February 17, 2023

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) refers to a group of chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. Common types of IBD are Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis, and Celiac Disease. From this 2018 report, there are about 300,000 people in Canada living with IBD, and 7000 are children under age of 18. This number is expected to rise to 400,000 by 2030.

What are the causes of IBD?

The exact cause of IBD is not known, but several factors are thought to play a role. These include genetics, the immune system, environmental factors, and microbial imbalances. Inflammation-causing foods, prolonged stress, and viral/bacterial infections are also known to trigger IBD.

The treatment and cost of IBD in Canada

Conventional medical treatment for IBD often involves the use of drugs to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. Azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran), mercaptopurine (Purinethol, Purixan) and methotrexate (Trexall), tofacitinib (Xeljanz), upadacitinib (Rinvoq), and ozanimod (Zeposia) are some of the prescription medications used.

It is important to note that the treatment of this condition does not come cheap. In fact, a report from the National Library of Medicine states that the average annual cost of IBD care per person is $4731. This is expected to increase in the years to come.

With the concerns of a compromised immune system and increased vulnerability to infections, many people seek alternative or complementary treatments to help manage their symptoms and improve overall immune health.

Can acupuncture and Chinese medicine help my IBD?

One of these natural treatments is acupuncture. Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for thousands of years to treat various health conditions. It involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy or qi. This flow is believed to help restore balance to the body and promote healing. It works through the gut-brain axis to regulate stress and immune response and improve digestive health.

Acupuncture works by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters and hormones that help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. Moxa therapy, as a common synergetic modality with acupuncture, is often applied to enhance the outcome of the treatment.

This Study from the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation has shown that acupuncture can help reduce symptoms of IBD, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating. It may also help to reduce the body’s response to stress and improve digestive function.

If you are looking for an alternative natural medicine for your IBD, Kampo Health, a leading Chinese medicine clinic in downtown Toronto, Canada, may be the place to provide you with solutions. We are experts on digestive health. Reach out today to learn more about our natural IBD treatment with acupuncture and herbal medicine.

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