Research Studies Have Confirmed That Acupuncture Can Be An Effective Treatment For Both Crohn’s And Ulcerative Colitis

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are inflammatory bowel diseases. Both can be painful, unpredictable and have a negative impact on your quality of life. In addition to the physical symptoms, a diagnosis of either condition can take a toll on your mental health and make living with either of these conditions a constant struggle.

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are similar in that they’re both inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, they’re both considered to be autoimmune diseases, in which your immune system attacks healthy tissue. However, the primary difference between the two conditions is location. Ulcerative colitis is a disorder that only involves your colon. In contrast, Crohn’s disease can affect any part of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from your mouth and throat to your rectum. And while ulcerative colitis is confined to more superficial tissue of the large bowel, the inflammation associated with Crohn’s often affects a number of patches along your GI tract, and involves deeper levels of tissue. 

Because ulcerative colitis is confined to the colon, symptoms associated with this condition include pain, cramping, gurgling, bowel urgency, bloody stools, weight loss and diarrhea after eating. Some patients may experience a fever during severe flare-ups. The symptoms associated with Crohn’s are more varied, depending on what part of the GI tract is affected. Colon and small intestine inflammation may produce symptoms similar to those for ulcerative colitis. However, if the inflammation is in your stomach, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and a loss of appetite. In severe cases when the inflammation has penetrated deeply and damaged layers of intestinal tissue, a hole called a fistula may develop in the intestinal wall. Systemic (whole body) symptoms that may occur with either of these conditions include fever, joint pain, anemia, weight loss, fatigue and skin and eye inflammation.

Scientists aren’t sure of the underlying cause of these conditions, but based on research they have a few theories. First, both conditions are autoimmune in nature, which means that your immune system isn’t functioning as it should. It’s believed that an environmental trigger, such as a viral or bacterial infection in your gut, sets the stage for an extreme immune reaction. Researchers have also discovered that there may be a genetic link to these conditions. People who have a family member with an inflammatory bowel disease are at a higher risk for developing one, too. Some other factors that may make you more prone to developing Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis include being a smoker, frequent use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and antibiotic or oral contraceptive use.

Many people believe that stress and eating certain foods are the cause of inflammatory bowel disease, but that’s not necessarily the case. A very stressful lifestyle and a diet high in fatty or fried foods may slightly increase your risk, but it’s far more likely that a poor diet and a high stress lifestyle will aggravate your symptoms, once the condition has developed.

Natural Treatments for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The sad truth is that there’s no cure for Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis. They both are conditions that involve flare-ups and times of remission. What this means is that treatment options involve finding ways to keep your symptoms in remission and strategies for calming the inflammation. Conventional treatments involve a variety of medications that work to suppress immune activity, reduce the inflammation, help control diarrhea and address any complications if and when they arise. This includes treating infections, intestinal obstructions and bleeding. Some cases are so severe that surgery may be necessary.

However, that’s not the end of the story. There are natural treatment options for Crohn’s disease that can be very helpful, either working in combination with your current medications and treatments, or as stand-alone therapies. Research studies have confirmed that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for both Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. One large study reviewed the body of existing research on this topic, and the scientists determined that acupuncture in tandem with a kind of heat therapy called moxibustion reduced inflammatory bowel symptoms more effectively than one of the most frequently prescribed medications. Acupuncture works because of the physiological changes that occur during a treatment, including reduced inflammation, pain relief, a boost in immune function and stress relief, all actions which support the process of healing.

In addition to acupuncture, your practitioner may also prescribe Chinese herbal medicine as a way to support and prolong the effects of acupuncture. An herbal formula can target your symptoms and treat underlying causes, such as stress, digestive issues or inflammation.

Your practitioner is also trained and experienced in incorporating dietary therapy into their treatment sessions. They can suggest dietary strategies to help control inflammation, promote good digestion and avoid food triggers—all of which can help reduce flare-ups and promote remission. And, as concluded by researchers, heat therapy can be incredibly helpful, so your practitioner is likely to use either moxibustion (which is heat generated by a bundle of burning herbs) or through the use of a far-infrared lamp. By either method, penetrating heat helps support gut health and reduces inflammation.

There’s no doubt that the diagnosis of an inflammatory bowel disease will change your life. However, with the right care, your Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis can be controlled. Natural healing strategies that are backed up by science, such as acupuncture, heat therapy, diet and Chinese herbal medicine can be incredibly effective. If you’d like more information about treating an inflammatory bowel condition safely and naturally, please contact our clinic for more information.