EZ Acupuncture & Herbs

641 Farmington Ave

Suite 201

Hartford, CT 06105

(860) 502-9462

  

  

In traditional Oriental Medicine, IBS is caused when the mind "overacts" on the digestive system.  The brain sends signals which affect our bowel system.  Stress causes the nerves in our body to become more active, causing the intensives to contract which then produces symptoms of IBS.

  

One of the goals of acupuncture in the treatment of IBS is to relax the mind in order to regulate its effects on the entire digestive system.  This therapy acts on your autonomic nervous system in order to regulate the mind-gut relationship.  Most patients find acupuncture very relaxing and calming.

  

  

Acupuncture is performed by inserting needles at specific acu-points in order to free blockages of Qi throughout the body.  There are over 300 acu-points located throughout the body on rivers of energy, known as meridians, that connect to every organ within the body.  Once the needles are inserted, they are left in place for several minutes. 

  

It is not uncommon during an acupuncture treatment to treat several different areas of the body.  The patient may be asked to turn over, lay down or sit up in order to access the appropriate acu-points throughout the body.

  

You may be asked to lay supine (facing up) or prone (facing down) in order to access both sides of your arms and legs, as well as your abdomen and especially the spine.  The nerves along your spine are strongly associated with digestion.  Stimulating these areas together with moxibustion relieves abdominal pain and promotes a healthy gut.  Points on your wrist may be accessed while you are seated, in order stimulate the autonomic nervous system.

  

Most of our patients start feeling better immediately after beginning acupuncture treatment.  Once stress is reduced, your gut can relax and begin to function properly.   

  

 

  

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, discomfort and change in bowel habits.  While there is no known cure for IBS in Western medicine, Oriental Medicine recognizes patterns of disharmony (within the Spleen, Liver, Kidneys and Large Intestines) that lead to symptoms of IBS.  Patients suffering from IBS may be diagnosed with one or more of the following patterns of disharmony at any given time:

• Spleen Qi Deficiency
• Excess Dampness in Spleen
• Excess Cold in Spleen
• Spleen & Kidney Yang Deficiency
• Liver Qi Stagnation
• Liver/Spleen Disharmony  

In Oriental Medicine, the Spleen has a key role in regulating digestion.  Patients with a weak Spleen suffer from fatigue and diarrhea, which is made worse by stress and overexertion.  Gas, bloating, and hemorrhoids are additional symptoms of Spleen Qi deficiency.

 

Excess Dampness in the Spleen is often caused by poor diet.  Eating greasy and sugary foods as well as over-thinking or over-worrying contribute to this pattern.  When the Spleen is distressed by dampness, patients often feel constipated and bowel movements may feel incomplete. 

 

Excess Cold within the Spleen causes severe pain.  Individuals with this condition will often find themselves "doubled over" in pain.

 

Yang energy provides warmth to the body.  Patients with a deficiency of Yang in the Spleen and Kidney usually suffer from cold extremities.  They often experience diarrhea first thing in the morning.  Additional symptoms of this condition include lower back pain, low libido, as well as urinary incontinence.

 

The Liver is the organ most affected by stress and anger.  When Qi becomes stagnant or "stuck" within the Liver, patients experience irregular stools and distending pain.  This is also accompanied by feelings of depression and moodiness.  Women may also suffer from irregular or painful menses. 

 

Disharmony between the Liver and Spleen causes abdominal distension and pain. Alternating constipation and diarrhea is common with this pattern.  These symptoms are aggravated by stress, anger and frustration.

 

Acupuncture works by nourishing the Spleen and removing Dampness from the the body.  Moxibustion may be used in conjunction with acupuncture in order to warm the Spleen.  This holistic therapy also removes stagnation in the Liver by promoting the free flow of Qi.  Symptoms of Liver Qi stagnation are triggered or worsened by stress or emotional upset, so additional acu-points may be stimulated in order to reduce stress and anxiety.

 

Herbal medicine is often prescribed to IBS patients in order to fortify the Spleen and relieve symptoms such as diarrhea and constipation.  Because an individual patient may suffer from a combination of different patterns of disharmony, the herbal prescription will be customized based on each patient's individual constitution and symptoms. 

 

Diet is also an important part of health.  In Oriental Medicine, dairy and sugar should be avoided as they are known to cause Dampness.  

  

Posted by Happy Patient on August 16, 2012

  

I started seeing Dr. Han back in February as a last resort to dealing with irritable bowel syndrome. I had tried conventional treatment for years and everything failed miserably. I had heard acupuncture was a great treatment for it and to be honest, I delayed because I am very afraid of needles. I've been a patient now for 6 months and I am SO very happy. I can now live a normal life thanks to acupuncture. And the needles? I cannot believe I was such a baby. You don't even notice them and the sessions are so very relaxing. I just wish I hadn't waited so long! I should have done this years ago! I would have eliminated a lot of frustration.