Patient Help Sheet – Acupuncture for IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder in the world. Although gastroenterologists diagnose IBS frequently, many people don’t even recognize the symptoms. Symptoms may include pain in the abdomen, change in bowel habits, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, excessive gas, abdominal cramping and loss of appetite.

This is where Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can help. TCM treats every individual holistically, taking into account their well-being, both physically and psychologically. TCM incorporates many different modalities to treat a patient, but the most common are acupuncture, Chinese herbs and nutrition.

Acupuncture for IBS: In TCM, the spleen, liver and gallbladder all play vital roles in gastrointestinal health. The spleen is in charge of digestion and stress, which weakens the energy of the spleen and can then lead to disharmony of the gastrointestinal tract. The liver keeps all the energy in the body flowing smoothly. Stress also affects the liver and can lead to liver Qi (pronounced “chee”) stagnation. Qi is the equivalent of energy. The gallbladder is the sister organ of the liver, and it often gets involved too. When treating IBS, a licensed acupuncturist will address any imbalances in these three energetic systems, while also treating any other underlying issues. Things like excess heat and dampness will be removed from the body through the use of acupuncture. These two manifestations are the primary causes of IBS according to TCM.

Acupuncture Points for IBS:

• Large Intestine 4 – This point is located on the back of the hand bilaterally, between the thumb and forefinger, where the mound of flesh is the thickest. Large intestine 4 is the source point for the large intestine channel and it is great for aiding in digestive disorders.
• Stomach 25 – Found bilaterally on either side of the belly button, about 2 thumb widths away from the center of the navel. This point helps move abdominal blood, which can alleviate gastrointestinal disorders. 
• Ren 6 – Located 2 finger widths below the belly button on the midline of the body, this point strengthens the large intestine and helps relieve constipation and abdominal cramping. 

Chinese Botanicals for IBS:

Another integral part of TCM is the use of herbs and herbal formulas. Many times the herbs can be used alone, but there is more of a synergistic effect when the single herbs are combined to make a formula. One formula used frequently is Tong Xie Yao Fang, which includes herbs that smooth the disharmony between the liver and spleen, such as Chen Pi and Bai Zhu. Another popular formula used to treat the damp heat form of IBS is Ma Zi Ren Wan. This formula contains Ma Zi Ren and Xing Ren, which help drain damp heat from the intestines.

Dietary Recommendations for IBS:

Nutrition, the third leg of TCM treatments, is very important in the treatment of IBS. Most people who suffer from IBS need to increase their intake of fiber. So foods like bananas, almonds, blueberries and avocados are all great choices. It is also recommended to avoid excessive gluten intake. Gluten is found in most breads and pastas. For some, gluten needs to be eliminated altogether. Processed, greasy and fried foods are also not good choices for IBS sufferers, as they disrupt the gut microbiome and are hard to digest.

Seeking help from a locally licensed acupuncturist is a great way to handle IBS. Traditional Chinese Medicine can guide you along the path to wellness and can work cooperatively with your gastroenterologist’s regimen to give you the best chance of success. 

New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com

888.375.5444

Research Update: Acupuncture and postoperative nausea and vomiting

Research Update: Acupuncture and postoperative nausea and vomiting


Postoperative nausea and vomiting, often caused by the body’s response to anesthesia, is a very common symptom. Depending on the severity, this can prolong a patient’s recovery time and the length of their hospital stay as well as cause complications to the surgery depending on the type and extent of nutrient-depletion caused by the vomiting.


Medications aimed at treating nausea are expensive and can cause side effects of their own, but a growing body of research is showing acupuncture can be an effective alternative.


A 2013 report published in the Public Library of Sciences measured the efficacy of acupuncture in treating postoperative nausea and vomiting by statistically analyzing the results from over 1200 patients. Acupuncture was determined to be a safe, efficient and economic prevention and treatment method.


In 2017, a study published by the National Institutes of Health looked at the effectiveness of the specific acupuncture point, P6, in treating postoperative nausea and vomiting for women after gynecological surgeries. In the study, 47 women were given a wristband that applied pressure to P6 during the first 12 hours after their operation. Fifty other women, the control group, were given traditional nausea medication during and after their operation.


The study found the wristbands were effective in preventing vomiting, and even more effective in significantly reducing the intensity of the nausea the women experienced. The researchers concluded wristband P6 acupressure application is an excellent alternative to pharmaceutical methods of treatment.


Other studies have shown acupuncture is effective in treating nausea caused by chemotherapy, gag-reflexes induced during dental work that can limit the ability of dentists to provide care, and morning sickness during the beginning of a woman’s pregnancy term.

