Acupuncture for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects 10-20% of the UK population at any one time causing embarrassment and discomfort to sufferers. Up to 12 million people in the UK are affected by IBS at some time in their lives. More women seek help but it is just as common in both sexes and commonly starts between 15-40 years old. Acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome has been found to be very effective in relieving symptoms.

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a long-term and often debilitating condition that causes re-occurring pain or discomfort in the abdomen. Bloating, swelling, bouts of diarrhoea and/or constipation and feeling sick are just some of the symptoms which can cause misery for sufferers. The exact cause of IBS is unknown; so many sufferers remain undiagnosed or struggle to manage their symptoms.

How do I treat IBS at my Acupuncture Clinic in Swansea?

Traditional acupuncture is a branch of Chinese medicine that recognises the importance of healthy bowels for overall physical and emotional health. Acupuncture for Irritable Bowel Syndrome has been researched, refined and developed in China for thousands of years and understands how emotional stress can combine with physical factors to stagnate the body’s energy, known as Qi, and result in the symptoms of IBS.

Acupuncture moves stagnation and regulates the flow of Qi in order to restore normal bowel function so that your body can properly digest food and eliminate waste products. By alleviating blockages in the body, acupuncture relieves Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms by reducing pain. It can also regulate muscular movement and strengthens the digestive tract. It can also have effects on the autonomic nervous system,  reducing anxiety, stress & depression. I look at the body as a whole and may also provide dietary advice to ensure my patients are well nourished and improve digestion.

Acupuncture treats the root cause

Acupuncture can relieve stress, one of the main causes of IBS as well as reduce pain, bloating and nausea. By treating the underlying cause of the problem rather than just the symptoms, acupuncture can provide longer term relief for sufferers.