IBS (irritable Bowel Syndrome)
What is IBS?
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterised by chronic digestive symptoms like; abdominal pain, bloating, gas, changes is bowel habits, diarrhoea, constipation or alternating stools.
What causes IBS:
The exact cause of IBS is still unknown, but it is understood to result from a combination of factors, including dysregulation of the gut-brain axis, intestinal hypersensitivity, altered gut motility and changed to the gut microbiome. Stress, diet, hormonal changes have all been seen to trigger or exacerbate the symptoms of IBS.
How is IBS diagnosed?
Unfortunately there is no test for IBS and as it does not cause structural damage to the digestive tract so therefore cant be seen on images. Therefore IBS is diagnoses though a process of elimination and exclusion of other digestive conditions.
How is IBS usually treated?
IBS is commonly treated with a combination of diet and lifestyle changes and sometimes if severe with medications.
Dietary adjustments: Many people with IBS are encouraged to modify their diet to the low-FODMAP diet, restricting certain carbohydrates. This diet has shown success and reduction in symptoms but can be difficult for patients because of the restricted eating and stress that causes.
Stress management:As stress is believed to be a factor in IBS and can exacerbate the symptoms, stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, cognitive behavioural therapy (CTB) are often recommended and have been shown to help individuals manage their symptoms.
Gut hypnotherapy: Gut hypnotherapy is a tool that used hypnotherapy to help manage IBS symptoms. It focuses on created a connection between the mind and the digestive symptoms, aiming to rescue the intensity and frequency of symptoms.
Medications: Medications like antispasmodics can be given to reduce abdominal pain, laxatives can be used when there is severe constipation or anti-diarrhoea agents can be used to help manage chronic diarrhoea.
Acupuncture for IBS:
Below are some ways in which acupuncture can be useful in the management of IBS symptoms
Pain relief: acupuncture is understood to stimulate the release of endorphins and other pain relieving chemicals in the body which can help to reduce abdominal pain associated with IBS.
Stress reduction: Stress and anxiety are known trigger and exacerbate IBS and its symptoms. Acupuncute has been shown to help calm the nervous system and help to alleviate the feelings and consequences of stress and anxiety. By doing do it can help with the management of IBS symptoms.
Regulation of gut motility: Acupuncture is understood to influence the autonomic nervous system (Rest/Digest) which controls gut motility. By influencing gut motility this can help to alleviate symptoms like constipation and diarrhoea and assist in the management of IBS
Acupuncute for poor digestion:
Acupuncute is has been shown to assist with the management of digestive concerns from other conditions besides IBS. It can also be a useful tool in the management of conditions such as;
Croh’s disease
Peptic ulcers
GERD(Gastroesophageal reflux disease)/ indigestion
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Gallstones
Plus all sorts of others
If you are experiencing any digestive concerns and want to see if Chinese medicine can be of benefit to you please GET IN TOUCH
For more information or assistance with the management of IBS or poor digestive health feel free to get in touch or come visit the Red Door Clinic in caulfield.
*Disclaimer: Each individuals treatment and/or results may vary depending on their specific presentation. No results can be promised or guaranteed from receiving treatment.