Acupuncture and acupressure are natural methods of treating nausea, allowing people to limit the number of pharmaceuticals entering their system, which can be especially beneficial in the case of postoperative care or chemotherapy, where the body is already being bombarded with synthetic drugs. With acupuncture, patients can avoid complicating their health by introducing further side effects that can arise from synthetic drug use.


Acupuncture can also be done in conjunction with Western treatments, which can reduce the dosage of pharmaceuticals a patient needs and provide even better overall results. Acupuncture is also often used as part of a multifaceted treatment plan that can include Chinese herbal tonics and exercise or movement plans. Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM, often employs these three practices together to get the best results. Traditional Chinese medical thought looks at the body holistically, and therefore addresses ailments holistically, treating the root problem instead of just the presenting symptoms.


By learning more about the uses and availability of acupuncture, you can make personalized decisions about your healthcare should you find yourself in one of these circumstances.



New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com

888.375.5444




https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1742-acupuncture-beats-drug-for-indigestion-relief



https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30449440

TCM for Acid Reflux

TCM for Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is very common in today’s world. Statistics show 60 percent of the adult population in the United States will experience some type of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD at some point in their lives. Currently, there are seven million people in the U.S. living with some form of GERD. Acid reflux is the acute form of GERD, but it can become chronic and create much bigger problems for the sufferer. Acid reflux can affect anybody, including infants. It occurs when the muscle at the end of the esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), doesn’t close properly or tightly enough. This allows digestive juices and stomach content to “back up” into the esophagus. Modern medicine treats acid reflux with medications like Omeprazole. However, long term usage of this medication can lead to kidney failure.


The alternative to pharmaceuticals with harsh side effects is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM has been around for nearly 3,000 years and it has a very good track record for treating this condition. TCM uses things like acupuncture, single herbs and herbal formulations to treat acid reflux. According to TCM theory, acid reflux is usually caused by emotional upset and ingesting the wrong foods.


Acupuncture is a medical modality that uses tiny, hair-thin needles to stimulate the body’s own ability to heal itself. For acid reflux, there is an acupuncture point that works wonders. This point is known as Pericardium 6. It is located two thumb widths above the wrist crease on the underside of the arm, between the two visible tendons. Pericardium 6 is frequently used to calm anxiety, relax the chest and decrease rebellious energy or Qi (pronounced “chee”) from rising up in the esophagus. So, based on the theory acid reflux is caused by emotional distress, Pericardium 6 would be an excellent choice to stimulate. Acupuncture, in general, is very effective at calming the mind and quieting anxiety. When the mind is calm, the stomach will settle also.


Acupuncture is just one component of TCM. The use of herbs and herbal formulations is also an integral part of TCM. Licorice root, also known as gan cao, is one such herb that can help with acid reflux. Gan cao is used in many herbal formulations, but by itself, it can also soothe the esophagus with mucus. The mucus contributes to cellular healing of the esophageal lining over time. Green tea is another herb that can be used to treat acid reflux. Green tea stimulates the lower esophageal sphincter and prevents stomach acid from refluxing back into the esophagus.


There are specific herbal formulations that can be used to combat acid reflux as well. One of the more commonly used formulas is liu jun zi tang. The herbs in this formula help to calm the stomach and expel excess dampness. The one nice thing about TCM is it is completely customizable. So a practitioner can develop a customized formula based on the patient’s needs. This is much different from the cookie cutter approach to healing utilized by modern medicine.


If you or somebody you know suffers from acid reflux or GERD, consider giving TCM a try. There are hundreds of licensed practitioners all across the country and there might just be one in your neighborhood too. 

New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com

888.375.5444

Recipe: Rise and Shine Ginger Cleanser

Recipe: Rise and Shine Ginger Cleanser


Whether you’re in the middle of a total diet overhaul or just looking to bring more balance and resilience into your body, this morning cleanser is one of the simplest dietary habits you can introduce, while also having a huge positive impact on your health.


This lemon and ginger cleanser is full of nutritional benefits. Lemon is an alkalinizing food, meaning when the body metabolizes lemon juice (as well as other citrus fruits), it breaks it down into alkaline elements. All food, when it is metabolized in the body, it either breaks it down into acid or alkaline elements. Our bodies are normally slightly alkaline, so a diet that is too high in acid-forming foods, causing the body to become too acidic, can contribute to mucus buildup in the body. We need some mucus, but excess mucus in the body can be conducive to the growth of bacteria and viruses. Mucus buildup also contributes to congestion, which leads to many illnesses. According to traditional Chinese medicine, a diet consisting of 70 to 80 percent alkaline-forming foods will support harmony in the body, keeping the digestive and nervous systems strong.


