Is Acupuncture Good for IBS, Loose Stool, Bloating, and Other Digestive Complaints?
Going through life with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be incredibly disruptive. Productivity at work is affected, and it can influence travel decisions and strain relationships. These difficulties are often all because you never know when to run to the bathroom. Many patients find this incredibly embarrassing or difficult to talk about.
Sadly, most people never seek help for this issue, either because it is taboo to talk about or because there is a lack of understanding about options. Additionally, many doctors cannot offer anything more than temporary relief of some of the symptoms. Fortunately, there is hope. Acupuncture has been effectively treating digestive issues for thousands of years.
Some symptoms of IBS include bloating, gas, decreased appetite, pain, alternation of constipation and diarrhea are typical and easily guessed. But most symptoms are associated with this that you may not easily guess. Bowel problems such as IBS can also trigger symptoms such as
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Concentration issues
- Joint pain
- Muscle weakness
- Depression
- Anxiety
Many of our patients are surprised to learn this.
What Are the Causes of These Digestive Issues?
Sometimes, getting relief may be as simple as avoiding foods that trigger this problem. In more complex or challenging cases, many factors often need to be considered:
- Stress
- Gut motility issues (gastroparesis)
- Poor liver function
- Decreased pancreatic enzyme production
- Irregular stomach acid production
- Overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the intestines
- Chronic inflammation of the gut lining
- Core muscle tone
Can Acupuncture Help IBS/Bloating/Etc.?
Chinese medicine has repeatedly demonstrated its value in solving many types of digestive problems that trigger chronic bowel irritation. One recent double-blind study conducted by the University of Sydney was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. This study showed that at the end of the treatment process, both groups treated with Chinese medicine for IBS showed significant improvement compared to patients taking the placebo.
This study is just one example. Beyond the studies, we believe in taking the time to understand our patient’s unique symptoms and do the investigative work necessary to provide a sustainable and long-lasting solution to digestive complaints.
You can also read about related conditions:
How is Centered: Richmond Different?
What we do to solve digestive problems goes way beyond the typical marking of symptoms often achieved with medications. We examine every angle of our patient’s history and presentation to try to understand the unique sets of symptoms and correct the root of the problem. We also provide a safe, judgment-free, relaxing environment where our patients can feel heard and understood.
If you’re struggling with irregular digestion or other gut issues, scheduling a complimentary consultation or taking a dip over to our homepage to consider services for acupuncture in Richmond, Virginia, could help.
References:
(Inside Tract® newsletter issue – 161 May/June 2007 Journal of the American Medical Association. 1998. 280:1585-1589.)