Despite their similar monikers, there are a few very important differences between these conditions.

IBS is a purely functional gastrointestinal condition. What this means is that influenced by Western medical theory, there is no known anatomical, biochemical and infectious cause. The syndrome categorization suggests that the diagnosis will be based upon a group of signs that typically occur together. The primary symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, flatulence, bloating, diarrhea or constipation. The discomfort is often triggered by eating and relieved once the individual has had a bowel movement. One of the best places to find out more information about IBS is on the site of the Internal Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.

IBD includes Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis and is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the mucus membranes of the digestive tract. In the outcome of Crohn’s Disease, the inflammation develops across the entire tissue of the tract even though it typically affects the distal ileum with the small intestine and that colon, can occur at any point along the digestive tract. Ulcerative Colitis involves infection of only the outer layer of mucous membrane in the colon. The symptoms of IBD are definitely serious and if neglected, can lead to hospitalization. They typically include an increased urgency to defecate, blood or mucus present in stools, constant diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Due to the loss of blood, particular attention ought to be paid to the patient to make sure that their wellbeing. Diagnosis is manufactured based on visual confirmation of ulceration within a colonoscopy or through x-ray. A very good source for information approximately IBD, Crohn’s and Colitis is a the website for that Crohn’s and Colitis Cosmetic foundation of America.

Western treatment of these gastrointestinal conditions ranges from dietary or lifestyle changes to permanent medication to surgery in the case of severe IBD. Stress is often a major player in that flaring of symptoms although there’s no known cause of as well IBS or IBD now. From a Chinese treatments standpoint, these gastrointestinal diseases fall primarily beneath the realm of a spleen dysfunction. The spleen is that organ in Chinese medicine theory that strengthens the transforming and transporting with the food we eat; a fancy way of saying it’s the major player within digestion and assimilation of food’s nutrients into the body. When the spleen is dysfunctional in any way, this leads to gastrointestinal difficulties like the symptoms of IBS or even IBD. The fact that stress plays a sizable role in the severity with the symptoms also indicates that the function of the liver is either impaired or overwhelming the digestive capabilities in the spleen. The liver strengthens the smooth movement in the Qi, or energy, in your body and when the move is erratic or block for good, it can have effects throughout our systems.

Chinese medicine and acupuncture seeks to help tonify and strengthen that spleen through nourishing acupoints and herbal remedies while relaxing the liver to enhance the smooth flow of Qi in the body. In addition, other symptoms are addressed through treatment targeted at stopping any bleeding that gut, reducing inflammation, clearing away gas and bloating and restoring regular bowel movements.

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