TCM Modes of Treatment That Can Successfully Treat Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease in which the large intestine becomes inflamed and ulcerated resulting in diarrhea usually accompanied by pus and bleeding. People at greater risk of developing this condition include those who are at the ages of 15 to 30. Initially, the symptoms of UC include mild cramping in the lower part of the abdomen but as the condition progresses it may lead to colon cancer or weight loss and fatigue.

Traditional Chinese medicine diagnoses ulcerative colitis as due to heat and dampness. These two factors can develop due to irregularities in a person’s eating habits which may include a habit of consuming alcohol and eating excessively spicy, oily and greasy foods. The fact is, an overwhelming number of ulcerative colitis sufferers have stated that the symptoms began after a bout of alcohol. UC symptoms can also develop from precipitating factors including excessive anger, over worrying and other extreme emotions.

Ulcerative colitis treatment with acupuncture usually entails the treatment of the spleen and liver to rein in the anger and other strong emotions to prevent them from becoming too strong that they start burdening the body.

Both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine advocate the avoidance of raw vegetables and fruits for this condition. This is because the spleen and stomach require cooked and warm foods to make them easily digestible.

A report published by the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterolgy in 2006 revealed that a combination of moxibustion and acupuncture treatments for ulcerative colitis provided extra therapeutic benefits including the lowering of inflammation, and an improvement in well being and the quality of life of the ulcerative colitis sufferer. Only 10 sessions were needed to bring about these impressive results.

Almost all Chinese hospitals utilize the trio of Chinese herbal medicine, moxibustion, and acupuncture to successfully treat ulcerative colitis.

Christina Prieto is an Orlando acupuncturist, a certified Yoga instructor and the founder of Harmony Wellness center in central Florida.