Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is no fun. It can be uncomfortable to downright debilitating and can have a big impact on daily life.
I see many clients with the diagnosis of IBS in my Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture practice. Clients are generally struggling with abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, and constipation and/or diarrhea. Symptoms tend to vary depending on stress levels, diet, and any number of mysterious factors. Generally, there is little help for them in the medical system. The diagnosis of IBS is generally given on the basis of symptoms, when no organic changes are found in the body.
Many clients manage their IBS symptoms through diet, supplements such as probiotics, and reducing stress levels. This is all helpful, but many find they need something more. Many have cut so many things out of their diet that there is almost nothing left to eat! While it is helpful to avoid foods that are hard to digest or are making symptoms worse, many clients find that once their body is balanced and their digestive system is working better, they are able to add many foods back into their diet.
I have found acupuncture and Chinese herbs to be extremely effective in dealing with IBS, and digestive problems in general, because it gets to the root of the problem, both physically and emotionally. TCM excels at diagnosing and treating energetic imbalances in the body that are causing symptoms, but that modern medicine is unable to detect. After several treatments, clients generally notice a decrease in bloating and pain, and a normalizing of the bowel movements, as well as better energy.
In TCM, each client is treated as an individual, and there is no “one size fits all.” Ten people with IBS will present in 10 different ways. For this reason, each client is given a thorough diagnosis, with questions regarding their whole body’s functioning, as well as emotional factors. Is there heat or cold? Dampness or dryness? Anger? Anxiety? A pulse and tongue diagnosis then completes the picture.
As many with IBS know, symptoms are often linked to the emotions. Many clients have told me that their IBS started during a particularly stressful time, or that flare-ups happen when they are worried, anxious, angry, or stressed. This is because the mind and body are intricately connected; the emotions are not separate from the body. In TCM, stress, anger, impatience and irritability are linked to the liver system. When the liver energy is stagnant, it tends to harass and weaken the digestive system, causing the symptoms of IBS. The spleen and stomach system is responsible for digestion in TCM. It is linked to the emotions of worry and anxiety. These emotions can weaken the digestive system, while at the same time, an imbalanced digestive system can give rise to these emotions.
Of course, eating a balanced and healthy diet is important, as is regular exercise. Decreasing alcohol, caffeine and sugar is often helpful. Depending on the client’s TCM diagnosis, decreasing gluten, dairy products, or other foods can sometimes be indicated. But what is often overlooked is how we eat. Eating while in a hurry, or while angry, stressed or upset can wreck havoc the digestive system, as can skipping meals. Slow, mindful, regular and grateful eating habits can go a long way in helping the digestion.
TCM works by strengthening, balancing and unblocking the body energetic systems, which not only alleviates the physical symptoms, but also balances the emotions. In TCM, the digestive system is not just physical; experiences are digested into wisdom and nourishment, while food is digested into physical nutrition. When the physical digestion is strong, so is the emotional, and vice-versa. Many clients report that as well as a decrease in their IBS symptoms, they notice an over-all sense of well-being; feeling happier and lighter, with better sleep and more energy. When our energy is balanced and flowing smoothly, we can move through life with more space, relaxation, wisdom and joy.
Jane Marshall, D.TCM, D.Ac, has been practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture for more than 17 years. Her office is located at 112 Front St, in downtown Wolfville. Check out her website: janemarshallacupuncture.ca
For appointments call 902-404-3374.
