Always running to the bathroom? Try Acupuncture!
You could be running to the bathroom for number 1 or 2, and acupuncture can actually help with both! The WHO and NIH have recognized traditional Chinese medicine as effective for reducing symptoms associated with incontinence and other digestive problems.
According to TCM, yin and yang are equal and opposite forces that contribute to the whole person. TCM practitioners identify deficiencies or excesses and aim to balance yin and yang to create harmony within the body, mind, and spirit.
Yang typically represents light, heat, sun, fire, day, etc. Yin typically symbolizes darkness, cold, earth, moon, night, etc. We can all agree that both sides of the coin are important, but it can wreak havoc on our bodies when one or the other is imbalanced. The patterns and presentation can vary, but spleen yang deficiency can look like: dampness (e.g., phlegm), sensation of coldness in the abdomen, frequent urination, and diarrhea.
Incontinence suggests an imbalance in the flow of energy (qi) and the health of the kidney, bladder, spleen, and pelvic floor. Diarrhea suggests an imbalance in the flow of qi and health of the stomach, spleen, and liver. Acupuncture can be helpful for reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, and promote healing by bringing blood flow to these areas. Your acupuncturist can target specific points within these meridians to improve blood flow and qi. These points may be in the lower back, abdomen, feet, and legs.
Given their holistic approach, your acupuncturist might speak with you about lifestyle habits to help alleviate symptoms as well, such as pelvic floor exercises for incontinence, stress management, and dietary adjustments like limiting irritants (e.g., caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, sugar) and eating a balanced diet with ample water to help restore fluid balance.
If you are battling with number 1 or number 2, we would be happy to help you! Please give us a call at 860-633-6022 to set up an initial consultation and first treatment.