Acupuncture for Diarrhea
Diarrhea is often quelled by over-the-counter medicines that force the body into a digestive response that could hamper the natural reaction of eliminating toxins. As an alternative, when using acupuncture and naturopathic medicine to treat diarrhea the body allows stuck energy to begin to move again by naturally embracing the gentle push needed to heal this uncomfortable ailment. Integrative Med Solutions (IMS) offers a personalized program for each individual’s unique challenge.
Acupuncture: Harmonizing Flow
By using specific information from each patient naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist, Dr. Lisanti, is able to assess what energy needs nudging along and what energy needs to be calmed. With diarrhea, different temperatures and consistencies tell a naturopathic doctor how to approach what may be happening. Here are two scenarios showing a presentation and point response. Each point correlates with an organ (i.e.: ST = stomach) or vessel found on various routes (meridians) throughout the surface of the body:
Cold Diarrhea: Abdominal pain that improves with heat, slow pulse, pale tongue – Points: ST25 & 36, CV6 & 12 and UB25
Damp Diarrhea: Abdominal pain with burning sensation, fast pulse, yellow tongue – Points: ST25, 37 & 44, LI4, SP9 and UB25
Interestingly, acupuncture has even been effective for treating infantile diarrhea detailed in many studies including Cao Y. Personal experience on acupuncture treatment of diarrhea. J Tradit Chin Med 1990, “A controlled trial of acupuncture for the treatment of infantile diarrhea compared scalp acupuncture or traditional body acupuncture with drug therapy, primarily antibiotics. The cure rate for scalp and body acupuncture was significantly higher (90% and 89%) than that of drug treatment (46%).”
Botanical Medicine: Nature’s Diarrhea Medication
There are many plant and herbal remedies, Classical Chinese Medicine and otherwise, that have been used for Centuries. Currently they are easy to find as well as ingest without having to worry about picking and boiling them into use. Dr. Lisanti can recommend a long list of what will specifically work for you without any concern about contraindicating with current medications you may be taking. Some botanical diarrhea remedies include:
- Goldenseal – Contains berberine an active ingredient that assists in digesting bacteria and viruses.
- Echinacea – Anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.
- Barberry- Contains berberine and palmatine, anti-bacterial properties.
- Agrimony- Contains tannin an anti-diarrhea ingredient.
Clinical Nutrition: Medicinal Eating
As mentioned, many bouts with diarrhea are due to unacceptable or tainted food. Clinical nutrition is the science of medicinal eating whereas you heal through your meal. Dr. Lisanti will suggest various foods such as pomegranate juice, bananas, rice and applesauce as ways of remedying your condition.
Nutraceutical Supplementation: Probiotics and Amino Acids
Nutraceutcal supplementation works by prescribing the best vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids to assist in the full spectrum of healing a particular challenge. IMS follows an individual protocol for supplementing through traditional science. In the case of diarrhea, good bacteria are flushed from the intestinal tract and using probiotics, which is good bacteria, replenishes this essential nutrient. The amino acid glutamine has also been a good combination for diarrhea in some individuals. A 2004 study cited in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition states, “Glutamine appeared to work by improving the health of the intestinal lining, rather than through any effect on the immune system.”
Many other remedies are available at IMS such as homeopathy, environmental medicine and detoxification where we will design an acupuncture and naturopathic treatment program that works for you. In many cases, insurance covers portions of the acupuncture treatment. Allow us to support you to achieve optimal health. To make an appointment or find out more about how acupuncture and naturopathic medicine can benefit you, please call our office at 914.337.2980 or click here to schedule an online appointment.
*Please CLICK HERE to see a current list of Insurance Companies that commonly carry acupuncture benefits for its members. Please call 914.337.2980 or securely email info@intmedsolutions.com to verify your specific benefits. If you are emailing, please include your full name, date of birth and insurance identification card number.