ACUPUNCTURE CAN TREAT IBS AND IBD SYMPTOMS
There are a few different types of digestive and bowel disorders that acupuncture can help treat. The main thing we will be writing about in this article is the difference between Irritable Bowel Syndrom (IBS) and Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD). Symptomology can be quite different for these two so we will try to clear up any confusion and introduce natural ways of treatment.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
This is a milder type of digestive disorder. With IBS there is generally no internal inflammation. This type of disorder generally does not include ulceration within the digestive track as well but does include symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, gas, mucus in the stool, and maybe alternating diarrhea and constipation. These symptoms are not that severe and can be treated naturally with acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbs. Our acupuncturists in encino and Sherman oaks specialize calming the digestive track and getting it to work the way it is designed to function. At Balance Within we generally incorporate a specific diet along with acupuncture and herbs for IBS. IF you have any further questions about how acupuncture can help with your IBS please do not hesitate to call our office and ask one of our acupuncture specialists about acupuncture and IBS.
Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD is a condition which is more sever than IBS. It is used as an umbrella term used for more specific digestive issues that may be occurring. These issues typical cause an inflammatory response in the digestive tract anywhere from the throat to the bottom of the anus. Disorders that fall under IBD are generally known as but not limited to: ulcerative colitis, Crohns disease and more. Before we move any further, it should be noted that acupuncture for colitis and acupuncture treatment for crohns can be very effective and a natural way of treating the issue. At Balance Within our acupuncturists in encino specialize in targeting the inflammatory process of IBD and treating its syptoms with acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbs.
a. Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
Ulcerative Colitis is generally focused to where its name presumes, in the colon also known as the large intestine. With UC there are usually times of where the condition is worse and times where the condition is better or none existent. This waxing and waning is the normal characteristic of UC. Generally when there is a flare up, this is when inflammation is at its highest point. It is imperative that at this point acupuncture is incorporated into a weekly routine. Acupuncture for ulcerative colitis help reduce the inflammation in the colon and increases circulation of oxygen which helps reduce any pain at the same time. This decrease in inflammation with acupuncture in turn will help reduce or stop any bleeding, pus, and discomfort. Our acupuncturists in encino and Sherman oaks specialize in reducing this inflammation with colitis so the patient can have pain relief and normal bowel movements.
b. Crohn’s Disease (CD)
With Crohn’s there is a constant inflammation condition in the gastrointestinal tract. Usually this inflammation and irritation affects the end of the small intestine bowel called the ileum and the beginning of the the colon. When compared to ulcerative colitis, this usually only affects the colon which is also known as the large intestine. There are many different modalities and treatments one can do for these ailments and using acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbs is one of them.Acupuncture is shown to decrease inflammation naturally in the digestive tract and decrease the symptoms of Crohn’s. For more information please contact our office and speak to one of our acupuncturists that specialize in IBD disorders.
