Gastrointestinal 

Acupuncture and Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a condition that has become increasingly common over the years. It is characterised by having imbalanced contractions of intestinal muscles which can produce abdominal pain, constipation and or diarrhoea. Simplistically speaking these contractions are usually regulated by the nervous and hormonal systems and internal electrical activity within the muscular walls of the intestines.

Acupuncturists primarily view IBS as an imbalance within Spleen and Liver meridians.

• The Spleen meridian is responsible for ensuring transformation and transportation of food, and therefore has a very strong connection with the digestive system but more specifically at the intestines level. When there is Spleen deficiency common signs and symptoms may include soft or loose stools, muzzy head and tiredness. This meridian is easily affected through excessive mental activity, irregular eating habits or damp foods such as wheat and dairy products.

• The liver meridian ensures free flow of energy within the body and in doing so aids the function of the spleen meridian. When the Liver meridian is out of balance, stagnation can occur causing abdominal pain, constipation and frustration. The biggest factors for an imbalance within this meridian is due to lack of exercise, unexpressed anger or resentment.