Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Improve Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Do you suffer from frequent episodes of abdominal pain? Bloating? Alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea? Have you been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome? Wondering if a more natural approach to IBS treatment such as acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine would be worth it? Today, Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater, Florida will be discussing irritable bowel syndrome and how traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture can help.

What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome, more commonly referred to as IBS is a disorder which affects the small and large intestines. It is also referred to as spastic colon or mucus colitis in some cases. It is considered a syndrome due to the fact it involves symptoms that vary for each patient that is affected. Common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include cramping, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, increased gas, stomach bloating, nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Episodes of irritable bowel syndrome are often attributed to stress and eating certain foods.

How Can Acupuncture/Traditional Chinese Medicine Help IBS?

From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome can be caused by a dysfunctional stomach, spleen and/or liver. It has been found that acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary modifications and lifestyle changes can all impact the symptoms experienced, reducing discomfort and pain, improving digestion and normalizing the elimination of bowels.

In a 2004 study which was published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it was found that herbal formula containing codonopsis, atractylodes rhizome, poria, psoralea fruit, evodia, siler root, tangerine peel, ash bark, and cardamom was 90% effective in relieving/reducing IBS symptoms in patients for 6+ months. This formula was given twice daily and in certain cases modified to include other herbs depending upon exact symptomology of the patient.

Schedule Natural Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment in Clearwater Today

Interested in treating your irritable bowel syndrome with traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture in Clearwater? Contact Dawn Potter Acupuncture today, we’d be happy to get you added to our schedule.

Why Eat A Plant-Based Diet?

When it comes to eating food, there are a lot of different diets available. Many diets aren’t sustainable over time, typically resulting in the patient returning to their old ways. At Dawn Potter Acupuncture, we highly recommend a plant-based diet. Plant-based diets are highly sustainable and have various benefits for your overall health. Today, Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater, Florida is discussing these benefits. Have questions? Interested in scheduling an appointment? Simply reach out today.

Boost Your Immune System

With the pandemic getting worse again, now is a better time than ever to be boosting your immune system. Eating plant-based foods can increase vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants in your body, keeping your body more healthy and ready to fight.

Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation in the body has been linked to a variety of illnesses and diseases, making sure you reduce inflammation as much as possible is highly important. When eating a plant-based diet, phytochemicals and antioxidants go around your body neutralizing toxins that enter your body.

Increase Fiber

Eating a plant-based diet typically results in more fiber in the body, this improves the health of your gut and allows your body to absorb nutrients from the foods you consume. Along with this, fiber is known to stabilize blood sugar, low cholesterol and even improve bowel movements.

Healthy Weight

For many people, weight can be a struggle, resulting in cycles of “dieting” that result in weight loss that often returns quickly after. With a plant-based diet, patients are more likely to lose weight and maintain it.

Lower Disease Risk

Research has shown that consuming a plant-based diet can actually lower your risk for various diseases and illnesses, such as cancer, stroke, diabetes and even certain mental health disorders.

Schedule Nutritional Guidance in Clearwater

Are you interested in starting a plant-based diet? Need professional nutrition advice in Clearwater? Dawn Potter Acupuncture would be happy to help, reach out today to schedule your appointment.

Creamy Lemon Brussel Sprout Pasta (Dairy-Free, Vegan, Gluten-Free)

Are you looking for the perfect creamy pasta recipe that contains no dairy? Do you love the taste of lemon and Italian spices? Today, Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater is discussing Creamy Lemon Brussel Sprout Pasta which is gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan. You can substitute other green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli or even kale. Each one requires a bit of a different cooking technique but tastes great. For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients

1. 15 Brussel Sprouts (Quartered)

2. 1 TBSP Olive Oil

3. 6 TBSP Lemon Juice

4. 1 TBSP Garlic Powder

5. 1 TBSP Onion Powder

6. 1 Can Unsweetened Coconut Milk

7. 1 TBSP Dried Basil

8. ½ TBSP Dried Oregano

9. ½ TBSP Dried Parsley

10. ½ TBSP Dried Thyme

11. ½ TBSP Crushed Red Pepper

12. 1 Box Gluten Free Pasta

Once you have all your ingredients ready and measured out, you’ll follow these instructions.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

2. Cut brussel sprouts into quarters, toss with 1 TBSP olive oil, ½ TBSP garlic powder, ½ TBSP onion powder and 1 TBSP of lemon juice.

3. Roast brussel sprouts in the oven for 30 minutes.

4. Add 1 can unsweetened coconut milk, 5 TBSP lemon juice, ½ TBSP garlic powder, ½ TBSP onion powder, 1 TBSP dried basil, ½ TBSP dried oregano, ½ TBSP dried parsley, ½ TBSP dried thyme and ½ TBSP crushed red pepper to saucepan, heat on low, stirring occasionally for 15 minutes.

5. Boil water in a large pot for pasta, salt as needed.

6. Add pasta of your choice to boiling water.

7. Remove brussel sprouts from the oven, combine with creamy lemon sauce and top over pasta.

8. *Optional* top with vegan/dairy-free parmesan cheese.

   
   

Let Dawn Potter Acupuncture Know How It Went!

Have you tried our Creamy Lemon Brussel Sprout Pasta? Did you love it? Want to let us know how it was? Email us, we’d love to hear from you about how it went. Have questions? Interested in the treatment options we offer here at Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater, Florida? Contact us today, we’re always welcoming new patients and would be delighted to schedule your appointment with us.