Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder that affects 10-15% of the worlds population.
The symptoms range from bloating to cramping, to irregular bowel movements.
With several varying symptoms western medicine doesn’t have a definitive solution, however Chinese Medicine approaches this problem by treating the root of the problem.
The Research
A new study conducted by researchers at Chongqing Nanchuan Hospital investigated different responses to treatment for patients suffering from IBS.
Two groups were monitored, one using Western drug therapy with Chinese herbal medicine and the other using strictly Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Over the course of the 28-day trial, all 126 participants involved received an IBS diagnosis prior to taking part.
The volunteers were divided into two groups.
One group received doses of Loperamide hydrochlorida – (IMODIUM) that slows down the bowel to stop cramps and diarrhoea, plus a dose of the herbal medicine, Si Shen Wan.
The second group were given acupuncture and herbal medicine.
The drug group were given Imodium once a day before meals. The Chinese medicine group were given a 30-minute acupuncture session and a herbal formula designed to alleviate gastrointestinal disorders.
The Results
Those who were administered acupuncture and herbs showed “greater improvements in stool consistency and significantly greater reductions of abdominal pain.
The benefits didn’t stop there, its also reduced mucus in the stool, bloating, and bowel urgency,” more the drug group.
Those who took Loperamide still experienced relief from symptoms, but to a lesser extent.
This isn’t the first time Chinese medicine has been proven effective in treating IBS.
The Journal of the American Medical Association, conducted research that involved herbalists and gastroenterologists.
Patients reported that their IBS symptoms were significantly less when taking herbal medicine.
Finally, the findings also show that participants responded better to treatment in the 14 weeks following the trial when herbal medicine was prescribed specifically to their needs of each individual patient.
Personalised Medicine
One of the greatest components of Chinese medicine is that it’s personalised medicine.
Unlike western medicine where pharmaceutical drugs are prescribed for general symptoms.
The strength of Chinese medicine lies in it’s flexibility to match the patient.
Formulas can work to reduce symptoms, however, when a patient is given a customised herbal prescription, they witness a faster return to optimal health.
In my clinic, I have seen great results treating a number of gastrointestinal problems including IBS.
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David L. Edwards is an author, Chinese medicine physician and acupuncturist. He is the author of The Body Fat Formula and The Pocketbook guide to Chinese medicine. David is the director of Barefoot Health and Wellness health programs.
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