Acupuncture for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder, but many people don't recognize its symptoms, which include abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and more. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to IBS, using acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and nutrition. In TCM, the spleen, liver, and gallbladder are essential for digestive health. Stress can weaken the spleen and cause liver Qi stagnation, affecting energy flow. Acupuncture works to balance these systems and remove excess heat and dampness, which TCM identifies as primary causes of IBS.
Acupuncture Points for IBS
Rubbing acupuncture points with your finger for 30 - 60 seconds can stimulate and promote the circulation of Qi within your own body, restoring health and well-being.
Stomach 36 (ST 36): On the outside of the leg, approximately one hand width below the kneecap, just off the bone. Functions: Increases stamina and energy, provides stability and grounding, heals effects on the body of too much worrying and thinking.
Conception Vessel 12 (CV 12): On the center line of the body, halfway between the navel and the place where the ribs come together. Functions: Regulates the Stomach Qi and tonifies Spleen deficiency. Affects the face, throat, chest, lungs and digestive systems.
Conception Vessel 6: Three finger widths directly below the belly button. Functions: Alleviates pain in the lower abdomen, alleviates abdominal masses due to stagnation. Regulates uterus and good for irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhoea and digestive pain.
Conception Vessel 4: Roughly four finger widths directly below the belly button. Functions: Alleviates abdominal masses due to stagnation. Regulates uterus and good for irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhoea. Good for severe lower abdominal pain that radiates to genitals. Helpful for bladder infection. Strengthens the body and helps with diarrhea, lethargy, and weak limbs.
Healthy Tips
To help ease the discomfort of IBS, here are a few suggestions:
• Proper nutrition is considered one of the most important foundations to health and disease prevention. Avoid wheat, dairy, corn and products that contain carrageenan. You can also cut down on, smoking, recreational drugs, caffeine, refined sugar, icy cold and raw foods.
• Eating a high fiber diet can help regulate the bowels and keep them moving properly. Foods that are well-cooked and tender are helpful, such as: yams, sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, squash, green peas, dark leafy green vegetables, almonds, and ground flaxseeds.
• Eat your food more slowly and try to chew well. When you eat in a relaxed atmosphere, you’ll be able to digest better. Avoid watching television and standing while eating.
• A good breakfast substitute could be: high-fiber cereal, including oats, flaxseed meal, hemp seeds, brown rice or psyllium husks. You can also substitute dairy milk for almond or rice milk.
• Drinking a warm digestive tea prior to eating can help regulate your digestion and alleviate some discomfort. You may want to consider peppermint or ginger tea. Consuming a digestif to help with digestion.