Treatment of IBS with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects a significant number of Australians. Approximately 1 in 7 Australians experience IBS, translating to over 4 million people. IBS is a leading cause of gastrointestinal-related consultations in Australian healthcare settings, with substantial impacts on quality of life (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2022).
Symptoms of IBS can include -
· Abdominal pain
· Excessive gas
· Bloating
· Irregular bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhoea, or alternating constipation with diarrhoea
IBS has different presentations for each individual, and can be categorised into -
IBS - C = Constipation predominant
IBS -D = Diarrheoa predominant
IBS - A = Alternating diarrheoa and constipation
In my clinic I see IBS deeply affecting patients lives. It can disrupt enjoyment of eating, working and sleeping. It is a condition that I really enjoy treating with acupuncture, herbal medicine and targeted supplements.
This is because acupuncture and Chinese medicine has so much to offer to comprehensively treat different presentations of IBS and has very little side effects.
One way acupuncture can help is through its studied effects on calming the gut, by regulating the Gut-Brain Axis. It is very rewarding to my Melbourne patients, and myself, to see gradual improvements over time, allowing people to live, work and eat with greater comfort and ease.
So what is the Gut-Brain Axis?
Our digestive systems have strong connection to the brain. Chinese medicine has spoken about this for centuries and recent science has shown that there is in fact a gut-brain axis. The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication system between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. This includes
Neural Pathways: The vagus nerve transmits signals between the gut and brain.
Gut Microbiota: The microorganisms in the gut impact both digestive and mental health.
Neurotransmitters and Hormones: The gut produces neurotransmitters like serotonin that affect mood and digestion.
Immune System: Gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) influences immune responses that affect both gut and mental health.
Through sophisticated diagnostic techniques, acupuncturists can assess wether this is affecting the gut and leading to the symptoms of IBS.
How acupuncture can help treat IBS through the gut-brain axis -
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and restore balance. It may affect the gut-brain axis in several ways:
Regulating the Vagus Nerve: Acupuncture can influence vagal tone, affecting gastrointestinal motility and stress responses, which can help manage symptoms of IBS-C and IBS-D.
Balancing Neurotransmitters: Acupuncture impacts neurotransmitter levels, including serotonin, which can help alleviate symptoms of both IBS-C and IBS-D by improving mood and digestive function.
Modulating Gut Microbiota: Research suggests that acupuncture may positively influence gut microbiota composition, which could benefit IBS symptoms, including those in IBS-A.
Reducing Inflammation: Acupuncture may reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial for individuals with IBS who experience inflammation related symptoms.
Chinese Herbal Medicine’s role -
Chinese herbal medicine uses various plant and mineral substances to create personalised formulas, in order to treat individuals and their unique experience of IBS.
For IBS-C: We may include herbs that promote bowel movements and soften stools, and other herbs to target the root of the condition.
For IBS-D: We may include herbs that can reduce diarrhoea and soothe the digestive tract.
For IBS-A: Formulas that harmonise the digestive system and address both constipation and diarrhoea may be used.
Other supports for the comprehensive treatment of IBS -
Along side acupuncture and herbal medicine, changes to diet and lifestyle might be advised. What we eat has a big impact on how we feel and the quality of our digestive system. There are also a range of high quality supplements that I have found to be very useful in correcting imbalances in the gut, healing the gut lining, and soothing inflammation. Checking blood tests for levels of Vitamin D, A, Zinc, Magnesium, Iron etc can be helpful in working out what may be contributing to symptoms and/or as a result of the symptoms.
For example - when diarrhoea has been experienced over a long period of time, vitamin and mineral absorption from food could be compromised, leading to deficiencies or further symptoms such as fatigue.
The gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in IBS, linking digestive health with mental well-being. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer valuable and gentle approaches by addressing this connection and utilising over thousands of years of knowledge. With recent research supporting their efficacy, these traditional practices could provide significant relief for those managing IBS.
Any questions about whether acupuncture or Chinese Herbal medicine is right for your IBS symptoms, please contact the Coburg clinic on 03 9386 2145.
Recent Research Supporting Acupuncture for IBS
Recent studies provide evidence supporting acupuncture's role in managing IBS, particularly through its effects on the gut-brain axis:
Acupuncture and Gut Microbiota: A 2022 study in Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience found that acupuncture modulated gut microbiota in animal models, suggesting potential benefits for IBS management (Zhou et al., 2022).
Neurotransmitter Regulation: Research in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2023) reported that acupuncture significantly increased serotonin levels, which could alleviate IBS symptoms and improve mood (Li et al., 2023).
Vagus Nerve Impact: A 2023 review in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine examined acupuncture's effects on vagal nerve activity, concluding it could enhance vagal tone and improve gastrointestinal function (Wang et al., 2023).
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: A study in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2023) highlighted acupuncture's potential to reduce inflammation and provide symptomatic relief for IBS patients (Chen et al., 2023).