It is easy to understand why there seems to be not enough safe and effective medical options for IBS as this condition is now considered by doctors to be merely a dysfunction (instead of a disease) and that there have been very few studies done about this health issue. There are other ways of addressing IBS besides the very important stress-reduction activities and other lifestyle changes that are required to properly manage this condition.
These include the use of alternative modes of treatment especially hypnotherapy and acupuncture. these two unique forms of treatment is always customized to specifically address the patient’s needs and are aimed at lessening the duration, severity, and frequency of the IBS attacks. A lot of patients have responded to these treatments very well which bodes well to their ever increasing use as a mainline treatment for IBS. The next part of this article will exclusively discuss about acupuncture.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a treatment that can only be administered by a licensed acupuncturist. This practitioner is trained in using a variety of tools although needles are his/her primary treatment tools. These needles are inserted into corresponding points in the body wherein lie pathways of energy known as meridians in which the body’s vital energy called chi or qi flows. When a meridian is stimulated by a needle, mental and physical processes are initiated which results in the normalization of certain bodily functions and in the calming of the mind. Acupuncture is the process of sedating or stimulating the meridians in order to balance the flow of qi in the body.
Traditional Chinese medicine’s view of acupuncture mirrors the belief that the body is a holistic and complex spiritual/emotional/mental/ physical system, balanced between sickness and health in a continuous flux of energy. Based on this perspective, natural energy flow occasionally becomes imbalanced which results in disorder or disease. Used oftentimes along with food medicine and Chinese herbal remedies, acupuncture brings back health by improving and balancing the flow of qi, and restoring the normal function of organs, glands, vessels, nerves, and muscles.
Blockages to qi and blood flow are removed and the circulation of qi is enhanced with acupuncture treatment. This is done with the superficial insertion of sterile filiform needles from a depth of just beneath the skin to about an inch, at specific acupuncture points along the meridians. To avoid the risk of injury or infection, it is important to select a qualified acupuncturist who only uses disposable, single-use, sterile needles.
There are over 2,000 acupuncture points scattered throughout the body and each point is connected to a specific organ system or internal organ. Some patients may experience nothing or a feeling of heaviness, warmth, aching, or tingling as the acupuncture needles are inserted into the skin. Pain is rarely experienced and most of the time an unusual or odd physical sensation is felt by patients that is not unpleasant. Depending on the condition and the severity of the symptoms one to twenty needles may be used in a single treatment. Some acupuncturists may use burning moxa leaves over the needles, or twist or heat the needles to augment the effect of the treatment. One session may last for as short as five minutes to as long as a full hour. The needles are left inserted in the skin for around 20 to 40 minutes.
The acupuncturist will decide the frequency and number of treatments needed for treating IBS. His/her decision will be based on how long you’ve had the condition and on the magnitude of your symptoms. The number of sessions may vary from a single session to several treatments a week, for several months. On average IBS patients require a total of six treatments to relieve their painful symptoms. if after 10 sessions, the condition has still not improved , the treatment is considered unsuccessful and is discontinued. If results are shown, the practitioner will recommend a continuation of therapy. As the IBS symptoms decrease, the number of treatments becomes less frequent over time although maintenance treatments may be needed at certain intervals.
DeJongh Acupuncture Clinic
2929 SW 3rd Ave #610
Miami, FL 33129
(305) 677-3214
https://www.miamiacupunctureclinic.com/