• changes in the diet – Diet alteration needs to be customized to fit the needs your needs and needs to focus on excluding foods that trigger symptoms as well increase more fiber to the diet. The fiber needs to b soluble fiber since it is more favorable on the GI tract. Split peas and lentils (legumes), berries, and oatmeal are foods of the soluble fiber sort. Crude fiber like raw vegetables (and their skin), and oat bran can irritate the stomach lining and need to be avoided since they can trigger the symptoms. Carbonated drinks, chocolate caffeine, alcohol, dairy products and fatty or greasy foods are common triggers and likewise need to be avoided.
• Probiotics – these are supplements that can take the place of the beneficial bacteria in the gut required for digestion. One ideal form of probiotics is yogurt and supplements such as lactobacillus acidophilus readily available in many natural foods outlets.
• Sleeping adequately is very important to keeping stress the most common trigger of IBS symptoms, low. Moreover, the body heals and regenerates faster when the person gets enough sleep.

Synoma Wellness Centre
2150 Alt. 19, Suite B,
Palm Harbor, FL 34683
(727) 785-5950
https://www.palmharboracupuncture.com/