Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that negatively impacts the colon. There are many different theories as what causes IBS, and treatment can differ for different sufferers. The muscles of the large intestine have extreme sensitivity and this keeps them from functioning properly. IBS is an extreme annoyance to many people that have it, but it is not a disease that is life threatening. It is distressing in the fact that people that have IBS are affected after eating, during times of stress, or only when they consume certain foods or beverages. The colon contracts and urges of diarrhea, abdominal pain, or constipation can occur. There are many treatment options for irritable bowel syndrome, some being traditional and others being alternative.
Symptoms of IBS
Symptoms of IBS are pain in the abdomen, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and emotional difficulty such as frustration and self-confidence issues. The symptoms are uncomfortable, but they are not shown to be as severe or debilitating as inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s or colitis. The symptoms of IBS vary from person to person; some have mild to moderate symptoms while others have severe and painful symptoms. In order to deal with the symptoms, people may change their lifestyle, monitor their stress levels, watch what they eat, or get on a type of medication.
Acupuncture and IBS
With irritable bowel syndrome, according to Chinese medicine, the liver and the spleen are not in harmony. Acupuncture will restore the harmonious relationship between the two organs by finding the pressure points associated with these organs and eliminating the stagnation of the blood and the “Qi”. Once the energy is restored, and the flow becomes balanced, IBS sufferers will begin to feel normal again.
If you are dealing with this condition, acupuncture may be an effective kind of treatment for you. Depending on the symptoms and severity, you may need to have multiple treatments; the acupuncturist will determine how many. Before you know it, your body will be in sync, and you will be relieved of your irritable bowel syndrome.