Acupuncture for Gastrointestinal Diarrhea Distress
Whether you’re grappling with chronic diarrhea, explosive bouts of loose stools, or post-meal discomfort, you may be dealing with gastrointestinal issues linked to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), food allergies, parasites, or stress. Acupuncture may provide an alternative approach to alleviating diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.
Understanding the Causes of Diarrhea
Diarrhea, characterized by loose stool, can result from various factors. Acute diarrhea, lasting only one or two days, often resolves on its own.
Short-term watery diarrhea is frequently attributed to food poisoning, typically caused by consuming spoiled or improperly cooked food, leading to symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Viral infections, such as the “stomach flu,” can also trigger watery diarrhea.
Chronic diarrhea, persisting for weeks or involving recurring episodes, may be associated with IBS, IBD, Celiac disease, or other underlying issues. It’s worth noting that over 6% of adults in the U.S. report experiencing chronic diarrhea, and this is also a significant concern for children worldwide.
Common Culprits of Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common occurrence, often temporary, but it can escalate to a point where treatment becomes necessary. Some common factors leading to loose bowel movements include:
- Bacterial infections, traveler’s diarrhea, food poisoning, or consumption of unsafe drinking water.
- Viral infections, like rotavirus, viral gastroenteritis, or stomach flu.
- Parasite infections, such as giardiasis.
- Food-related issues like allergies, intolerances, sensitivities, or Celiac disease.
- Reactions to medications, such as antibiotics, antidepressants, or Metformin.
- Side effects of radiation therapy or cancer treatment.
- IBS, a condition characterized by alternating diarrhea, constipation, and stomach cramps.
- IBD, encompassing conditions like colitis and Crohn’s disease, which are autoimmune disorders affecting the gastrointestinal tract.
- Malabsorption of food, leading to poor nutrient absorption.
- Menstrual cycle or perimenopause, with changes in hormones like estrogen contributing to diarrhea.
- Specific foods or supplements like excessive coffee, artificial sweeteners (e.g., mannitol and sorbitol), and red food coloring. Magnesium supplements can also lead to loose stools.
If diarrhea persists beyond a few days, it is crucial to seek medical advice, as chronic diarrhea can result in dehydration and fatigue, potentially indicating a more serious underlying condition.
Identifying the Causes of Chronic Diarrhea
Chronic diarrhea may signal underlying conditions like IBS or IBD, characterized by recurrent diarrhea episodes. Some common disorders associated with chronic diarrhea include:
- IBD, the most prevalent types being ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. IBD often leads to bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain, with the potential for chronic or recurrent diarrhea, dehydration, fatigue, and weight loss.
- Ulcerative colitis, an autoimmune disorder causing inflammation and ulcers in the lower gastrointestinal system, including the colon and rectum.
- Crohn’s disease, another autoimmune disorder primarily affecting the small intestine but potentially impacting any part of the gastrointestinal tract.
- IBS, a functional gastrointestinal disorder, often resulting in recurring diarrhea and abdominal pain. It can manifest with alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation, with individuals experiencing more diarrhea-dominant IBS referred to as having “IBS-D.”
- Celiac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by the consumption of wheat gluten, causing severe GI inflammation and leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, malnutrition, fatigue, and skin rashes.
Can Acupuncture Be Beneficial to Treat Diarrhea?
Acupuncture is considered a valuable option for managing chronic diarrhea. Acupuncture emphasizes the interplay of organ systems in maintaining harmony within the body. Imbalances in one system can disrupt others, leading to various symptoms. The spleen plays a pivotal role in breaking down food nutrients and converting them into energy. Impaired spleen function often results in watery stools. Symptoms may vary depending on how the spleen interacts with other organs, such as the liver, stomach, or kidneys.
Common diagnostic patterns associated with chronic diarrhea include:
- Spleen Deficiency with Liver Qi stagnation: Marked by mucus in the stool, abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, irritability, and depression.
- Spleen Deficiency with Stomach deficiency: Characterized by watery stools, poor appetite, early satiety, stomach distension after meals, pallor, and fatigue.
- Spleen Deficiency with Kidney Deficiency: Indicative of morning diarrhea, partially digested food in stools, abdominal and lower back pain, knee pain, and a sensation of cold.
Acupuncture treatment, which may include moxibustion and herbal remedies, aims to restore the spleen’s health and balance other organs. Research has shown that acupuncture can effectively alleviate diarrhea and constipation associated with IBS. Moreover, acupuncture can assist in managing stress and anxiety, common triggers for IBS symptoms.
For individuals with diarrhea linked to IBDs like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, acupuncture can help reduce inflammation and regulate immune responses. TCM treatment for Crohn’s disease or colitis, incorporating dietary changes and herbal supplements, can promote a healthier gut microbiome and strengthen the intestinal walls, addressing the root causes of chronic diarrhea.
Contact Urban Acupuncture Center in Columbus, OH For More Information
For more information about how acupuncture, massage therapy and other alternative healing treatments can help you, please contact the Urban Acupuncture Center Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist’s team at Indianola Ave, Columbus, Ohio (Clintonville) (614) 725-2488 or click here. Taking new patients in and around greater Columbus, Ohio.