TCM and Irritable
Bowel Syndrome
Article contributed by:
Physician Wong Hui Mei
Ma Kuang Healthcare
Group
Irritable bowel syndrome
(IBS) is a common
gastrointestinal
disorder that affects up
to 10-15% of adults,
with symptoms including
abdominal bloating,
cramp, urge of
defecation and change in
bowel habits. The
causes of IBS are not
well understood, however
some studies have
suggested that dietary
habits, chronic life
stress and mood factors
can aggravate IBS
symptoms.
In Traditional Chinese
Medicine (TCM), IBS are
mostly related to the
disruption of Liver-Qi.
(Important note: the
concept of organs in TCM
is different from modern
medicine, so Liver
dysfunction does not
necessarily mean that
your actual liver has
problem.)
Emotional changes can
alter the flow of Qi,
leading to the weakening
of digestive function as
well as the bowel
movement. Weakened
function may cause the
production of internal
dampness and other
pathogenic factors which
further worsen the
condition.
Chinese herbs,
acupuncture and massage
are effective in IBS
management. TCM
aims to restore the
internal harmony of body
by removing pathogenic
factors, soothing the
Liver-Qi, and
strengthening the
digestive function.
In addition to these
treatments, changes in
dietary habits are
required.
Lifestyle adjustment may
be needed in some cases.
For IBS sufferers who
are nervous or
depressed, they are
advised to take up some
activities or exercises
to relax themselves, in
order to avoid the
aggravation of symptoms
by stress.
IBS is an annoying but
manageable disease.
If you are seriously
affected by IBS, do
discuss with your doctor
or physician.
Nevertheless, rectal
bleeding, fever, weigh
loss and persistent pain
are not symptoms of IBS
and may be associated
with other severe
problems, especially for
those with family
history of colon cancer,
celiac diseases and
inflammatory bowel
diseases. You
should consult a doctor
as soon as possible if
you are in the high-risk
group and experiencing
above symptoms.
Article contributed by:
Physician Wong Hui Mei
Ma Kuang Healthcare
Group
Dated: August 2014
|
Ma Kuang
Healthcare
Group is
one of the
leading
healthcare
groups in
holistic
Traditional
Chinese
Medicine (TCM)
products and
services in
Singapore.
Founded in
1999, Ma Kuang has
expanded
rapidly from
its first
TCM clinic
in Middle
Road to
today’s
largest
chain of TCM
clinics in
Singapore. |
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