Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects around 1 in 5 adults in the UK at some point in their lives with twice as many women than men suffering the condition. Children and teenagers are increasingly being affected too because of school stresses, exam pressures and poor food choices.

For the majority of sufferers the only medical help they receive is painkillers, anti spasmodic drugs, laxatives and anti-diarrhoeal medications – all of which are merely ‘sticking plasters’ for a deep and complex condition.

Fortunately, acupuncture provides safe, powerful and reliable treatment options for IBS and really seeks to get to the root cause of the problem. This is the beauty of acupuncture; it supports your entire system, restoring harmony and balance throughout.

I treat YOU and not your diagnosis!

Each person has their own unique form of IBS and I treat everyone individually. You may suffer from bloating, pain and constipation in the same way as many other IBS sufferers but your personal health story will provide the clues as to why you have these issues and how your body needs to be supported and rebalanced.

The links between your mind and body are clear and well established. This is particularly relevant when treating IBS as stress and anxiety stemming from your mind and nervous system can play havoc with your digestive tract!

Acupuncture nourishes your nervous system and encourages the production of uplifting brain chemicals like serotonin and endorphins – ‘the ‘happy’ hormones – whilst relieving pain, bloating and altered bowel habits.

How do the acupuncture needles relieve pain, constipation and diarrhoea?

The gentle and careful insertion of tiny acupuncture needles into key positions on your body stimulates the flow of energy around your system. These energy signals instruct your brain to release various chemical messengers which block pain sensors and improve the regularity and function of your bowel muscles. Other needle points are used to support the rest of your system; this may be to reduce anxiety and nervous tension, improve your circulation or ease muscle spasms.

This holistic approach to managing such a complex and diverse condition like IBS means clients leave feeling calmer, energised, able to sleep better and enjoying smooth comfortable digestion.

Your digestion is your foundation

Looking after your digestive system is such an important aspect of any acupuncture treatment plan. Your stomach, intestines and bowels provide the barrier between what you take in via food and drink and how well your body can utilise nutrients in order to function properly. Your digestive system is the foundation of your health, like the roots of a beautiful tree that bring nourishment to the branches, blossoms and leaves.

You may be surprised to learn how supporting digestive health can improve how well you sleep, how well you adapt to stress and even how healthy and glowing your skin is!

This is why getting to the root cause of your IBS and discovering how to care for your digestion is such a vital step to take on the road to great health.

If you have any questions about how acupuncture can relieve Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS) or any other digestive problem, or would like to make an appointment, contact me on 07788 633292 or email at info@yorktraditionalacupuncture.co.uk