Gut Health and Acupuncture: A Holistic Approach to IBS
These days, it seems like everyone has Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is an umbrella term used by Western medicine to describe symptoms like gas, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two when there is no clear cause. Western medicine often lumps these symptoms together without a specific treatment, leaving patients frustrated.
While IBS is incredibly common, it’s important to distinguish it from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which includes more serious conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD involves inflammation of the intestines, while IBS does not—so treatment approaches differ greatly.
At Vale of Health, we take a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach to gut health, which often provides more effective solutions for treating IBS symptoms. Let’s explore how acupuncture and naturopathic nutrition can help restore balance to your digestive system.
Why Is IBS So Common Today?
A major reason why IBS is so prevalent, especially in the West, lies in our modern diets. In TCM, IBS is often linked to Spleen Qi Deficiency, which refers to an imbalance in the spleen’s ability to process and distribute nutrients properly. This isn’t the spleen we learned about in biology class; in TCM, the spleen is responsible for digestion, energy production (Qi), and even making blood.
A weak spleen often leads to issues like loose stools, fatigue, and digestive discomfort—key symptoms of IBS. The main culprit? Dampness in the body, which is caused by consuming too many cold, damp-inducing foods like:
Alcohol (especially beer and wine)
Dairy products
Gluten
Fried and oily foods
Processed white carbs (bread, pasta, rice)
Sugary foods and drinks
Our cold, damp environment—like here in London—can further weaken the spleen, exacerbating digestive issues. If you’ve ever felt bloated or had diarrhea after a night of drinking or eating gluten-heavy meals, this might be a sign of Spleen Qi Deficiency.
How Acupuncture Supports Gut Health
Acupuncture, a core practice of TCM, can be incredibly effective for improving digestion and treating IBS. Here’s how:
Regulating Digestive Function: Acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body to restore balance, helping normalize digestion and reducing symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Strengthening the Spleen: By targeting the meridians associated with the spleen, acupuncture helps to improve Spleen Qi, reducing dampness and strengthening the body’s overall digestive capacity.
Reducing Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can often trigger IBS symptoms. Acupuncture promotes the body’s anti-inflammatory responses, soothing the gut lining and aiding in healing.
Stress Reduction: Stress is a major trigger for IBS flare-ups. Acupuncture helps calm the nervous system, reducing the impact of stress on the gut.
Naturopathic Nutrition for IBS Relief
While acupuncture helps on a physical and energetic level, diet plays an equally crucial role in managing IBS. In TCM, we focus on strengthening the spleen and avoiding foods that cause dampness. Here are some dietary changes to consider:
Warm, Cooked Foods: The spleen thrives on warmth. Cold, raw foods weaken the spleen, so it’s essential to include hot meals like soups, stews, and slow-cooked dishes. Even water should be consumed at room temperature, not straight from the fridge.
Spleen-Strengthening Foods: Incorporate foods like sweet potatoes, squash, oats, bone broth, and warming spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and garlic to support digestive health. These foods help nourish the spleen and improve energy levels.
Avoid Damp-Causing Foods: Cut back on damp-inducing foods like alcohol, sugar, gluten, dairy, and fried or processed items. These foods increase dampness in the body, further weakening the spleen and contributing to IBS symptoms.
Mindful Eating: Avoid overwhelming your digestive system by eating smaller, more frequent meals and chewing your food thoroughly. This helps the spleen process nutrients more efficiently, leading to better digestion.
How TCM Treats IBS-D (Diarrhea)
If your IBS leans more toward diarrhoea (IBS-D), this is often a sign of a seriously weak spleen. In addition to the general guidelines above, consider focusing on more specific treatments:
Warming spices like ginger (powdered ginger may be better than fresh for some people).
Slow-cooked breakfasts such as porridge or congee made with oats or brown rice.
Avoiding cold and raw foods at all costs.
In TCM, diarrhoea is linked to the spleen’s inability to hold things up—hence the loose stools. Strengthening the spleen through warming, nourishing foods and acupuncture can help address the root cause.
Taking a Holistic Approach
Western medicine often leaves IBS sufferers to “figure it out” by identifying triggers and avoiding them. But at Vale of Health, we offer a more comprehensive approach. By combining acupuncture and naturopathic nutrition, we aim to treat both the symptoms and root causes of IBS, providing long-term relief and improved overall health.
Remember, good health starts in the gut. If you’re tired of managing IBS symptoms without seeing real improvement, book a consultation today and discover how TCM and holistic treatments can help restore your gut health.
