TCM Treatment Evaluation for Diverticulitis
Acupuncture, botanical medicine and clinical nutrition have the ability to create the perfect ‘healing storm‘ for treatment of diverticulitis. When applied with the guidance of a professional naturopathic doctor, the body can embrace the natural remedy accumulation of these three approaches. Targeting the root cause by curing from within avoids conventional medical efforts which often attempt healing from the outside which, in more cases than not, only ‘band-aids‘ the symptoms rather than completely heals the cause.

1. Pointing in the Right Direction
Acupuncture used to treat diverticulitis, can Improve immune function which in turn lowers bacterial counts, Increase blood flow to the bowel, strengthen mucosa and muscle walls, expedite bowel healing, and increase stool transit to avoid irritation/inflammation.

Quchi (LI 11)
The point is a directly related point used to treat symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting. It is located on the lateral (outside) spot near the flexed elbow and is called in Chinese Quchi or Pool at the Crook. It is classified as a He-Sea point where energy collects and goes deep into the body. LI11 is popular for treating rebellious qi (life force) as well as diarrhea.

Wenliu (LI 7)
This point works well in reducing intestinal inflammation, abdominal pain and borborygmus (gaseous rumbling). It is located on the mid forearm on the thumb (radial) side. Inflammation is a huge factor in diverticulitis and acupuncture is capable of reducing this response to allow other healing remedies (such as botanical medicine and clinical nutrition) to flourish.

2. Herbal Therapy:
Herbal medicine is the base for hundreds of pharmaceuticals, however when prescribed and monitored by a naturopathic doctor in its natural state certain conditions, such as diverticulitis, could heal unencumbered by side effects or re-occurrence. TCM reports a list of curative botanical remedies that, according to each individual case, have the potential to reduce and even heal diverticulitis. Some of these include:

-- Linum usitatissimum (Yama), great bulk-forming high fiber laxative that softens stools and speeds transport.
-- Radix Glycyrrhizae (Gancao), used for spasms and reducing inflammation (must be taken under strict guidance of a professional).
-- Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) – This is a demulcent and an emollient (smooths and relaxes intestinal wall).
-- Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva) – Considered a demulcent, which is a soothing film that forms a protective coat over mucosa relieving pain and inflammation.
-- Ramulus Oncariae cum Uncis (Gouteng), excellent bowel anti-inflammatory (must be taken under strict guidance of a professional).