Digestive Disorders

Digestive problems can range from minor annoyances, such as gas and bloating, to constipation and diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, and seriously debilitating conditions such as crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Some of these problems can be attributed to our modern diets and high stress living and sometimes some alterations to diet and simple lifestyle changes can bring about some relief from digestive problems.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common 'functional' disorder of the gut. (The gut includes the bowels.) A functional disorder means there is a problem with the function of a part of the body, but there is no abnormality in the structure. So, in IBS, the function of the gut is upset, but all parts of the gut look normal, even when looked at under a microscope. Up to IBS in 5 people in the UK develop IBS at some stage in their life. IBS can affect anyone at any age, but it commonly first develops in young adults and teenagers. Women are affected more often than men. The main symptoms of IBS are :

1)Pain and discomfort which can occur in different parts of the abdomen. The pain, which can vary from mild to severe, and is often described as a spasm or colic, often eases after the passing of stools.

2) Bloating and swelling of the abdomen

3) Diarrhoea or Constipation (sometimes alternating)

4 ) Pellet like stools sometimes accompanied by mucus

5) A feeling of not emptying the rectum after going to the toilet

6) Belching and wind

7) Nausea and tiredness

8) An associated irritable bladder

As IBS is a syndrome rather than an actual disease, patients   may have some or all of these symptoms to varying degrees. Acupuncture is often an effective treatment for IBS and can give substantial relief from the symptoms listed above. The acupuncturist will take a detailed case history prior to treatment and will ask questions relating to the symptoms and also about the patient and the patients lifestyle . The acupuncturist will then seek to restore the patients own natural balance by treating both the presenting condition and the underlying constitutional weaknesses. The benefit of this holistic approach is that the patient will often see improvements in other areas of their health and well being, areas that they had not necessarily thought to seek treatment for.

Other serious diseases of the gastro intestinal tract such as Chrohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis have also been shown to respond well to acupuncture. Acupuncture can reduce the frequency and severity of   flare ups of these inflammatory bowel disorders.

If you have any further questions about digestive disorders and acupuncture, please do not hesitate to ask.   We will be happy to answer any queries. Email us at info@woodlandsacupuncture.co.uk and we will aim to respond within 24 hours. If you live in the Manchester area, you can make an appointment for a free 15 minute chat with the acupuncturist to find out how acupuncture could help you.