Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are classifications of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative Colitis occurs in the colon and rectum, while Crohn’s disease can affect any segment of the alimentary canal from mouth to anus. Mild cases of both diseases can cause such symptoms as intestinal cramping and diarrhea. Severe cases can involve bloody diarrhea, bowel obstruction, fever and weight loss. Severe Crohn’s can also cause joint pain and inflammation in other areas of the body. Western treatment usually consists of medications including antibiotics, immunosuppressive drugs, corticosteroids and chemotherapy drugs. Surgery may be required for bowel obstruction or chronic abscesses; the rates of recurrence after surgery are high. Either form of IBD can be associated with an increased risk of colon cancer. In western medicine, the actual cause of IBD is unknown. Theories involve a viral or bacterial infection, a breakdown of the body’s immune system, or possibly a combination of the two.

Crohn's disease acupuncture yorkvilleIn some cases, western medicine is very necessary for relief, especially for life-threatening symptoms. In other cases, western medicine, specifically the use of pharmaceuticals, may not be necessary and is accompanied by unwelcome side effects. While we are not against western medicine, we believe acupuncture offers a very viable alternative to treatment.

Human bodies were made to heal themselves. When symptoms or illnesses occur, it is usually due to blocked qi, somewhere in the body. This blocked energy creates an imbalance, which is what causes the symptoms and/or illnesses to occur. When pharmaceuticals are introduced into the body to help with these symptoms or illnesses, they might fix the symptoms temporarily, but they do not cure the root cause of the problem and are certainly not good for the body (this is especially true in the treatment of Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis).

In Oriental medicine, there are many causes for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Inflammation and bleeding are an excess of heat in the body. Spleen qi deficiency affects the body’s ability to separate the pure from the turbid resulting in diarrhea or loose stools. Liver qi stagnation is when the liver qi is blocked and unable to flow properly. This causes the energy to back up into the spleen and stomach and affects the spleen’s proper function. Acupuncture and herbal formulas (prescribed by a qualified practitioner) can be used to bring balance to the body, fix the root of the problem and provide people with IBD some much needed relief.