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Acupuncture and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a complex disorder in which the intestines lose their ability to efficiently move their contents.  Symptoms may include abdominal pain, headaches, fatigue, depression, anxiety, bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation.  This can be triggered by stress, diet, emotional factors, hormone levels, and drugs.
 
Let's talk acupuncture
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can offer a safe, effective, and natural way to address IBS.  Acupuncture is based upon 5,000 years of clinical study and observation.  This holistic healthcare system looks at the body differently than Western medicine.  The body, according to Chinese medicine, is a garden that should be cultivated and maintained in order to grow well and remain healthy.  This occurs when all the organ and meridian systems are working together and balanced.  When balanced, the body produces the correct quality and quantity of Qi energy, which is vital to support good health.
 
This is very different from Western perspective, which usually looks at your body as a machine, in which each organ is separate from the others, and worn out parts can be replaced and broken tubes patched.
 
How does your garden grow?
According to Chinese medical theories, the Spleen is the organ in charge of digestion and assimilation of foods and liquids.  The Spleen is like a garden that needs to be properly nourished and cared for in order to produce a healthy, robust harvest.  This harvest is called Qi and is the energy that powers the body and delivers nutrients to nourish your organs, cells, and tissues.
 
If your Spleen-garden isn't properly cared for, the body's energy levels will not be supported and illness may occur.
 
The Spleen is easily affected and weakened by poor eating habits or diet, antibiotics, excessive worry, or a weak constitution.  When a weakened Spleen cannot metabolize or break down food efficiently, "Dampness" appears in the body.  Dampness, in a sense, occurs when rotting, undigested food sits in your gut, causing a variety of symptoms.  If Dampness "rises" to your head, you may experience dull, full headaches, and feel foggy, cloudy, and unable to concentrate.  Over time, Dampness may "sink" downward, accumulating in your Large Intesting.  This leads to bloating, fullness, and loose stools.
 
Another function of the Spleen is to produce blood from the food it breaks down and to convert it into usable energy to power your body.  Therefore, not having enough blood will affect the normal functions of your Heart.  This can cause palpitations, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
 
In Chinese medicine, the Liver is associated with your emotional state and digestion.  Stress and anger directly influence the function of your Liver.  Alcohol, drug use, or a poor diet further compromise its function.  When this happens, your Liver energy overflows, in a figurative sense and attacks the Spleen.  This is an easy battle to win if your Spleen is already weak.  The result can be stress-induced IBS.
 
If your Liver is compromised, you may experience alternating diarrhea and constipation, as well as bloating, gas, headaches, and dull pain.  In this case, your Liver is the root of the problem, and your Spleen is the secondary problem.
 
Another scenario is that your Kidney Yang could be unbalanced.  Kidney Yang is energy that provides warmth for your body.  This energy warms your Spleen to aid in the digestion and breakdown of food.  If your Kidney is compromised, you will experience early-morning diarrhea and possibly bladder incontinence, cold limbs, weak knees, and a sore back.
 
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can offer a clear picture of the root imbalances that can lead to IBS.  When you meet Dr. Hanna, he will discover what organ systems are involved.  He may also suggest any number of adjunct therapies to hasten your healing, such as herbs, changes in diet, breathing techniques, or exercise.
 
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine provide safe, natural, drug-free, and effective ways to address IBS.  The focus is upon achieving a balance of body and mind.