Do you suffer from frequent episodes of abdominal pain? Bloating? Alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea? Have you been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome? Wondering if a more natural approach to IBS treatment such as acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine would be worth it? Today, Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater, Florida will be discussing irritable bowel syndrome and how traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture can help.
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome, more commonly referred to as IBS is a disorder which affects the small and large intestines. It is also referred to as spastic colon or mucus colitis in some cases. It is considered a syndrome due to the fact it involves symptoms that vary for each patient that is affected. Common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include cramping, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, increased gas, stomach bloating, nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Episodes of irritable bowel syndrome are often attributed to stress and eating certain foods.
How Can Acupuncture/Traditional Chinese Medicine Help IBS?
From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome can be caused by a dysfunctional stomach, spleen and/or liver. It has been found that acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary modifications and lifestyle changes can all impact the symptoms experienced, reducing discomfort and pain, improving digestion and normalizing the elimination of bowels.
In a 2004 study which was published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it was found that herbal formula containing codonopsis, atractylodes rhizome, poria, psoralea fruit, evodia, siler root, tangerine peel, ash bark, and cardamom was 90% effective in relieving/reducing IBS symptoms in patients for 6+ months. This formula was given twice daily and in certain cases modified to include other herbs depending upon exact symptomology of the patient.
Schedule Natural Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment in Clearwater Today
Interested in treating your irritable bowel syndrome with traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture in Clearwater? Contact Dawn Potter Acupuncture today, we’d be happy to get you added to our schedule.