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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS

Irritable Bowel syndrome is a chronic disorder that interferes with the normal functions of the colon. IBS affects up to 20% of the population. It is more common in women than men, and is often diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 50. It can, and does, affect people in other age groups as well.

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that involves the muscles in the intestines. Normally these muscles tighten and release in a regular pattern to move waste through the intestines. However with IBS it is believed that the contractions may be too fast (causing diarrhea), slow (causing constipation), or go back and forth between both. That’s why it is called “irritable” bowel syndrome.

IBS Symptoms may include:

  • Stools that are more frequent and looser at the start of episodes of abdominal pain
  • Relief of pain after defecating
  • Sense of incomplete evacuation
  • Mucus in the stools
  • Sense of abdominal bloating
  • Constant pressure or abdominal pain and altered bowel habits
  • Constipation with or without pain
  • Pain with bowel movements
  • Painless diarrhea only
  • Alternating constipation and diarrhea

Additional symptoms that may accompany IBS include:

  • Flatulence
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Loss of appetite
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Poor nutrient absorption (if diarrhea is severe)

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can provide a safe, natural, drug-free and effective way to address IBS.

What causes IBS?

  • Scientists don’t know the exact causes of IBS. Possible causes are thought to be:
    • Abnormal movement/contractions of the colon and intestines
    • Extra sensitive organs in the abdominal cavity
    • Feelings of anxiety (or nervousness), depression, stress, and anger
    • A germ or infection
    • Sensitivity or allergy to certain food
  • TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) thought cause of IBS:
    • Liver Qi stagnation
    • Spleen Qi deficiency
    • Symptoms associated with IBS are closely related to stress

Using Traditional Chinese Medicine to Treat IBS

At Energy Body Acupuncture clinic, the treatment of IBS includes a number of different therapies:

  • Painless Abdominal Acupuncture
  • 5 Element Face lift Acupuncture
  • Relaxing Scalp Acupuncture
  • Auricular Acupuncture / Ear Bleeding Therapy
  • Chinese herbal medicine

Treatment Goal:

  • Stops diarrhea
  • Eliminating bloating
  • Stop pain
  • Strengthening the Spleen
  • Clears damp-heat
  • Regulates Liver Qi
  • Reduce Stress, Anxiety, Depression

Life Style:

  • Relax your mind
  • Application of a heat pad to the abdomen may help with relieving pain
  • Light abdominal massage

Diet (During treatment)

  • Stop consuming foods that are associated with gas production
  • Avoid food such as onions, soda, beans, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli
  • Avoid dairy product, spicy, acidic and caffeinated beverage

Treatment plan:

  • stop the symptoms: 2 times a week for 3 weeks
  • strengthen the Digestive system: 1 time a week for 6 weeks

Testimonial:

Last spring, after a vacation trip, I suddenly began having extremely uncomfortable symptoms of what seemed to be a digestive disorder, constipation, gas, belching after meals, a feeling of being stuffed, even when I hadn't eaten, anorexia, nausea, a burning feeling in my stomach a feeling of discomfort in my throat, a feeling, in general, of not being well. My doctor did many tests, all of which showed nothing wrong. Her final diagnosis was that, most likely, I was suffering with acid reflux and IBS. After several months of trying everything my doctor recommended, without much improvement, I saw Dr. Yang. I began seeing him twice a week at first and gradually, now, I see him once a week. His treatments have made my symptoms virtually disappear; I am so much better! I also have more energy and just feel better in general. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Yang to anyone suffering with acid reflux and IBS
--------Aryana G.

I have suffered with irritable bowel syndrome for 4 years and had tried everything from medication to eliminating different foods from my diet to reiki but nothing worked. I had numerous GP and specialists visits, and had a serious of tests carried out but all the result came back with no abnormalities. However I felt there was something seriously wrong with me as I woke up every morning with pains in my stomach and struggled to find the energy to get through the day. I also felt extremely anxious and nervous, just not quite right. I felt a difference after the first session. I no longer have the pains and bloating or the anxious feelings. Overall I feel a lot better and more like myself. I found Dr. Yang to be highly professional and genuine. I enjoyed my treatments and will continue with them for the future. I would have no hesitation in recommending Dr. Yang as an acupuncturist and would advise anyone suffering from IBS to make an appointment IBS
-------- Stacy P.

Healing IBS, Acid Reflux and Depression
When I first saw Dr. Yang, I had several complaints (IBS, acid reflux, depression) and a general feeling of malaise. I am delighted to say, under his care, I made significant improvement and turned the corner on the path to recovery. I feel more balanced, healthy, strong, vibrant and happy. I regained myself. What also impressed me so much about Dr. Yang was his compassion, dedication, warmth and personal touch. He made you feel as if you were his only client. Always on top of your condition, Dr. Yang spent a good amount of time discussing your issues, symptoms, concerns and feelings prior to each treatment. Dr. Yang is a practitioner who excels in his profession. He brings an holistic perspective in caring for his patients and a true gift for healing. If you have IBS, Acid Reflux and Depression problem. I would have no hesitation to recommend Dr. Yang.

--------Franck W. Healing IBS, and Anxiety
“Before I started acupuncture, I was anxious and on edge all the time, and having two panic attacks almost every week. Then, I’d have to deal with the stomach cramping and bowel problems for days after. Almost Dr. Yang immediately with the acupuncture my panic attacks decreased by about half, and I started feeling calmer and less high strung. I used to not be able to settle down, and would irritate everyone around me with my constant fidgeting. My bowels also got much more normal and I wouldn’t have the constipation and diarrhea. I started decreasing my treatments once my panic attacks went away completely, and even though sometimes I feel like I’ll get one if I have a major project coming up, now I’m able to calm myself down on my own, or I just schedule a treatment the week I know I’ll be under more stress, and it takes care of it. I love my acupuncture!”
Thanks you Dr. Yang --------Betty D.