Stomach & digestion
Acupuncture for Bowel Complaints
Days without being able to go to the toilet, or needing to go unexpectedly time and again. An abdomen full of air, rumbling bowels and the feeling that you are never quite empty. Bowel complaints are often hard to talk about, yet they can shape your day considerably. Acupuncture, laser acupuncture and acupressure can be used to support the body, so that the bowel can return to a calmer rhythm.
What are bowel complaints?
Bowel complaints are common. They include constipation, diarrhoea, wind, abdominal pain and cramps, a bloated feeling, mucus in the stool or bowel habits that keep changing. Sometimes there is a clear cause, such as an infection, a food intolerance or medication. Often, however, examinations show nothing, while the symptoms persist. That can be very frustrating.
The bowel is controlled by nerves in the bowel wall. They make the muscles contract and relax rhythmically, moving the contents towards the rectum. If this transport is too slow, too much fluid is absorbed and the stool becomes hard and difficult to pass. If it is too fast, too little fluid is absorbed and diarrhoea develops. When the bowel muscles carry too much tension, this can cause cramps and a bloated feeling.
Various factors may play a role: little fibre, not drinking or moving enough, an irregular eating pattern, certain foods, medicines such as painkillers or iron tablets, hormonal changes, a previous bowel infection and stress. Many people notice that their abdomen reacts more sensitively during busy or worrying periods.
If diarrhoea and constipation alternate and go together with abdominal pain that eases after a bowel movement, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be involved. You can read more about this on the page about irritable bowel syndrome.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Bowel complaints from a TCM perspective
Within Traditional Chinese Medicine, healthy bowel movements depend on a smooth flow of Qi and strong digestion. The Spleen transforms food into energy, the Liver ensures everything can flow freely and the Intestines eliminate. With bowel complaints, this flow is often disturbed: there is stagnation, deficiency or an excess of Heat or Dampness. We look at which pattern fits your symptoms.
Qi stagnation
Qi ZhiWithin TCM, tension, stress and little exercise can obstruct the flow of Qi. This is associated with a bloated abdomen, a lot of wind, cramps and constipation that worsens with tension, and a feeling of incomplete emptying.
Spleen Qi deficiency
Pi Qi XuWhen the Spleen is weakened within TCM, digestion runs slowly. This is associated with soft or loose stools, a full feeling after eating, fatigue and bowel movements that are hard to get going even though the stool is not hard.
Damp-Heat in the intestines
Da Chang Shi ReWithin TCM, Dampness can accumulate and turn into Heat. This is associated with urgent, burning or foul-smelling diarrhoea, mucus in the stool, a heavy feeling in the abdomen and a burning sensation around the anus.
Intestinal dryness
Chang ZaoWith a deficiency of Blood or Yin, TCM describes a lack of the moistening capacity of the intestines. This is associated with hard, dry, pellet-like stools, a dry mouth and skin, and constipation that occurs more often in older people or after giving birth.
Spleen and Kidney Yang deficiency
Pi Shen Yang XuWhen the warming capacity of the Spleen and Kidneys falls short, TCM associates this with diarrhoea early in the morning, a cold abdomen, sensitivity to cold and symptoms that worsen after cold food or drinks.
How can acupuncture and laser acupuncture help with bowel complaints?
Treatment looks at the whole picture: not only the bowel, but also your sleep, energy, emotions, eating pattern and lifestyle. It also looks for what keeps the symptoms going, such as tension or diet. Based on this, a treatment plan is drawn up that focuses on restoring the rhythm of the bowel and strengthening digestion.
- 01Targeted acupuncture: very fine, sterile needles are used on points that are applied within TCM to promote flow in the abdomen and regulate the bowel. With bloating, the emphasis is on relaxing the diaphragm and abdomen; with constipation, on getting the bowel moving; and with diarrhoea, on strengthening and calming it.
- 02Laser acupuncture: the same points can also be treated needle-free with therapeutic laser light. A comfortable alternative if you prefer not to have needles or have a sensitive abdomen.
- 03Ear acupuncture: the ear has points that within TCM are associated with the bowel and the nervous system. At Bai Kang these are always treated with the laser, never with needles. Especially when tension plays a role, this can be a valuable addition.
- 04Acupressure: you will be shown points you can massage yourself, for example with constipation or a bloated feeling.
- 05Diet and lifestyle: attention is given to your eating pattern, fluid intake, exercise and foods that within TCM burden digestion. You will receive practical advice that suits your pattern.
Prefer no needles?
Every treatment can also be carried out completely needle-free with laser acupuncture, in which the same points are treated with therapeutic laser light. Ear acupuncture is always carried out with the laser. Acupressure, which also uses no needles, can be used as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acupuncture help with bowel complaints?
Acupuncture can be used as support for bowel complaints. Most research has been done in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), in which some participants reported less abdominal pain, calmer bowel habits and a better quality of life. At the same time, there are people who notice little or no difference. How you respond only becomes clear in practice.
What is the difference between bowel complaints and irritable bowel syndrome?
Bowel complaints is an umbrella term for all symptoms of the bowel, such as constipation, diarrhoea and wind. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a specific diagnosis in which abdominal pain goes together with changed bowel habits without a demonstrable physical cause. If you have that diagnosis, also read the page about irritable bowel syndrome.
Can acupuncture help with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis?
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory diseases that are always treated by a gastroenterologist. Acupuncture does not replace that treatment, but can be used alongside it as support, for example with fatigue, tension or symptoms that persist during calmer periods. Preferably discuss this with your treating doctor.
What can I do myself about constipation?
Drinking enough, fibre from vegetables, fruit and wholegrain products, daily exercise and regular moments for going to the toilet often help. You will also be shown acupressure points and receive advice that suits your pattern within Chinese medicine.
Does stress play a role in bowel complaints?
Often, yes. The bowel and the brain are closely connected through the nervous system, so tension can directly affect bowel habits. Within TCM, this is seen as a disturbed flow of Qi. That is why treatment often includes points that calm the nervous system.
I find needles daunting. Can it be done without?
Yes. Laser acupuncture works on the same points, but with therapeutic laser light instead of needles. You feel virtually nothing.
How many treatments are needed?
This varies per person and depends on how long the symptoms have existed and which factors play a role. After the first treatments, we review together how you respond and what a suitable follow-up would be.
Related
Related complaints & patterns
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Cramps, a sensitive abdomen, and changing bowel habits that react to food or stress.
Stomach complaints & reflux
Heartburn, acid regurgitation, or a pressing feeling in the stomach area.
Stress & tension
Constantly feeling "on", internal tension, and difficulty letting go.
Personal Treatment Plan
Bowels out of balance?
During a first appointment, we look at your symptoms, what keeps them going and which form of acupuncture suits you best.