Managing your IBS With Acupuncture
A course of acupuncture treatments can break the cycle of abdominal cramping, pain and alternating diarrhea and constipation. Many of my clients have managed their IBS with the use of acupuncture.
Acupuncture will increase the movement of Qi or energy in our bodies. More than likely, your IBS symptoms are due to stuck Qi.
This means your energy is not flowing like it normally should. Acupuncture will find where the Qi is stuck and encourage the normal flow of Qi. When this happens, you start feeling better.
The acupuncture points chosen are based on your particular pattern of disharmony. Not everyone with IBS will be treated exactly the same way with acupuncture.
Herbal Formulas -
Herbal formulas are selected based on your particular pattern of disharmony.
Not everyone will receive the same recommendation for similar IBS problems, as you may have other health problems.
Herbal formulas usually have to be purchased from your acupuncturist as very few are available over the counter. I keep a selection of formulas in the office and can special order herbs and formulas as needed. (Please note – special orders require pre-payment).
Stress Reduction -
I generally consider IBS as a stress related illness. Even Western medicine recognizes the role of stress in IBS. Usually, they recommend stress reduction, counseling or even psychotherapy.
Consider ways to reduce stress in your life. Such as:
- prayer
- meditation
- exercise
- making time to visit with friends and family
- doing something enjoyable like reading a book, watching a movie, going out.
Only you can determine what is stressful to you and what is not. If you feel your job is too stressful then you need to consider how to lessen or alleviate that stress. It’s always recommended to start with the small things first and if that doesn’t help then start tackling the big things.
Exercise -
Regular exercise helps to reduce stress and normalize bowel function, especially for those who are constipated.
The easiest exercise to include in your day is walking. Walking gets us out in the fresh air and you also get to meet your neighbors!
There are a number of studies out there that demonstrate that as little as a 10 minute walk is enough to change your mood! This always reminds me of my Grandmother who always advised us to take a walk when we would get mad at our spouse.
Dietary Changes -
Keep a Food Diary – using a notebook or a calendar, track everything you are eating and drinking. If you haven’t done this already, then this is a must.
You’ll see relationships to what you eat and drink and your IBS symptoms as well as to your mood. When you do experience an episode, make sure to consider everything you ate for the past 2 to 3 days, not just one day!
Rotation Diet – follow a Rotation Diet; eat one type of food only once every four days. Sometimes, eating the same food day in and day out will cause a food intolerance.
Elimination Diet – eliminate suspicious foods for 3 to 4 weeks, then re-introduce foods one at a time to see which ones cause problems. You may find that a certain food causes problems every time you eat it or you may find that a certain food only causes problems if consumed in excess.
Typical Foods to eliminate or reduce in your diet are:
- Foods from the cabbage family – any type of cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts
- Most nuts
- Alcohol
- Highly spiced foods such as cayenne peppers
- Dairy – milk, cheese, yogurt
Lifestyle Changes – These are changes we make in our daily life hoping to reduce stress and improve health. It can include most of the above.
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment about your Irritable Bowel Syndrome or other health problem, please give the office a call at (727) 771-7110.