TCM for Colitis, Crohn's, and IBS
TCM Theory On Colitis, Crohn's, and IBS
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a great method to help treat Crohn’s, Colitis, and IBS. These terms are names for abdominal pain and bowel problems. TCM looks at what is happening energetically inside each person and treats accordingly in order to help with abdominal complications.
Different Patterns for Crohn's, Colitis, and IBS According to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Alternating Constipation and Diarrhea:
The stomach and spleen act similarly to a seesaw and its need to be in balance. The stomach Qi will go down or there will be vomiting. While on the other hand, the spleen Qi normally will move up or there will be diarrhea. If one of them is out of sync, it will affect the other, thus possibly causing constipation and diarrhea.
Diarrhea with Undigested Food in the Stool
This syndrome is due to poor diet, eating on the run, and over-thinking. In TCM, if the kidney yang is weak, there is feelings of cold. In which case, a heat lamp or a warming method called moxibustion can aid in relief.
Explosive Diarrhea with Pus and Blood
This patterns is in Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticulitis, and Crohn’s disease. The color of the blood excreted by inflamed bowels can vary a lot. The color ranges from dark brownish-red to bright red. In Chinese medicine theory, this color is interpreted in terms of the underlying pattern, rather than the site of bleeding. When the underlying pattern is addressed, the bleeding will stop. The pattern is chronic damp-heat syndrome consisting of inflammation and mixed with dampness. It is important to clear the damp-heat to balance the energy.
Uncontrollable Diarrhea
This condition is usually caused by extreme weakness of spleen and kidney Qi, which will have to be strengthened to hold the stool.
TCM Treatment Approach
The Acupuncturist will determine if your condition is caused by an “excess” or “deficient” syndrome.
The assessment is performed in many ways – by looking at the skin color, hair, eyes, voice and general constitution and, in large part, by looking at the tongue and checking the pulse. These diagnostic tools show what is going to happen to the energy in every part of the body and helps the practitioner form a treatment protocol.
Diet is an important component of TCM, so it is advised to follow the dietary recommendations for each pattern and conditions. External factors of stress can also play a large role in bowel issues such as in the case of IBS. In many cases, patients have difficulty going to the restroom or go too frequently when under conditions of stress.
