Gut Reactions:
Acupuncture for IBD, IBS and other GI illnesses
Author: Blake Estape L.Ac.
In my clinic one thing I always discuss with patients is how their gut is doing. This may be strange to someone with back pain or anxiety, but anyone who has suffered from a GI dysfunction can tell you how vital the gut is.
The gastric system is so important that there is a whole school of oriental medicine theory based around it. Li Dong-Yuan, who lived around 1200 C.E., founded this school and believed that most illnesses arose from dysfunction of the stomach and intestines. 800 years later we are learning just how right he was with research finding gut ties to anxiety, diabetes, metabolic diseases, Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis.
Just as stunning is how effective acupuncture is at adjusting this crucial system. Acupuncture has been shown to play a regulatory role on the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for some of the functions of the stomach and intestines. Further studies show that acupuncture treatments directly moderate acid secretions and gastric motility, and relieve pain. Those patients who experience gastric upset as a result of emotional turmoil also benefit from the treatment’s calming effects.
How Treatments Work
Patients who are seeking help with gut issues often look to alternative treatments. This is because a holistic and multi-pronged approach is very effective at producing long-term relief. When someone comes to me for help acupuncture is the simplest part of the equation. Consultations involve deep-dives into the nature of their discomfort, their diet, lifestyle, and other contributing factors. A plan is created to address the causative roots of the issue while simultaneously addressing symptom management. Once the plan is in place acupuncture helps utilize the body’s own systems to initiate recovery.
An acupuncture treatment lasts about half an hour. During that time the patient rests comfortably, but their body is hard at work making adjustments. Afterwards the day-to-work of implementing the plan begins and gradually the dysfunctions are corrected.
Getting Started
Teamwork is an integral part of holistic medicine. A practitioner will ask several questions to make treatments more specific. If you are suffering from gastric discomfort, ask yourself these questions:
1. Is it affected by something specific that I eat? Almost always the answer is yes. Recognizing and avoiding triggering foods goes a long way to preventing flare-ups.
2. Is it affected by the time of day? Our organs work in cycles, if we overload the gastric system during the times when it is sluggish we can make problems worse. Recognize when you might want to take it easy – with food and activity.
3. Does hot or cold make a difference? Many times gastric pain can be tied to temperature, and not just from food. Moving into cold temperatures or having cold air blow on the abdomen is often a trigger for gastric distress.
4. Does my emotional state play a role? There are proven links between stress and bowel inflammation. Grief and worry can suppress gastric function.
Armed with this information you can begin to make common-sense adjustments to your life and start feeling better right away. Your practitioner will fine-tune the adjustments and add or subtract things based on your specific case.
Thousands of people around the world find relief from their GI issues with acupuncture every year. It is a natural, effective way to make substantive improvements to your quality of life. If you would like to learn more about how traditional Chinese medicine can help with a wide array of issues, call (786) 514-3942 or schedule your initial consultation today.
