IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a challenging disorder in which the intestines are no longer able to effectively move their contents. The main symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Less common symptoms include fatigue, headaches, anxiety and depression. Symptoms may be set off by stress, diet, medications, emotional factors or hormone levels.
Acupuncture and IBS
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer a safe, effective, and drug-free way to address IBS. This natural healthcare system views the body differently than Western medicine. According to Chinese medicine, the body is a garden and has to be cultivated and taken good care of in order to be strong and remain healthy. Good health is realized when all of the meridian systems and organs are balanced and working together.
How does the garden of the body grow?
According to Chinese medical theories, there are several causes for IBS.
One of these is a disturbance of the spleen, which is in charge of digesting and assimilating foods and liquids. One of its main functions is to aid in the production of spleen Qi. Spleen Qi powers and nourishes the entire body.
Another function of the spleen is to create blood from the food it breaks down and to change it into usable energy for your body. If your spleen isn’t in good shape, the energy levels will not support your body and illness may occur.
The spleen is quite susceptible to poor eating habits, antibiotics, too much worry or a weak constitution. When a weakened spleen cannot process or metabolize food well, “dampness” appears in the body. Dampness happens when rotting, undigested food sits in the gut. This causes a variety of symptoms. If dampness goes to your head, you may get headaches or be unable to concentrate. Over time, dampness can lead to fullness, bloating or loose stools.
Another possibility is an imbalance of the liver. According to Chinese medicine, the liver is related to emotional health. Stress and anger directly influence the function of your liver. Alcohol, drugs, medications and a poor diet will likely further compromise its function. When this happens, your liver energy overflows in a figurative sense and harmfully carries over to the spleen. If your spleen is already weakened, it can be easily overcome. The result can be stress-induced IBS.
If your liver is compromised, you may experience alternating diarrhea and constipation, as well as bloating, gas, headaches and dull pain. In this case, your liver may be the root of the problem, and your spleen a separate problem.
An imbalance in kidney Yang, which provides warmth to your body, could also cause IBS symptoms. This energy warms your spleen to help the digestion and breaking down of food. If your kidneys are compromised, you may have early-morning diarrhea or possibly bladder incontinence, weak knees, cold limbs or a sore back.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can reveal the underlying imbalance(s) that lead to IBS. Your practitioner will determine what meridian systems and organs are contributing to your IBS. They may also suggest complementary therapies such as dietary changes, herbs, breathing techniques and exercises to speed your healing.