Acupuncture
and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Do
you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? According to the
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
(IFFGD), an estimated 25-45 million people in the United States have
IBS (source).
This all-too-common disease is characterized by chronic stomach pain,
bloating, diarrhea, constipation, excess gas, and irregular bowel
movements. While there's no known cure for IBS, however, acupuncture
may offer relief.
A
recent study conducted by researchers in the U.K. found acupuncture
to offer relief of IBS symptoms. For the study, researchers split 233
IBS patients into two groups, one of which receive acupuncture plus
the usual care, while the second group strictly received the usual
care.
"Acupuncture
for irritable bowel syndrome provided an additional benefit over
usual care alone. The magnitude of the effect was sustained over the
longer term. Acupuncture should be considered as a treatment option
to be offered in primary care alongside other evidenced based
treatments,"
wrote researchers in the study's
conclusion.
So,
how is this Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) able to treat IBS?
Traditional Chinese belief states that our bodies have an active
energy force (Qi) which connects our organs and vital systems.
Normally, Qi flows without obstruction, traveling along defined paths
known as the meridian system. When a blockage occurs within the body,
blood becomes stagnant and systems are vulnerable to disease and
illness, which is where acupuncture comes into play.
Acupuncture
involves the placement of thin needles in specific areas of the body,
rightfully known as acupuncture
points.
While the exact number of acupuncture points has fluctuated over the
years, TCM practitioners give the ballpark figure of roughly 2,000,
all of which are spread across 12 major meridians and 8 secondary
meridians. The primary function of acupuncture is to restore Qi by
correcting blockages in the meridians. When Qi begins to flow,
diseases and health conditions such as IBS correct themselves.
Will
acupuncture cure your IBS? There's no enough evidence to definitively
say that it's a cure for IBS. However, numerous studies, including
the one cited above, attest to the healing power of acupuncture.
Whether you experience minor or severe symptoms as a result of IBS,
you should consider seeking acupuncture. It's a safe, painless and
highly effective way to treat a wide variety of diseases, only of
which is Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
What can I do before I begin acupuncture treatments...some natural self-care suggestions:
Peppermint
has been studied and used to help treat IBS discomfort. Because it is
a natural antispasmodic, peppermint can help decrease muscle spasms
in the gastrointestinal tract. Common ways to use peppermint include
peppermint tea or peppermint oil, both can be found at your local
health store and most grocery stores.
Ginger
can also be used to help IBS symptoms. Ginger works as an
anti-inflammatory and is thought to strengthen the gastric lining and
decrease nausea. You can buy ginger tea as well as make your own by
boiling water with ginger root.
Fennel
can immensely help bloating and gas due to IBS. Fennel is considered
a carminative, meaning it has properties that prevent the formation
of excess gas in the gastrointestinal tract. Fennel can also help
heartburn, indigestion and common stomach pain. You can find fennel
seeds in your local health food store and can be used to make tea.
Give
me a call today to learn how you can get back on track to better
health!
Kathy E Thomas
Lake Premier Wellness Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
2430 South Bay Street, Eustis, FL 32726
352-323-0795
