Chinese Medicine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS Melbourne

Acupuncture for IBS, constipation, Crohns Disease Treatment

Irritable Bowel symptoms

Around one in five Australians experiences the unpleasant symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) at some time.

IBS  is characterised by abdominal pain, bloating and alternating constipation and diarrhoea. It seems that people with IBS have sensitive bowels that are easily ‘upset’. More women than men are prone to IBS, and symptoms tend to first occur in early adulthood. The cause is unknown, but environmental factors such as changes of routine, emotional stress, infection and diet can trigger an attack (1).

Constipation is the passing of hard, dry bowel motions (stools) that may be infrequent or difficult to pass. Constipation can be both chronic and acute.  The most common causes of constipation include a change in routine, not enough fibre in the daily diet, not enough fluids and lack of exercise. Constipation is also common in those who are pregnant and those who are advancing in age (2). 

IBS Treatment - Acupuncture Research

  • IBS - Recent research looking at the application of Acupuncture for IBS in high quality 2016 study(4) found Acupuncture was superior to usual care on IBS symptom severity score at 6, 9 and 12 months but not at 24 months. Previously the 2014 USVA review the evidence was unclear (5).

Our Melbourne Acupuncture Clinic

When working with you, we begin by looking at everything going on with you and your body. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine look at the mind and body as a whole. We will  ask about your digestion and diet, how certain foods, emotions time of day etc affect your symptoms. We will also ask what you do that may help or hinder these symptoms. We then review other aspects of your health like your  activities, sleep quality, muscle pain and energy levels. After feeling your pulse and looking at your tongue we will then decide upon a course of treatment that will be discussed with you. At Coburg Chinese medicine we support an integrative and inclusive approach to treatment.

Based in Melbourne, the  Coburg Clinic services people from Coburg and surrounding Northern suburbs such as Brunswick, Pascoe Vale, Preston, Fawkner, Thornbury, Northcote.  If you wish to discuss how acupuncture can assist you call us on 03 9041 656.

Call us on ☎ (03) 9041 6569 to arrange an appointment or book online below

 

References


1. Betterhealth.vic.gov.au. (2014). Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). [online] Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs [Accessed 12 Feb. 2018].

2. Betterhealth.vic.gov.au. (2014). Constipation. [online] Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/constipation [Accessed 12 Feb. 2018].

4. MacPherson H, Tilbrook H, Agbedjro D, Buckley H, Hewitt C, Frost C. Acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome: 2-year follow-up of a randomised controlled trial. Acupunct Med. 2016 Mar 15.