Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with its several thousand years of history, can provide a complementary solution to Western medicine in treating IBS. At the Health Garden & Wellness Center in Geneva, we use its principles to help you regain bodily balance. Discover how we go about improving your daily well-being.
Do you often feel abdominal pain or bloating that makes you uncomfortable? You are not alone. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects about 10 to 15% of the global population (1), a prevalence also reflected in Switzerland.
1. Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS is a functional disease of the intestinal system characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, discomfort, and changes in bowel habits. The "functional" aspect of the disease means it's not a problem with the physical structure of the bowel, but rather how it operates.
The symptoms of IBS vary between individuals and often resemble those of other digestive diseases. Therefore, IBS is often diagnosed by exclusion, i.e., after ruling out more severe conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Diagnostic criteria generally require symptoms to be present for at least three months.
The exact cause of IBS remains unknown, but several factors are likely involved. These factors include abnormalities in intestinal motility, increased sensitivity of the bowel, psychological disorders, bowel infections, and changes in the gut microbiota, i.e., the bacteria living in the gut (2).
Conventional management of IBS usually involves dietary modifications, medications to control specific symptoms, and therapies to manage stress and anxiety, which are often associated with the disease. However, many IBS patients seek alternatives or supplements to conventional treatments, among which traditional Chinese medicine is a promising method.
2. The Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine
In TCM, diagnosis and treatment are based on identifying patterns of imbalance. IBS is often attributed to an imbalance in Qi, the vital energy that circulates in our body. This imbalance can result from a stagnation of liver Qi affecting spleen and stomach Qi, thus causing IBS symptoms. Pain is relieved with movement. In women, Qi stagnation is often noticeable with sensations of breast tension.
3. Therapeutic Approach in TCM
Traditional Chinese Medicine considers a comprehensive and complementary therapeutic approach for the treatment of IBS. This approach is based on three fundamental pillars: Chinese dietetics, herbal medicine, and acupuncture.
3.1 Chinese Dietetics
Chinese dietetics, also known as the nutrition of the five elements, plays a fundamental role in TCM. Sun Simiao, a famous physician of the Tang Dynasty, formulated the adage: "medications should only be used if nutritional therapy brings no healing" (3). Thus, TCM emphasizes the role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of diseases.
Regarding IBS, TCM emphasizes the importance of food intake according to the human body's biological clock. The idea is to eat in tune with the body's natural rhythm for optimal digestion. For example, eating late at night often leads to IBS problems.
TCM also warns against the consumption of cold, raw, or overly moist foods, which pose a significant challenge to the transforming and assimilating functions of Spleen Qi. Additionally, repeated use of antibiotics can damage the Qi and Yang of the Spleen, leading to long-term weakness of digestion.
3.2 Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine is another pillar of IBS treatment in TCM. It employs a variety of medicinal plants that target not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional causes of IBS. Chinese medicines have the ability to regulate not only the intestines but also have a beneficial effect on pain that can be influenced by a wide range of emotions.
3.3 Acupuncture
Finally, acupuncture also plays a significant role in treating IBS. There are numerous intestinal regulatory acupuncture points that not only influence pain but also peristalsis (contraction of muscle tissue that allows food to be moved and broken down), digestion, and emotions (4).
4. Conclusion
Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a promising complementary approach for treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome. If you are struggling with IBS and are interested in a more holistic approach to managing your symptoms, we invite you to make an appointment at the Health Garden & Wellness Center in Geneva.
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