What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (a.k.a. IBS, spastic colon or mucus colitis)?
IBS is a motility disorder that involves the small and large intestine that is associated with varying degrees of constipation or diarrhea, bloating, abdominal cramping and pain. It is called a functional bowel disorder because in conventional medicine there is no known structural, biochemical, or infectious cause. It is usually triggered by emotional factors like stress, after eating some foods, medications or hormones. The pain is usually relieved after a bowel movement.
Why do I constantly feel sick with a diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Our digestive system is also our immune system based on traditional Chinese medicine. If we have good digestion without bloating, gas, indigestion, reflux, or constipation we move closer to health. Without good digestion we constantly feel sick, catch cold’s and flu’s easily and lack energy. It’s because our immune system is on overtime dealing with gut inflammation instead of helping prevent illness. A host of related symptoms including headache, nausea, depression, anxiety or poor concentration can accompany digestive issues.
What is the natural treatment for IBS?
Acupuncture has been shown to help balance the digestive system without the need to take anything orally. There are acupuncture points designed to ease intestinal spasms, improve digestion, and harmonize the movement of food through the intestine. If tolerated, herbal medicine and whole food supplements are used to increase the secretion of digestive enzymes, bile and stomach acids to completely break down foods and prevent partially digested food from proceeding further down the small intestine causing inflammation. Stress relieving exercises with abdominal breathing like Tai chi or Qi gong can help reduce stress hormones and enhance relaxation.
