Understanding IBD in TCM and Western Medicine
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which involve chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
Western Medicine Perspective on IBD:
Cause: Autoimmune dysfunction, genetics, and environmental triggers.
Types of IBD:
Crohn’s Disease (CD): Can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, with deep, patchy inflammation.
Ulcerative Colitis (UC): Affects only the colon and rectum, causing continuous inflammation and ulcers.
Diagnosis: Endoscopy, colonoscopy, imaging, and blood tests.
Treatment Approach: Immunosuppressants, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes surgery.
TCM Perspective on IBD:
Cause: IBD results from Qi and Blood stagnation, damp-heat accumulation, Spleen Qi deficiency, and Kidney Yang deficiency.
Patterns of Disharmony:
Damp-Heat in the Intestines (Acute Flare-Ups) – Diarrhea, mucus, and blood in stools, abdominal pain.
Spleen Qi Deficiency (Chronic IBD) – Weak digestion, loose stools, fatigue, bloating.
Kidney Yang Deficiency (Severe Cases) – Cold sensation, diarrhea with undigested food, weakness.
Liver Qi Stagnation (Stress-Related IBD) – Alternating diarrhea and constipation, bloating, and pain worsened by emotions.
Acupuncture & Western Medicine Treatment for IBD
Acupuncture Points for IBD (Regulate Qi, Reduce Inflammation
ST25 (Tianshu) – Regulates intestines, relieves diarrhea and abdominal pain.
ST36 (Zusanli) – Strengthens digestion, improves gut function.
SP6 (Sanyinjiao) – Harmonizes digestion and reduces inflammation.
LI11 (Quchi) – Clears heat and dampness from the intestines.
CV6 (Qihai) – Tonifies Qi, strengthens digestion.
Western Medications for IBD:
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs:
Aminosalicylates (5-ASAs): Mesalamine (Asacol, Pentasa) – Reduce colon inflammation.
Corticosteroids: Prednisone – Used for short-term flare-ups.
Immunosuppressants:
Thiopurines: Azathioprine, Mercaptopurine – Reduce immune activity.
Methotrexate: Used for Crohn’s disease.
Biologic Therapy:
TNF inhibitors: Infliximab (Remicade), Adalimumab (Humira) – Block inflammatory proteins.
Integrin inhibitors: Vedolizumab (Entyvio) – Reduce gut inflammation.
Antibiotics:
Metronidazole, Ciprofloxacin – Used in Crohn’s for secondary infections.
Recommended Treatment Plan:
Acupuncture: 2-3 times per week for acute symptoms, then weekly for maintenance.
Western Medicine: Anti-inflammatory medications or biologics for active disease.
Combination Therapy: Acupuncture + Herbal Formulas or Biologics + TCM Diet.
Herbal & Medication Therapy for IBD
Herbal Formulas (TCM Perspective):
Damp-Heat in the Intestines (Active Flare-Up): Huang Qin Tang – Clears heat, stops diarrhea.
Spleen Qi Deficiency (Chronic IBD): Shen Ling Bai Zhu San – Strengthens digestion, relieves bloating.
Kidney Yang Deficiency (Severe IBD Cases): Fu Zi Li Zhong Tang – Warms intestines, relieves chronic diarrhea.
Liver Qi Stagnation (Stress-Triggered IBD): Xiao Yao San – Regulates Liver Qi, reduces stress-induced symptoms.
Western Medication Alternatives:
Anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., Mesalamine, Corticosteroids)
Immunosuppressants for severe cases (e.g., Azathioprine, Methotrexate)
Biologics for refractory cases (e.g., Infliximab, Adalimumab)
Probiotics for gut microbiome balance
Dietary Recommendations for IBD (TCM & Western Approach)
Foods to Eat (Support Gut Healing & Reduce Inflammation):
✅ Warm, cooked foods – Rice porridge, steamed vegetables, bone broth.
✅ Easily digestible proteins – Chicken, turkey, tofu, eggs.
✅ Herbal teas – Chamomile (for inflammation), Ginger (for digestion).
✅ Omega-3 rich foods – Salmon, flaxseeds (reduce inflammation).
Foods to Avoid (Trigger Inflammation):
❌ Spicy, greasy, and fried foods.
❌ High-fiber foods (during flare-ups) – Nuts, seeds, raw vegetables.
❌ Dairy and gluten (if sensitivity exists).
❌ Alcohol and caffeine – Irritate the gut lining.
Lifestyle & Home Remedies for IBD (Integrating TCM & Western Medicine)
TCM-Based Lifestyle Tips:
✅ Acupuncture for Qi balance – 2-3x/week during flares, then maintenance.
✅ Qi Gong & Tai Chi – Helps regulate stress and digestion.
✅ Warm foods & drinks – Support digestion, avoid cold/raw foods.
✅ Herbal therapy – Personalized based on IBD pattern.
Western Medicine Lifestyle Adjustments:
✅ Low-residue diet during flares – Eases digestion.
✅ Regular exercise – Reduces stress and inflammation.
✅ Psychotherapy (CBT, gut-directed hypnotherapy) – Helps gut-brain regulation.
This information is only educational and should not be construed as medical advice.
Everything must be balanced, and the suggestions may not apply to you.
A specialist doctor should be consulted for any medical advice or diagnosis.
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Dr. Phumlarp Caulo LA,c, MAc. OM, DAHM
Doctor of Acupuncture/Chinese Medicine
Caulo Care Acupuncture
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