Acupuncture for IBS
We all know of (or are) that person with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The gas, bloating, cramps, pain and frequent (or too infrequent) trips to the bathroom. Continually dealing with constipation or diarrhea and the associated dread with travel, as new routines can push symptoms over the edge for days or weeks. IBS has an enormous impact on quality of life, yet conventional treatments are rarely effective alone, creating the need for effective alternative treatment.
Medications and the low FODMAP diet are stopgaps and do not typically address causative, underlying factors. Acupuncture and herbal support can address root causes, rather than just symptoms, helping people heal holistically from IBS.
It is well-established that IBS symptoms arise from disordered communication between the gut and brain. What causes this disruption is yet to be determined, but it is thought that genetics, infectious and chemical agents, and alterations to the microbiome all play a role in the development of IBS.
Disordered gut-brain communication results in:
1. Motility Disruption (alteration of the movement of food and waste in the gastrointestinal tract) ➜ diarrhea, constipation, gas and bloating.
2. Visceral Hypersensitivity (increased sensitivity to pain in the stomach and intestines) ➜ discomfort and pain.
3. Hyperarousal of the brain (specifically regions involved in emotional regulation) ➜ plays a role in anxiety and mood dysregulation.
Acupuncture works to restore healthy gut-brain communication. It does by regulating the enteric nervous system and it can help:
1. Alleviate Pain: Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters that reduce abdominal pain and discomfort.
2. Regulate Gut Motility: By affecting the autonomic nervous system, acupuncture can help normalize bowel movements, reducing diarrhea or constipation.
3. Reduce Inflammation: Some studies suggest acupuncture can modulate immune responses and reduce low-grade intestinal inflammation.
4. Decrease Stress and Anxiety: Acupuncture promotes relaxation and may lower cortisol levels, helping to alleviate stress-induced IBS symptoms.
Herbal medicine can also treat IBS by tapping into the power of phytochemicals. These healing plant compounds work with the body to:
1. Quell Inflammation: Many herbs can reduce intestinal inflammation. We determine which anti-inflammatory herbs will be most effective for you given your unique symptoms and biochemical makeup.
2. Support Detoxification of Chemicals and Pathogens: Treating IBS often involves identifying if there are pathogenic factors (chemical or microbial) and helping the body clear them. Unless the toxic burden is low, detoxification cannot be done effectively with acupuncture alone. Detoxification requires internal treatment with herbal medicine and support from a nutrient-dense diet.
3. Increase Resiliency to Stress: Emotional stress can play a big role in IBS. Adaptogenic herbs can fortify the body during times of stress by counteracting the harmful effects of stress hormones on the body.
4. Modulate Peristalsis: Herbs can help speed or slow the transit of food in the GI tract, assisting in regularity of bowel movements.
5. Reduce Bloating: Bloating often resolves when we address the above factors. For females, bloating may have a component related to reproductive organs and hormones. Herbs and acupuncture are fantastic for addressing overlapping symptoms of digestive and reproductive imbalances.
If you have IBS and want to know if you can benefit from treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine, email us to schedule a free, 20-minute discovery call: hello@alamereacupuncture.com
