Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a condition characterized by the inflammation or infection of small pouches or diverticula that can develop in the walls of the digestive tract, typically in the sigmoid colon. Diverticulitis can manifest with various symptoms that can range from mild to severe including abdominal pain, typically localized in the lower left side. This pain may be persistent or come in sudden, sharp episodes. Other symptoms often include changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation, bloating, gas, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen. Some individuals may experience fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting, especially if the condition is more sever. It's essential to seek medical attention if experiencing these symptoms, as diverticulitis can lead to complications if not properly managed.
Understanding Diverticulitis
In Western medicine, diverticulitis is diagnosed through imaging such a CT scan and treated with antibiotics, and in severe cases, surgery. A colonoscopy is usually recomended 6-8 weeks later to check for lingering infections and to monitor the severitiy of diverticulosis. However, a holistic approach addresses root causes and uses Chinese medicine to complement Western treatments.
Functional Medicine Perspective
From a functional medicine perspective, diverticulitis often results from long term inflammation, dysbiosis, and sometimes SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth), food intolerances, leaky gut, bile insufficiency and bacterial and parastitic infections. Addressing these underlying issues is crucial for long-term healing and prevention of recurrence.
Chinese Medicine Perspective
In TCM, diverticulitis is often seen as a manifestation of damp-heat in the intestines, Qi deficiency, Qi stagnation, and blood stasis. Treatment aims to clear heat, resolve dampness, invigorate and tonify Qi and blood circulation, and harmonize the intestines.
Herbal Medicine for Diverticulitis
Chinese Medicine has several herbs that can be beneficial for those suffering from Diverticulitis by clearing heating and harmonzing the intestines . Some notable herbs include:
Rhubarb Root (Da Huang):
Known for its strong purgative properties, it helps clear heat and resolve toxins.
Coptis Root (Huang Lian):
An excellent herb for clearing damp-heat, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.
Ginger (Sheng Jiang):
Promotes digestion, bowel regularity, anti-inflammatory and alleviates nausea, also useful for harmonizing the stomach.
Cloves (Ding Xiang):
Antimicrobial properties, aiding in gut health
Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel):
Regulates Qi, harmonizes the stomach, and alleviates digestive issues like bloating and nausea.
These and other herbs combined by experienced herbalists, create potent formulas that complement Western antibiotics, supporting gut healing and rebalancing the microbiome. Once the acute flare up is over it is crucial to rebalance the microbiome with probiotics to prevent reocurrance of diverticulitis. Stool testing and SIBO testing can valuable to assess what categories of bacteria are high low or missing altogether along with any pathogenic bacteria or parasites that might be present.
Acupuncture for Diverticulitis
Acupuncture offers unique benefits in treating symptoms diverticulitis flares. By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture regulates gut motility, reduces inflammation, promotes digestive juices, bile flow and enhances overall digestive function for people suffering from diverticulitis. Acupuncture promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and supports the body's natural healing mechanisms, crucial for preventing diverticulitis flare-ups and promoting long-term gut health. Mindful eating practices and stress management techniques play a significant role in maintaining gut health.
Dietary Guidance for Diverticulitis
Following an acute flare up of diverticulitis, a liquid diet consisting of bone broth and fresh juices several days can ease symptoms. Then a low residue (low fiber) and low FODMAP diet, focusing on reducing fermentable carbohydrates increasing resistant starches, can be beneficial after a diverticulitis flare-up. This diet helps calm the gut and allows the microbiome to heal by reducing food components that can trigger inflammation and digestive discomfort. Gradually reintroducing FODMAPs and fiber over time can help identify trigger foods and promote a balanced gut environment. Contrary to past beliefs, once the acute flare is over, eating nuts and seeds containing valuable fiber are now encouraged as they aid in bowel regularity.
Testing for Gut Health
To prevent future episodes of diverticulitis, it's crucial to test for and address underlying issues like SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth), low stomach acid, leaky gut, food intolerances, bile insufficiency, gut motility, dysbiosis, chronic bacterial parasitic infections.
Integrative Healing for Long-Term Wellness
Taking an integrative approach to diverticulitis by combining Western treatments with Chinese herbs, acupuncture, a FODMAP diet and functional gut testing offers a comprehensive strategy for healing and prevention. It not only addresses acute symptoms but also fosters long-term gut wellness, empowering individuals to take control of their health and well-being.
If you're struggling with diverticulitis and are seeking natural, holistic solutions, we're here to help. Our acupuncture and Chinese medicine services are tailored to address your unique health needs. Schedule a consultation today to discuss personalized treatment options with acupuncture and herbal medicine, order gut testing and start your journey towards optimal digestive health.