Digestive Disorders
acid reflux > Irritable bowel syndrome > constipation > diarrhea > hemorrhoids
Acid Reflux
Condition: Also known as Heartburn, this is an uncomfortable condition whereby excess stomach acid flows backward and irritates the esophagus; this is the tube that connects the stomach to the throat. Acid Reflux creates a burning sensation, but can also cause difficulty swallowing, chest pain, a feeling of a lump in the throat, the regurgitation of food and even vomiting. Whether chronic or acute, Acid Reflux is experienced by approximately 6 million Canadians at least once a week.
TCM Approach: Determining when and how the Acid Reflux is triggered or alleviated will provide key insights to treat the cause effectively and efficiently. In TCM Acid Reflux is usually caused by one of the following factors; the Stomach itself is Cold, is retaining Damp-Heat, or if there is a stagnation of Qi, Phlegm or Blood. Once the causation has been untangled the treatment plan will come into focus.
Proposed Treatment: All patterns are very unique unto themselves and require different approaches, especially the herbal formulas dispensed and the diet and lifestyle modifications given. Sometimes it's as simple as cutting out certain foods, in others it's about sticking to regular eating times. Acupuncture is often used to help redirect the flow of Qi and cupping can also alleviate the tension often felt between the shoulder blades; a common complaint of Acid Reflux sufferers. Short or long treatment times can be chosen for Acid Reflux relief, but ultimately the addition of Chinese herbs, changing habits and making better food choices can have the biggest impact.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Condition: Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a collection of intestinal symptoms, which differ from person to person and affects the digestive system. IBS is a chronic condition that includes abdominal pain or cramping, bloating, discomfort, gas, mucus in stool, diarrhea, constipation or both. IBS attacks can be often or sporadic, but this is considered to be a chronic disorder. In some cases, a sufferer can manage their symptoms with diet and lifestyle, but more severe presentations require medication.
TCM Approach:TCM often finds emotional stress and diet to be the main culprits for IBS. The Liver and the digestive organs, namely the Spleen and Stomach, are treated most frequently. The Liver has a tendency to be overactive and requires a lot of energy to do its job. When imbalanced, it will tend to ‘steal’ energy from other organs. In some cases the Spleen and Stomach, known as the Earth Element Organs, can be weak in and of themselves causing IBS symptoms. Without the power to digest food, the Spleen can’t do its job. As a complex, mixed condition of often Excess and Deficiency, TCM has some solid strategies in relieving IBS.
Proposed Treatment: Known as Harmonizing the Middle Jiao, the space in the body where the digestive organs live, is a key approach to treatment. This is often achieved by using acupuncture, Chinese herbs and dietary advice. If stress is a factor, learning mindfulness and self-care techniques to alleviate stress is very beneficial overall. In cases where the Spleen needs boosting, Moxibustion can be used to warm and strengthen. Short or long treatment options can treat IBS; using acupuncture and moxibustion can be utilized in the time frame. Outcomes depend on frequent, regular treatments along with appropriate lifestyle modifications until improvements are achieved. Chinese herbs can be an approach to minimize frequency of in-person treatments.
Constipation
Condition: Chronic Constipation is narrowly described as less than three bowel movements a week that lasts for several weeks or months. Everyone is different and the broader definition can include infrequent bowel movements for weeks at a time, for some it's straining or having difficulty passing stool. In some instances, it’s described as not feeling complete after a bowel movement; having passed stool that’s hard, small, infrequent or a combination of these.
TCM Approach: There are many reasons why a person could be experiencing constipation from a TCM perspective. The bowels need to be internally lubricated and hydrated in order for stool to pass easily. If there is too much Heat or Fire in the body, this can dry up the large intestines causing constipation due to Yin or Blood being injured. When Qi is stagnated, the peristaltic action of the bowels which allows for the passage of stool can come to a halt. Also, if the Qi or Yang energy is weak, the bowels won’t have enough power to push the stool out resulting in constipation.
Proposed Treatment: Each unique pattern will require an equally unique approach. If there is Heat or Fire it must be cleared first before addressing the lack of moisture. Once appropriately cooled, Blood, Yin, Qi or Yang can be bolstered with a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Hydration and dietary strategies will be discussed to help prevent the constipation from reoccurring. Gentle movement and exercise will also be encouraged as this can help to move Qi and therefore the bowels. Treatment lengths of anytime can be booked to address constipation. Treatment amounts will be based on successful resolution of the issue.
Diarrhea
Condition: Diarrhea refers to loose, watery bowel movements that are frequent. It can be short-lived or more chronic; there are a variety of causes for diarrhea. When diarrhea persists for a week or more, it should be treated immediately. Consequences such as dehydration are serious, therefore it's important to determine the cause as soon as possible.
TCM Approach: Diarrhea, whether acute or chronic can be addressed with TCM treatments. Also known as loose stools, it needs to be determined if the diarrhea is caused by an external pathogen, i.e. food poisoning, cold or flu, food intolerance, or an overall weakness of the digestive organs. If a serious pathogen has been ruled out, the diarrhea could be due to an Excess pattern or a Deficient one. A weak Spleen Qi is most commonly the culprit but it could stem from the Kidney Yang being fragile. IBS patterns also include diarrhea, which can be the result of an aggressive Liver attacking the Spleen for energy. Sometimes the intestines could be too Cold, Hot, Damp or a combination.
Proposed Treatment: It's important to treat the loose stools immediately; the water and electrolyte loss can be damaging overtime. Acupuncture, diet and Chinese herbs would be the immediate course of action. In cases of Cold, Qi or Yang deficiency, moxibustion would complement the treatment nicely; the heat of the moxibustion raises Qi, warms the Yang and has a very soothing effect. Chinese herbs and nutritional advice is dispensed to stop the diarrhea and to prevent it from recurring. Treatment times of any length are suitable for treating the underlying cause of diarrhea. Frequency of treatment is dependent upon the successful resolution of the issue.
Hemorrhoids