Especially first thing in the morning, when our stomachs are basically empty, it can be very beneficial to start the day with an alkaline-forming drink. Lemon also boosts immunity with vitamin C and potassium, helps keep your skin clear and aids in digestion. Adding ginger to the alkaline-forming lemon juice packs an additional punch to the drink. Ginger stimulates digestion and can help reduce nausea. It also improves circulation in the body and has been shown to reduce inflammation.


One of the great things about introducing this cleanser into your daily routine is that it can be modified or tweaked to support your personal health needs. Adding cayenne to the mix will help boost your metabolism, and it works as a decongestant and a pain reliever. Turmeric can be added for powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Honey is also a great addition, simultaneously balancing out the sour taste of the lemon while adding antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal properties to the drink.


Time: 5 minutes


Ingredients:

1 cup warm water

½ lemon, juiced

1 TB grated fresh ginger


Optional extras:
¼ tsp ground cayenne

1 TB grated fresh turmeric

½ ts raw honey



To make:

1. Boil water and pour it in a mug or glass.

2. Squeeze in the lemon juice.

3. Add the grated fresh ginger and stir. Add any of the optional extra ingredients and stir those in as well.

4. Drink first thing in the morning every morning for the best results.

New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com

888.375.5444

Ginger and Its Uses in TCM

Ginger and Its Uses in TCM

Ginger is a common spice once considered a luxury. Ancient Chinese and Indians used the root of the ginger plant as a tonic to treat various common ailments. Ginger originated in Southeast Asia, but since then it has been widely cultivated all around the world. At its height in popularity during the 14th century, ginger cost about the same as a piece of livestock. Today, ginger can be found in almost every local grocery store and is used worldwide.


So what makes ginger such a special herb? Its versatility. Ginger can be used for many different issues. The dominant property of ginger is that it is warming. Some people associate this with being spicy. The truth is, after a person eats ginger, the body will feel a little warmer. Over time, eating ginger daily can actually increase the body temperature. This is great for those who suffer from blood deficiency and a feeling of constant cold. This also helps people who suffer from aches and pains that flare up during the cold weather.

Ginger is frequently used to help treat digestive problems. It can effectively reduce nausea, whether it’s from morning sickness or chemotherapy. Because of its warming properties, it also aids in stimulating digestion. Grating ginger and adding it to water daily can be very beneficial for the digestive tract.


Another way ginger is used is to help treat colds or the flu. Combining ginger with scallions and making a hot water broth can help kick out a cold quickly. The combination of scallions and ginger will heat the body up, making you sweat a little. This may be just what is needed for sweating out the infection.

Ginger can also be used to treat food poisoning or dysentery. Ingesting ginger increases the secretion of gastric juices. This helps the body digest food more quickly. Ginger also creates an inhospitable environment for toxic bacteria in the gut. By increasing digestion, the toxins can be excreted quickly.


Pain and inflammation are rampant in the world today, but ginger can provide some relief. Studies show ginger consumption can reduce muscle aches and pains. Ginger has also been used in studies on cancer, showing decreased inflammation in the body.


One last way ginger consumption can benefit the body has to do with the cardiovascular system. Ginger has been shown to reduce cholesterol, which can lower the incident of heart attacks.


Ginger is used frequently in many of the herbal formulas Chinese medicinal practitioners prescribe. If you or somebody you know suffers from any of the aforementioned conditions, it might be a good idea to consider using ginger. 

New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com

888.375.5444

Five Reasons Acupuncture Helps Digestive Function

Five Reasons Acupuncture Helps Digestive Function 

Digestion is a complex task performed by the body. It begins in the mouth and finishes when the ingested food leaves the body through the rectum. For all we have learned over the years regarding digestion, there is still so much more we don’t know or are still learning. For example, it wasn’t until recently, the last 10 years or so, that modern medicine confirmed our gastrointestinal tract is our second brain. This discovery is drastically changing the way the body and its many functions are viewed, because everything we put in our mouths can potentially have life-altering effects on the mind, as well as the body.



Digestive disorders are rampant in the United States. Surveys estimate nearly 70 million people in the United States are affected by some sort of digestive disorder. This could be anything from gallstones to acid reflux to pancreatitis. For many, these disorders are extremely debilitating. But for every person dealing with a debilitating digestive disorder, there are thousands more that just assume everything they are experiencing is “normal.”



Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is just one of the many ways people can deal with their digestive disorders. TCM is a very old medical system that utilizes many different modalities to treat imbalances in the body. Acupuncture is just one of the modalities that can be used. More and more studies about the effectiveness of acupuncture are being performed every day, many of which hold great promise for those who suffer from digestive issues.



Acupuncture helps with digestion because it treats the person holistically, meaning all parts are considered when treatment is rendered. There is no compartmentalizing as in Western medicine. So, a person being treated by a licensed acupuncturist or TCM practitioner will not only notice changes in their digestive issues, but they may also notice changes in their psyche too. And since the mind and body are closely connected, this can be very beneficial for the patient.



Studies have shown acupuncture can stimulate peristalsis in the intestinal tract. This is very helpful for people who deal with chronic constipation. In as few as one to two treatments, a person suffering from chronic constipation may find relief.



Nausea and vomiting are another frequent problem associated with digestion. Acupuncture and even acupressure are wonderful tools for calming the upset stomach. One acupressure point on the underside of the forearm has been studied extensively just for this function. In most cases, the nausea and vomiting are greatly decreased or stopped altogether.



Bloating is another common problem associated with the digestive tract. This can be caused by eating too much food or improper digestion. Acupuncture treatments help the digestive process of breaking down foods without the excess gas that frequently causes bloating.



Diarrhea isn’t just a problem that occurs when somebody is suffering from the stomach flu. In fact, it is much more common than many people think. Acupuncture treatments can help resolve diarrhea by clearing either excess heat or excess dampness from the digestive tract, while also strengthening it.



If you are curious about how acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can help you with your digestive issues, ask us! We are happy to guide you along your healing journey. 

New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com

888.375.5444

Herbal Tonics for Digestion

Herbal Tonics for Digestion

Digestive disorders can be simple like flatulence or gas, or they can be much more serious, such as Crohn’s disease. But regardless of the severity of the disease, there is no doubt digestive disorders affect far more people than they should, especially in the United States. A recent survey reports nearly 74 percent of all Americans are living with digestive issues. Most people don’t report it to their doctors either, because they assume it is normal to have gas, bloating or abdominal pain. But these symptoms can be indicators of much more serious underlying problems.


The gut is also the “second brain” of the body. When there are problems in the gastrointestinal tract, it can manifest mentally as well as physically. The enteric nervous system, our gut/second brain, is composed of more than 100 million nerve cells that line the gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus to the rectum. The ENS can trigger emotional shifts experienced by those suffering from gastrointestinal issues. But what science is also discovering is that emotional problems can also trigger issues in the ENS. It’s a two-way street and if one is out of whack, then the other may be also.

There are ways we can help our gastrointestinal tract and digestion, though. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a medical system that has been around for thousands of years, and it focuses on treating the person holistically, meaning every part is addressed at once instead of individually. TCM uses modalities like acupuncture, acupressure, herbs, formulas, and nutrition to treat each patient. 

Here are some herbs used frequently in TCM to help with digestion and gastrointestinal issues:

1. Dandelion (Pu Gong Ying): This herb has been used for millennia for liver and digestive problems. It is used specifically for its diuretic properties. Pu Gong Ying promotes healthy digestive functioning and unlike pharmaceuticals used as diuretics, this herb actually restores potassium rather than depleting it.

2. Hawthorn Berry (Shan Zha): Shan Zha is a great herb to have on hand after those big family dinners, like Thanksgiving. This herb works to remove food stagnation in the digestive tract, and it works especially well on meats and fats that are harder to digest.

3. Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi): One of the best herbs around for regulating the whole digestive system. It is used for spleen and stomach issues in TCM, including nausea, belching, vomiting, abdominal distention and pain. Due to its bitter flavor, it can also drain dampness that may cause loose stools.

4. Fresh Ginger (Sheng Jiang): Ginger is a great digestive herb, as well as a warming spice that helps the circulatory system. It is a natural remedy for heartburn and nausea. It also helps expel gasses from the gastrointestinal tract.

5. Peppermint: While not formerly used in TCM, it is still one of the best digestive herbs available. Peppermint can be used to relieve indigestion, soothe stomach aches and relieve diarrhea caused by colic. It is also a good addition to help treat irritable bowel syndrome.


Herbs can be very beneficial and help keep the body free from illness. The herbs mentioned above are just a few examples that would be good to have around if you suffer from digestive issues. 

Ask us to find out more about these herbs. We can help you navigate the world of medicinal herbs and find the exact combination right for you.

New York Sports Acupuncture

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com

888.375.5444