The digestive system is one of the most important systems in your body. This system interfaces with the outside world through food. It digests your food which is the basic fuel or energy for your body. If the digestive system is impaired for any number of reasons then all cells are affected. The proper functioning of the digestive system is imperative for the proper functioning of the rest of your body.
The World Health Organization has recognized the acupuncture treatment to be effective in the following disorders:
In addition, acupuncture affects the functionality of the digestive system by balancing the energy of all the parts. It has been shown to change acidity, esophageal reflux, abdominal pain, and mobility of the intestines. It also helps dyspepsia, circulation problems in the gut, intestinal cramps, diverticulitis, metabolic disorders, allergy sensitivities and hemorrhoids.
Diabetes & Blood Sugar Disorders
Reactive Hypoglycemia
Reactive Hypoglycemia is low levels of blood glucose. It is often a precursor to Diabetes. Mild hypoglycemia can occur when one skips a meal or doesn’t consume enough protein. Symptoms can range from mild, a little dizziness, to severe, coma and/or seizure. Cortisol is activated when a patient experiences hypoglycemia which can lead to insulin resistance.
Diabetes
World Health Organization estimates that there are more than 300 million people suffering from diabetes.
Diabetes is defined as a disease characterized by dysfunctional sugar metabolism and high levels of glucose in blood. It stems from the fact that body is not able to transport glucose into cells by the hormone insulin. Thus, the level of glucose in blood is too high, while cells are starving.
There are two types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes – which is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks insulin-producing cells. It is insulin dependent and is caused by actual lack of insulin. This type of diabetes usually manifests at birth but there are instances of late onset.
Type 2 diabetes – insulin-independent – is a metabolic disease, often connected with obesity. Primarily, resistance to insulin, relative lack of insulin and hyperglycemia characterizes it.
Treatments at the Integrative Japanese Acupuncture and Wellness Center
In the case of Type 1 diabetes, patients are treated with insulin, which is not produced by damaged cells of pancreas.
In patients with Type 2 diabetes, a lifestyle change is needed. This includes diet and exercise. The use of insulin is not recommended unless it is necessary. Diabetes is a lifelong issue because of the dysfunction of the sugar metabolism.
Hypoglycemic action of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an effective protocol in the treatment of Diabetes because of its hypoglycemic effect. Patient’s glucose levels decrease after treatment with acupuncture. Japanese Integrative Acupuncture increases metabolism and is efficacious as a method of treatment of insulin resistance.
Acupuncture in diabetic polyneuropathy
Because Japanese Integrative Acupuncture lowers blood glucose levels and helps insulin resistance, it reduces polyneuropathy caused by diabetes. The increase of circulation in the feet brings much-needed nutrients to the blood vessels and nerves.
Moxa treatment in Type 2 Diabetes
Combined with acupuncture, moxa treatment constitutes an efficient method of regulating level of glucose in blood and also the level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). One of the most effective treatments for diabetes is diet. Quite literally a patient can eat their way out of diabetes. Your diet will be individually designed based on your constitution and pulse analysis.
Dietary Counseling
One of the most effective treatments for diabetes is diet. Your diet will be determined by your constitution, pulse analysis, and individual nutrient requirements.
This may also include herbal and nutritional supplements that can aid in the re-regulating of the sugar metabolism, hormonal and energy balance of the body.
Get more tips on dealing with Diabetes here
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
About one in every five Americans has experienced Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
The signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can vary widely from person to person and often resemble those of other diseases. Among the most common are:
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• A bloated feeling and/or feeling like you haven’t eliminated fully
• Gas
• Diarrhea or constipation – sometimes alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea
• Mucus in the stool
As a functional gastrointestinal disorder or syndrome, there are no known organic causes for IBS. Frequently IBS can occur after an infection of the intestines, food allergies, highly stressful life, poor diet and or imbalance in gut flora. There is research that acknowledges a gut/brain connection and that emotional triggers can be involved.
At Integrative Japanese Acupuncture and Wellness Center, Dr. Duckworth takes a very integrative approach to treating IBS and has had great success with the combination of protocols.
First the patient is diagnosed and treated with Japanese Kototama acupuncture. Individual vary in energy imbalances and treatment are individualized according to the pulse reading.
Wellness counseling is a huge part of the treatment of IBS. Diet is crucial in resolving IBS. Individualized diets are designed for the patient based on their individual condition. Basic foods that should be avoided are: caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, dairy and artificial sweeteners. They should also avoid food that causes gas or bloating and anything high in sugar or fat. Meals should be small, eaten slowly and with plenty of water room temperature.
As well as diet, Dr. Duckworth also uses supplements and herbs to help alleviate the pain and inflammation of IBS. There is also neurotransmitter testing to determine the imbalances of the neurotransmitters that might be at play with the psychological factors in IBS. Appropriate amino acid therapy can then be prescribed.
The whole patient is looked at not just the disorder of the IBS in determining the proper treatment and recommendations.