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Diarrhea is usually experienced as loose, watery stools that last for a day or two and then resolve without intervention. In this case, diarrhea is not dangerous. However, when the problem lasts for an extended period of time, the body may experience dehydration. Dehydration is a problematic condition, especially for the elderly and children. When diarrhea causes dehydration, the body lacks the fluids necessary to function.

Diarrhea can cause serious discomfort as well, and may include cramping, bloating, nausea, or the uncontrollable urge to use the restroom. Chronic diarrhea (that which lasts more than a month) is generally related to functional disorders such as celiac disease (an inflammatory bowel condition) or irritable bowel syndrome.

Chinese Medicine and Diarrhea

While Western medicine generally focuses on symptoms and their underlying cause, Chinese medicine views the body as a whole. Practitioners of Chinese medicine (including acupuncturists) aim to discover the overall pattern of disharmony within the body. The goal of acupuncture is to treat this disharmony and bring the body into a state of balance.

The theory behind Chinese medicine (at its most basic) revolves around the concepts of Yin and Yang, which are polar opposites. Every part of the body is described in these terms, and levels of Yin and Yang are constantly changing. Therefore, all states of imbalance are described as either excessive Yin or Yang or deficient Yin or Yang. Generally, an excess of one results in a deficiency of the other.

Additionally, 12 of the internal organs (as defined by Chinese medicine) correspond to 12 major meridians that run through the body. The body’s life force, or ‘Qi’ moves along these meridians. If an internal organ is unbalanced, the Qi of that organ is also unbalanced.

The spleen, liver, kidney, and large intestine are all related to disorders that cause diarrhea. For example, the spleen is held responsible for regulating digestion. Patients suffering from diarrhea may be experiencing a deficiency in spleen Qi, which can lead to abdominal pain, gas, and bloating.

Acupuncture for Diarrhea at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center

Acupuncture treatments focus on bringing the body back into a state of balance. Although acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years in the East, only recently has its effectiveness been evaluated and recognized in the Western world. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Institutes of Health Consensus Panel have both identified acupuncture as an effective treatment for diarrhea. They have also approved the use of acupuncture for the treatment of symptoms that often accompany diarrhea—such as abdominal pain and muscle cramping.

Additionally, acupuncture is helpful in treating many of the emotional issues that may be closely tied to the physical imbalances that can lead to digestive problems. Acupuncture works to reduce stress, anxiety, and insomnia.

Please contact our Red Bank, NJ facility if you have an issue with chronic diarrhea or other digestive concerns.