Introduction:
The Western hemisphere has seen increased interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in recent years. More patients are using TCM as a conservative therapy option before moving forward with more intrusive choices like medications and surgery. The two modalities of TCM that are most well-known are acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. They are frequently applied to treat digestive issues, among other illnesses of different systems. This article will examine numerous research articles to highlight how TCM treats irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea and constipation, are all signs of IBS. The trials demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of using TCM to treat IBS patients without noticeably adverse side effects. By facilitating and improving the functions of the digestive system, controlling bowel habits, aiding in the release of hormones and neurotransmitters, reducing abdominal pain and bloating, and stabilizing stress and anxiety that can exacerbate IBS symptoms, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine can help reduce the symptoms of IBS. As a result, it is advised that acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy be included in the treatment plan for patients with IBS.
What Are the Signs of Digestive Disorders?
There are many unpleasant ways that digestive problems might prevent themselves. It's not always a clear-cut stomachache or acid reflux episode. Malaise, vitamin shortages, and persistent discomfort are some conditions that poor digestion can bring on. Among the signs of an unbalanced digestive system are the following:
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Migraines and headaches.
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Hot or cold sweats.
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Fatigue.
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Mood changes.
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Gas and bloating.
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Difficulty sleeping.
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Gaining or losing weight.
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Nausea.
The digestive process is quite intricate. To fully understand what can affect someone's digestion, traditional Chinese medicine takes a holistic approach to the individual and their nutrition. The body's functions can be affected by various factors, including nutrition, metabolism, and food preferences.
What Are the Traditional Chinese Medicine to Address Digestive Issues?
Eating Seasonally
According to TCM, eating seasonally is crucial to maintain environmental equilibrium. Therefore, concentrating on cooked seasonal foods like meat, soups, and stews throughout the autumn and winter can help with digestion. Asparagus, kale, and vinegar are warm, nutritious, bitter foods that might benefit kidney health as winter is connected to renal energy. More fruits and vegetables are in season in the spring and summer. They are delectable and adaptable, and add extra hydration. Great summertime foods include cucumbers, strawberries, and watermelon.
Be Aware of the Temperatures
Do one know what "digestive fire" means? Food is cooked down by the digestive system using enzymes, bile, and acid that provide energy to the body. The temperature of the meal and liquids will significantly impact this digestion process, according to Chinese medicine. Foods can often be divided into three groups:
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Cooling.
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Warming.
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Neutral.
When attempting to eat seasonally, cooked and room-temperature foods (warming) are always preferred. The body can be regulated during periods of excessive heat, both physically and mentally, using raw, cooling foods. However, in general, raw foods can be very hard on the digestive system and tend to slow down metabolism. In general, prepared foods are easier to digest and help with metabolism. Likewise, with liquids, warm drinks, including tea, soups, broths, and water, are good for warming the digestive system. Liquids that are extremely cold or frosty can shock the body.
Drink Plenty of Water
It's crucial to stay hydrated, especially in the cold. And no, coffee is not considered. Dehydration exacerbates many health issues. One can avoid unneeded digestive and health problems by drinking water throughout the day. A lot of people need help to stay hydrated. Water needs to be more flavorful and becomes tedious to drink. Instead of using sweet flavor packets, try these healthy suggestions:
Add a half-lemon and an inch-long ginger slice to a glass of room-temperature water to add flavor. The warming food ginger is ideal for autumn and winter. Placing water in all the locations where the day is spent or carrying it everywhere helps with remembering to stay hydrated (such as in a car, desk, living room, etc.).
Herbal Digestive Treatments
Herbal treatment is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various illnesses, including acute and chronic digestive problems. Herbs can support digestive health and vigor in addition to a good diet and plenty of water. The primary organs connected to digestion, the liver, kidneys, and spleen, are the principal targets of these herbs. Some herbs, such as ashwagandha and lion's mane, may be more obscure than others, but one may have heard of them. These are already present in the kitchen cabinet. Check to explore some of these common herbs if one have ongoing or new stomach discomfort:
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Ginger: It is a fantastic warming herb. It helps with nausea and maintains the digestive system functioning. It is frequently used with other plants to balance the herbal remedy's "formula."
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Clove: Another warming herb, clove relieves nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
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Cinnamon: Cinnamon supports kidney and circulatory health. It can lessen weariness, stomach pain, and lower back pain related to digestion.
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Caraway: Caraway is a fantastic digestive plant. It has been demonstrated to lessen fermentation and ease gas and bloating.
Be prepared to gain various advantages from these herbs in addition to improved digestion. They can aid with inflammation, boost energy, improve mood, and encourage mental clarity.
Digestive Acupuncture:
Acupuncture is the last but not least! A kind of TCM called acupuncture can promote healing and restoration. Acupuncture focuses on particular pressure points in the body that are linked to various biological functions and symptoms. Acupuncture can target the areas of the gut where discomfort is felt and assist in releasing any stored energy that might contribute to health issues. Acupuncture can treat various symptoms, including gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, acid reflux, and nausea. A certified acupuncturist will be able to determine which acupuncture points on the body's meridians correspond with the digestion issues and which require cleansing.
Conclusion:
Chinese herbal medicines like Shun-Qi-Tong-Xie (SQTX) and Tong Xie Yao Fang (TXYF) can significantly reduce IBS symptoms. SQTX was discovered to lessen diarrhea, discomfort in the abdomen, and abdominal pain typically associated with emotional instability [13]. Studies have shown that TXYF is more effective than pharmaceutical therapies at reducing stomach discomfort and distention, enhancing the quality of stools, and stabilizing patients' emotional health. TXYF reduces visceral hypersensitivity by adjusting mast cell activation, lowering 5-HT levels, and influencing the microbiota species in the gut flora to treat IBS symptoms.
