Irritable Bowel Syndrome - IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) causes varying digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs look at these complaints functionally and can help with pain relief, regular bowel movements and stress reduction.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects many people. Digestive problems can be very drastic. They influence daily functioning, make you feel insecure and are often very tiring.

The term syndrome is sometimes difficult in practice. It is good that there is recognition for these complaints, but the diagnosis includes a wide range of symptoms. This can make finding a suitable solution complicated. In addition, the symptoms often vary in nature and intensity and can come and go. Not everyone therefore receives an official diagnosis.

Chinese medicine looks at the symptoms associated with IBS in a functional way. Through a structural and individual approach, this group can also work to improve health.

Symptoms of IBS

A characteristic feature of IBS is that symptoms can vary in frequency and intensity. That's why it's important to see how you feel over a longer period of time. If pain or other complaints recur several times a month or several days in a row, it is wise to investigate this further.

PDS is characterized, among other things, by:

• Diarrhea or constipation
• Irregular bowel movements
• Abdominal pain, often in the lower abdomen
• Mucus in the stool
• Nausea
• Bloated stomach and flatulence
• Feeling that the bowel movement is not complete
• Having to go to the bathroom quickly after eating
• Having to go to the bathroom often

The varying character is reflected in all these complaints. Typical, for example, are pain before or after defecation and the alternation of diarrhea and constipation. Keeping track of how your complaints progress can help with this.

A “normal” bowel movement is regular (e.g. daily), pain-free and fairly constant in shape and color. Major changes in this regard are important to watch out for.

Because IBS is a syndrome, the exact cause is not always clear. The symptoms may be similar to those of food intolerances or allergies, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, hormonal problems or celiac disease. A parasite or bacterial infection can also play a role. It is therefore important to have these causes ruled out by the (general) doctor. This is possible in addition to treatment with acupuncture and/or herbs.

IBS complaints are often stress-related, while no visible abnormalities are usually found. That does not mean that the complaints are “between the ears”. Stress demonstrably affects the body and can increase symptoms. Stress management can therefore be an important part of recovery.

There is also a regular connection between IBS and skin complaints such as psoriasis, eczema and acne. When waste products accumulate, complaints can occur in multiple parts of the body, including the skin.

Prospect

The most important starting point for treatment is that improvement occurs. In practice, it is often after 3—5 acupuncture treatments whether 2—4 weeks of herbal use a first change noticeable. After that, it may take longer before the complaints are fully resolved.

How well a treatment works varies from person to person. Sometimes the symptoms disappear completely, sometimes maintenance is necessary. In the case of serious or possibly congenital symptoms, reducing pain or discomfort can already mean a major improvement in the quality of life.

Acupuncture and herbs can help with IBS by:

• Reduction of pain
• Stopping or reducing diarrhoea
• Relieve constipation
• Promoting regular bowel movements
• Less flatulence and bloating
• Reducing stress

The use of Chinese herbs

Herbs are an important part of Chinese medicine. Together, we will look at whether herbs are appropriate and why. Acupuncture is effective, but herbal use can be a valuable addition for chronic complaints or severe fatigue.

In case of digestive problems, the use of herbs is often obvious: they are ingested and come directly to where they are supposed to work. The effect of herbs is easy to understand when you think about food. We all know the effect of a hot pepper, a sour lemon or sweet food on our bodies.

Herbs are always used in a formula. This can be compared to a team: one herb focuses on the main complaint, other herbs support and protect the body. In this way, not only a symptom is addressed, but the whole.

You can do this yourself

Diet and lifestyle can help reduce complaints. A few practical tips:

• Eat regularly: three main meals and fixed snacks
• Drink plenty of fluids, preferably warm water
• Eat warm whenever possible; oatmeal, for example, contains soluble fiber that can help with diarrhea
• Limit coffee, tea, and carbonated drinks
• Limit dairy and cheese
• Limit fried food
• With a lot of flatulence or a bloated stomach, it can help limit cereals, pasta and bread
• Limit fruit to a maximum of three times a day

Preferably choose one adjustment and try it for at least four weeks. This way, you can better assess what works for you.

Persevere!

IBS often has a lot of influence on daily life. Looking for what works takes time, attention and perseverance. Keep persevering: improvement is possible, and acupuncture and Chinese herbs can support this.

Do you have questions about your situation? Feel free to contact us, we are happy to think along with you.

Read more

• Page about optimal digestion
• Page about stress and relaxation‍
• Blog about digestion and waste products‍
• General information about PDS