Ulcerative colitis is considered an aspect of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It usually develops in the rectum and colon. Mild cases of ulcerative colitis can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea and intestinal cramping while severe instances of it may lead to loss of weight, fever, bowel blockages and bloody diarrhea. Western modes of treatment usually involve the use of drugs such as chemotherapy medicines, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs and antibiotics. For chronic abscesses or bowel blockages, surgery may be needed; the bad news about this is that the number of recurrences after surgery is high. Ulcerative colitis can be connected with a heightened risk of colon cancer. In conventional medicine, the real cause for ulcerative colitis is still not known although some scientists have suggested a dysfunction of the immune system of the body, a bacterial or viral infection or perhaps a combination of the two.
For ulcerative colitis, acupuncture can provide relief of symptoms although in potentially deadly situations, western medicine is important to help quell the problem. Some types of ulcerative colitis may not necessitate the use of drugs especially if they come with unwanted side effects. Many times, however, acupuncture treatment provides a much better alternative to conventional drug therapy and surgery.
The human body has the capacity to heal itself from a malady. During the occurrence of illnesses or symptoms, the body usually develops blockages in the pathways where vital energy or qi flows. The blocked qi results in an imbalance in the body. This imbalance is what leads to the development of illnesses and/or symptoms. When drugs are taken to help relieve the illnesses and/or symptoms, the symptoms and illnesses may be temporarily alleviated; the problem is that the underlying cause of the symptoms and/or illnesses are not treated. This means the condition (symptoms/illnesses) is likely to come back.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), ulcerative colitis can have several potential causes. One cause is abundant heat in the body leading to bleeding and Inflammation. Another cause is deficiency in Spleen qi which can impair the ability of the body to segregate the turbid from the pure that can lead to loose stools and diarrhea. The stagnation of Liver qi occurs when the liver qi is obstructed in its flow making it circulate improperly. This leads to the backing up of the energy into the abdomen and spleen affecting the function of the spleen. Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture given by a licensed TCM practitioner can be used to restore balance to the body, resolve the underlying problem and give the patients with ulcerative colitis the much welcomed relief they have been seeking for.
Some patients with ulcerative colitis who have been taking low doses of chemotherapy medications can experience partial relief from their colitis symptoms. Some of them may have been regularly taking their medications. In spite of that, a lot of them still experience rectal bleeding, cramping and bouts of diarrhea that make it difficult for them to leave their house. Many of these patients are looking for much more effective ways to resolve their colitis problem.
A lot of these patients manifest stagnation of liver qi invading their spleen and damp heat in the lower burner. These patients may find significant relief of their symptoms when they are treated on a regular basis with acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal formulas that can help restore balance in the body. These regular treatments can eventually aid these patients in the gradual weaning off of their chemotherapy medications and improve their condition with each session of acupuncture.
Acupuncturists also recommend to their patients with ulcerative colitis lifestyle changes that can help facilitate their ulcerative colitis treatment. It is important to avoid foods such as fake and processed sugars, too much sweets, eggs, citrus fruits, tomatoes, yeast, corn, cruciferous veggies, dairy products and wheat if you have ulcerative colitis. Stress is a huge factor that often triggers a bout of colitis. To relieve or avoid stress, try regular exercise, counseling, qi gong or meditation to calm your mind and relax your body.
Ulcerative colitis is a serious disease that can be successfully treated with acupuncture. This very useful therapy restores balance to your body enabling your spirit, mind and body to resolve even the most difficult digestive conditions.