According to two independent investigations conducted at Chongqing Nanchuan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, acupuncture is an important treatment option for patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Researchers arrived at this conclusion because acupuncture improves digestion, absorption and regulates elimination. When combined with Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, as a standalone therapy or combined with the herbal formula Si Shen Wan (Four Mark Pill) is safe and effective.
Even without the Si Shen Wan, acupuncture produced a 92% total effective rate for the treatment of IBS, as opposed to a 73% total effective rate for Si Shen Wan combined with loperamide, a synthetic opiate used to control diarrhea. The combination of acupuncture and Si Shen Wan can reduce abdominal pain. It can control bouts of excessive bowel movement frequency. Along with herbs, acupuncture even improves stool consistency and appearance, as well as bloating and fecal incontinence.
Clearly, the herbs hold up their end of the bargain. When paired with drugs, however, the results are lacklustre when compared with acupuncture. Acupuncture is a team player. As a team, acupuncture and herbs show impressive results in these areas: vitality, bodily pain levels, physical functioning, mental health, social functioning and role limitations due to physical and emotional health
If you study acupuncture, words like ‘holistic’ or ‘integrative medicine’ show up quite often. That is because the practice stems from a philosophy that insists on looking at the whole picture and integrating any form of medicine or healing that will get the job done. Along with herbs and acupuncture, there is always more that I can recommend be added to your health regimen. We may discuss changes in your diet or reducing your stress levels. Oil supplements and probiotics may even come up in conversation.
Though I do not provide them, there is even precedent for someone who has IBS turning to therapy or hypnosis to improve their symptoms. The main idea is that your experience need not be limited to leaving a strange doctor’s office with a prescription in your hand. Instead, assume command of the situation and continue the mission that began in that office. Schedule an appointment with my office and we can build on that foundation.