What is it?
This syndrome is a very upsetting and common condition. Also know as Spastic Colon. It occurs because the muscles that lie in the gut or intestines don’t function properly causing irritation, spasm and pain. Erratic contractions of the wall of the intestines causes normal peristalsis movement (wave like action that propels food through the digestive system) to become irregular. The illeocaecal valve (valve in the bowels) is also prone to spasmodic attacks. Bowels may not empty properly and faeces can be like rabbit like pellets. In severe cases blood may also be seen in the bowel motion/stool.
What are the symptoms?
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Flatulence
- Cramps & Spasms
- Irritation and Inflammation of the intestines
- Low back pain
- Haemorroids
- mucous or blood in the stool
What factors influence it?
- Stress
- Diet
- Lifestyle
- Food intolerances
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- Organ Imbalances
What can TCM do?
IBS is known as 'Liver invading the Spleen' in Chinese medicine. The function of the Liver is to ensure the smooth circulation of Qi around the body and by doing this it aids all the other organs in their functions. When the Liver is out of balance then it can upset other organs, and in this case the Spleen, (i.e. the digestive system). The Liver is particularly affected by stress, anger, bitterness, frustration, and resentment. Excessive stress and lack of exercise will cause the energy (Qi) of the Liver to stagnate and this in turn will affect other organs. When the liver qi stagnates, this causes constipation and while the spleen qi is weak, this causes diarrhoea. It is the disharmony between these two that explains that alternation between constipation and diarrhoea.
So why are some people affected and not others? If the digestive system (Spleen in Chinese medicine) is strong then it is still able to function adequately even though the Liver maybe out of balance. In other words, for IBS to occur there needs to be an imbalance in both the Liver and the Spleen (digestive system). Thus, to treat IBS it is important to smooth the flow of the Liver's energy and to strengthen the digestive process. Along with acupuncture, this will involve eating food which is easier for the body to digest. Often stress is unavoidable but there are ways to help ourselves cope better and the main one is exercise.
IBS is a much used term now for a whole variety of digestive disorders. It seems that it is often given as a diagnosis when nothing else can be found. This means I have seen a large variety of patients with this diagnosis that present with symptoms such as bloating, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation or abdominal pain. Chinese medicine is more refined in this case and distinguish these clearly as differing problems. For this reason acupuncture and Chinese medicine can get good results in treating IBS. It is important to note that with all digestive disorders, appropriate diet and lifestyle changes may be necessary.
Irritable bowel syndrome can be treated effectively with acupuncture, herbal medicine or a combination of both.
TREATMENT
As different people experience different symptoms, which can improve or disprove for various reasons, it is important to do a full consultation on each client. This can take up to an hour and involve Chinese Medicine, incorporating tongue and pulse diagnosis, a food intolerance test, stress management, diet, lifestyle and nutritional deficiencies. For example where there has been a lot of stress over a long period of time, the person may not be absorbing adequate nutrition from their food. If there has been ongoing diarrhoea then the person may be deficient in major nutrients eg magnesium. Inflammation and irritation in the intestines responds well to specific Chinese Herbs. For low back pain or bowel spasm, and stress, Acupuncture is useful. For severe constipation it is important that food is chewed well, that sufficient water is being consumed and that regular healthy eating habits are adhered to. A healthy lifestyle is also paramount. This should include enough sleep and regular activity eg; walking. Treatment may include, lifestyle changes, food intolerance diet, Acupuncture, specific herbs and nutrition, stress management and dietary changes.
Where there are food intolerances, a food exclusion diet will be introduced and fully explained. In most cases alternative foods will be suggested and explained. A food exclusion diet may change the client’s nutritional intake and in those cases specific nutritional supplements may be advised.
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http://www.acupuncture.com/testimonials/ibs1.htm
Joanne Mc Govern – Dip Ac., Lic Ac., Dip. Chinese Herbs, Dip. Nutritional Advisor, Dip Stress Management.
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