Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a debilitating intestinal condition that is not fully understood. It can cause stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea or constipation; episodes can be triggered by stress, hormones, or specific foods. Doctors believe the condition is caused by a problem with the signals between the brain and the digestive system, and by overly sensitive nerves in the intestine.
Acupuncture is one treatment that has been shown to be effective in relieving the symptoms of IBS. By targeting the painful locations, and stimulating the pathways between the intestinal muscles and the brain, acupuncture can offer improvement to patients struggling with the effects of IBS.
SYMPTOMS OF IBS
You may have IBS if you experience stomach pain, bloating, or a change in your bowel movements. You may also experience IBS symptoms that don’t directly relate to your digestive system, such as anxiety, insomnia, loss of sexual desire, or fatigue. IBS can present as primarily causing constipation, diarrhea, or both.
ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT
Acupuncture has been shown to improve IBS in comparison to other treatments. In various studies, the use of acupuncture in IBS patients has been able to relieve pain, regulate digestive motility, reduce spasms, and improve anxiety and depression. Acupuncture is often used in conjunction with other IBS treatments, in both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and rarely has adverse effects. Acupuncture treatments for IBS generally focus on the spleen and liver acupoints, with other points relating to emotional wellness and pain relief being used when needed.
SOUTHCENTRE CHINESE ACUPUNCTURE
If you have been diagnosed with IBS or are experiencing symptoms, contact us today to schedule an appointment for acupuncture. Dr. Yan has over 25 years of experience treating patients with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and specializes in conditions that are difficult to treat. The Southcentre Chinese Acupuncture clinic in Calgary can also help patients with a variety of other conditions.
