Acupuncture & IBS

What is IBS?

IBS, also known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is a common condition with more than three million sufferers each year in the United States alone. According to the biomedical definition of the ailment, it occurs when a person suffers from abdominal pain and discomfort with at least two of the symptoms below.

Biomedical Symptoms of IBS

Relief of symptoms by defecation
Changes in the normal frequency of stools
A change in the normal consistency of stools. (Stools can be loose, hard, dry, lumpy, or watery.)
Three or more bowel movements in a day
Urgent bowel movements
Lower abdominal cramping

Secondary Symptoms of IBS-D

Flatulence
Mucus in stool
Diarrhea
Poor appetite
Irritability
Depression, Anxiety and other associated mental health conditions
Abdominal distention
A Wiry pulse

IBS-D & Diarrhea

In the next section, we’ll discuss more about how acupuncture can help with a particular form of IBS, called IBS-D. IBS-D causes intense diarrhea. Diarrhea comes with its own independent set of symptoms, which include loose, watery stools, gastric fullness, organ discomfort, general discomfort, abdominal bloating, reluctance to speak, and trouble breathing. For IBS-D sufferers, diarrhea is a regular occurrence. When sufferers need to relieve themselves, it’s important that they do. That’s why sufferers especially note that the condition interferes with their lifestyle, mobility, and daily convenience.

IBS-C

In addition to IBS-D, there are other forms of the ailment, including IBS-C. IBS-C is characterized by constipation, lumpy, and hard stools. Sufferers also have bloating, pain in the abdomen, and overall discomfort.

IBS-M

In addition to IBS-C and IBS-D, there is another form of the ailment called IBS-M. IBS-M or IBS-Mixed is an especially painful form that is marked by constant battles with constipation and diarrhea.

IBS-D & Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a great way to reduce IBS-associated abdominal pain and diarrhea. It will also reduce the overall ratio of abnormal stools associated with a type of IBS called IBS-D, which is a painful form of the condition, characterized by insidious attacks of diarrhea. According to this health study here, approximately 65% of patients were completely asymptomatic after regular acupuncture sessions and stayed that way for at least three months. Plus, an additional 30% of patients in the study said their situation had improved. So, altogether, approximately 95% of patients with IBS-D were impacted positively by acupuncture in this particular study. That’s promising information for all IBS sufferers, but of course, for those with IBS-D.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a treatment that helps with symptoms like pain, illness, emotional distress and hormonal imbalance, by increasing circulation and reducing inflammation. The key to understanding acupuncture is that it addresses these ailments as a whole. In other words, it recognizes that insomnia, anxiety, pain, migraines and other issues are the result of fundamental functions within the body that are not working properly. Therefore, acupuncture is not putting the proverbial band-aid on the wound. Instead, acupuncture is about healing the wound from the inside out.

What Can You Expect from an Acupuncture Session?

The First Session

What Treatment is Like

The treatment begins when your practitioner inserts a long, thin needle into a predetermined treatment zone, known as a pressure point. Your acupuncturist chose to insert the needle into that exact point based on your symptoms. From there your acupuncturist may do additional body work or use additional tools, including using an electrical pulse or guasha.

Repeat for the Best Results

Keep in mind, acupuncture is not about instant gratification. Sessions are meant to be repeated – that’s how you’ll get the best results. Some people notice subtle improvements quickly, while others say the change they feel is gradual. Especially when it comes to helping with symptoms of acid reflux, indigestion and stomach pain, repeated acupuncture sessions are needed in order to see results. According to the study linked above, patients saw relief after repeated sessions over a month-long period.

How can you find a qualified Acupuncturist in Raleigh, North Carolina?

If you’re searching for a qualified Acupuncturist in Raleigh, North Carolina, you’ll want to find someone with experience, qualifications, and compassion. Look no further than Acupuncture Pain and Stress Center. Our goal since 2010 has been to provide quality and compassionate acupuncture in Raleigh, NC and the surrounding areas. Much like the balance that Acupuncture provides for your body, we provide our patients with balanced care: the highest quality healthcare, while at the same time focusing on compassionate services that treat you, the patient, with holistic, individualized treatment.

Acupuncture Pain and Stress Center for all of your Acupuncture needs

Hi, I’m Jim Eleczko, the founder of Acupuncture Pain and Stress Center and it’s my mission to provide you with compassionate, whole-person care using holistic treatments, including Acupuncture. I’m a board-certified and licensed Acupuncturist practicing since 2010 in Raleigh, North Carolina. I love that I get to wake up every day to make meaningful changes in my patient’s lives. I’ve seen first hand the changes that Acupuncture can make. As a teen I suffered from allergies and my father suggested that I try Acupuncture to calm the symptoms. It worked – and left a lasting impression on me! Now I offer Acupuncture and other treatments to help people with a variety of issues, including anxiety, migraines, fibromyalgia, and more. Our other treatments include Dry Needling, Tuina Massage, Guasha, Cupping, Stretching, Orthopedic Movements, Electroacupuncture and Therapeutic Exercises.

Here’s a bit more about me and my qualifications: I studied the 4-year program at Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine and continue to travel multiple times a year to study with my mentor, Andrew Nugent-Head. I also studied under Dr. Ed Garbacz, M.D. LAc and spent a year working and studying under Dr. Bonnie Walker, M.D. LAc. I have also done extensive post-graduate studies in acupuncture, nutrition, herbal medicine from lectures of acupuncturists like Dr. Nguyen Van Nghi, Dr. Tran Viet Dzung, Matt Callison, and Edward Obaidey.

Get in touch with me by calling (919) 260-4104. I’d be happy to answer your questions and get you booked for an appointment today!