There are an estimated 20 million Americans who suffer from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), a condition also known as spastic colon, nervous stomach and functional bowel disease. If you have ever experienced diarrhea before a major exam or presentation or had loose stools during times of stress, then you have experienced what it is like to have IBS.

Digestive issues are a common reason people seek acupuncture in my office. Acupuncture helps with many uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation and nausea to name a few. All of these symptoms can occur if you suffer from IBS. Acupuncture happened to be the only thing that actually relieved my IBS symptoms.

With regular acupuncture treatments and dietary changes, my patients are able to keep IBS a thing of the past. Patients experience immense relief from treatments and also benefit from acupuncture’s ability to reduce stress- a major trigger for IBS!

Here are some dietary tips that can help you get started if you are a sufferer of IBS:

• Be careful with food sensitivities and/or allergies. Gluten and dairy can cause gastrointestinal problems.
• Avoid fried foods
• Cook vegetables rather than eating them raw
• Focus on eating a high fiber diet and incorporate whole grains
• Eat in a calm manner- shoveling down food will leave you feeling bloated and in pain

More than 95 million Americans suffer from digestive disorders ranging from constipation, diarrhea, bloating and irritable bowel syndrome to more serious conditions such as acid reflux (GERD), ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. While that may be the bad news, the good news is more and more reports are confirming that acupuncture can offer relief from even the most complex digestive problems.

According to Oriental Medicine theory, most digestive disorders are due to disharmony between the spleen and stomach (Earth meridians). Proper functioning of the “middle” is the key to all aspects of vitality. When coming up with a treatment plan, a person’s constitution and symptoms are taken into account. The treatment is aimed at bringing the “middle” back into harmony to optimize the proper functioning of the digestive system. As with any treatment, it may take a few treatments before you begin to feel the full effect.

Recently, one of my patients complained of bloating after eating. She felt bloated from the moment she ate breakfast and especially after eating dinner. She had tried different medications and even changed to a bland diet but found no relief. When we started treatment, she was a bit hesitant to continue as the first 3 sessions didn’t bring about much change. But then it happened…she came in excitedly on the day of her 4^th treatment and said “IT’S WORKING!” She observed that she only bloated in the evening that week and was bloat-free during the day. After 2 more treatments, I am happy to report she has no more bloating and her bowels have become more regular as well. She even feels better overall in terms of energy.

If you are suffering from digestive issues and haven’t found much relief with conventional treatments, acupuncture might be just the thing that helps regulate your system and puts your “middle” back in balance. Not sure if acupuncture is right for your condition….schedule a free consult!