Acupuncture and herbs treat ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), that cause long-lasting inflammation and ulcers (sores) in the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis affects the innermost lining of large intestine (colon) and rectum. Ulcerative colitis can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other intestinal disorders and to another type of IBD called Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease differs from ulcerative colitis because it causes inflammation deeper within the intestinal wall. Also, Crohn’s disease usually occurs in the small intestine, although it can also occur in the mouth, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, large intestine, appendix, and anus.

The inflammation of ulcerative colitis makes the colon empty frequently, causing diarrhea. Ulcers form in places where the inflammation has killed the cells lining the colon; the ulcers bleed and produce pus. Other complications are hole in the colon (perforated colon), Severe dehydration, Liver disease (rare), Bone loss (osteoporosis), Inflammation of skin, joints and eyes, and sores in the lining of mouth.

Usually treatment involved with Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aminosalicylates and Corticosteroids, Antibiotics, Anti-diarrheal medications, Pain relievers,Iron supplements and surgery. For mild pain, your doctor may recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) — but not ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox), and diclofenac sodium (Voltaren, Solaraze), which can worsen symptoms and increase the severity of disease.

General TCM theory for the treatment of ulcerative colitis posits clearing heat, dispelling dampness, detoxifying and stopping bleeding to promote tissue regeneration. Therefore, acupuncture points such as stomach/spleen meridian are chosen plus liver points for moving Qi. For herb related research published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, patients with intractable ulcerative colitis who were unresponsive to conventional drug therapy self-administered 1g of the herbal medicine Qing Dai (Indigo naturalis) powder, two times per day for four months. Six of the seven patients in the study were able to completely discontinue the use of anti-inflammatory medications including aminosalicylates, corticosteroids and azathioprine. Endoscopy and symptomatic responses demonstrated a range of improvements from completely cured to significantly improved.

Also research study showing that a Ku Shen combined with Bai Tou Weng enema in a protocol that included acupuncture was superior to antibiotic intake for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

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