INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. It should not be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is less severe. IBD is most prevalent in North America and Northern Europe, affecting any age, race or gender. The exact causes are unknown but possible causes include a viral or bacterial infection, heredity (15-20% affected have a parent or sibling with the same disorder), and environmental factors. There are two types of IBD:
• Ulcerative Colitis (UC): inflammation and ulcers affecting the colon and rectum. It is an intermittent disease, meaning it has periods of exacerbated symptoms followed by periods that are relatively symptom-free. Although dietary modification may reduce the discomfort of a person with the disease, ulcerative colitis is not thought to be caused by dietary factors. The main symptom of active disease is usually diarrhea mixed with blood
• Crohn’s Disease (CD): inflammation occurring in patches anywhere in gastrointestinal tract (from mouth to anus) but most often occurring in the ileum and colon. The main symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, weight loss and malnutrition due to malabsorption of nutrients. Crohn's disease can also cause complications outside of the gastrointestinal tract such as skin rashes, arthritis and eye inflammations.
Common western treatments include various medications (anti-inflammatories, immune system suppressors, antibiotics, anti-diarrheals, laxatives, and pain relievers), diet modification (high fibre, low fat, restricted lactose) and in the case of UC, surgery. Surgery can include incisions and draining or a colectomy (partial or complete removal of the colon).
From a holistic approach, IBD can be managed by something as simple and enjoyable as a shiatsu treatment! According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the root cause of IBD is a digestive system weakness and stagnation of food and bodily substances. The Spleen and Stomach, primary organs and meridians of digestion, would be the focal point of the treatment, as well as the Small and Large Intestines. It is also likely that the Liver would also need attention as it is responsible for the smooth movement of bodily substances, including Qi – our life essence. The shiatsu treatment goals would include relaxing the body and mind and decreasing abdominal tension for an overall improvement of digestive functioning. The abdomen would be avoided if there were current sensitivities and the focus would be on the legs and arms where the primary meridians are located. Shiatsu treatment would be contraindicated if the client is experiencing abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fever and extreme weight loss.
The shiatsu therapist would also give Eastern dietary advice and possibly stretches to encourage the proper flow of Qi in the affected meridians.
© 2008 Balance Shiatsu