New Hope for Those with Colitis – Here’s Five Ways Acupuncture Can Help
Your digestive system sets the tone for your overall health. If your body is not able to efficiently and properly process nutrients, it will affect every aspect of your everyday life. Ancient practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine were keenly aware of this, which is why many acupuncture treatments focus on making sure your intestines and bowels are working well.
Inflammatory bowel diseases such as colitis are very common. According to the Crohns and Colitis Foundation, an estimated 1.6 million Americans have these diseases, and an estimated 70,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. There is no cure for colitis, and traditional Western treatment focuses on managing symptoms.
Fortunately, acupuncture offers new hope for those with colitis.
What is Colitis?
This is a debilitating inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the colon and rectum. Without treatment, it can be life-threatening. Symptoms include:
Abdominal pain
Abdominal cramps
Inability to pass a bowel movement despite feeling the urge to do so
Rectal pain and bleeding
Passing blood with stool
Fatigue
Fever
Weight loss
Five Ways Acupuncture Can Help Those With Colitis
The ancient Chinese medicine practitioners recognized the importance of the digestive system long before Western physicians. Thousands of years of study and dedication have provided acupuncturists with an extensive overview of how to help the body use its own natural ability to heal itself.
Acupuncture reduces inflammation.
Bowel inflammation is one of the primary symptoms of colitis and is responsible for pain and discomfort. Acupuncture has been proven effective at reducing swelling and inflammation.
Acupuncture does not have dangerous side effects.
Some medications used to treat colitis also suppress your immune system, which can make you more vulnerable to infections and cause other problems. Many of those with colitis may consider acupuncture in order to avoid these side effects.
Acupuncture releases endorphins.
Endorphins are not only good at lifting your mood, but they have also been shown to be effective pain relievers
Acupuncture reduces stress.
Stress doesn’t cause colitis or other inflammatory bowel diseases. However, it can make symptoms worse, and it can even bring you out of “remission.” Changes in your schedule, illness or even work-related stressors can cause increased cramping and diarrhea. Acupuncture relieves stress which in turn can abate your colitis symptoms.
Acupuncture helps regulate the body’s immune system
Colitis is an auto-immune disorder, meaning that your body’s natural defenses turn against itself. Therefore, some medications used to treat colitis also suppress your immune system, which can make you more vulnerable to infections and cause other problems. Many of those with colitis may consider acupuncture in order to avoid these side effects.
Have Questions About Acupuncture? We’re Happy to Answer
If you’re new to acupuncture, don’t worry. We have the expertise and knowledge to help you.
Contact us for a complimentary 20-minute consultation and learn more about the natural benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Connecticut Family Acupuncture is dedicated to helping as many people as possible realize their optimum health naturally, without the use of pharmaceutical or surgical interventions. We are committed to our patients and utilize our extensive knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine to address each individual’s health concerns. Connecticut Family Acupuncture has offices in Bolton. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.
