Alleviation & Prevention of IBS

Did you know that Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects approximately 1 out of every 10 people? ^[1]  Yes, it’s true.  And, did you know that there is no diagnostic test for IBS? That is a condition diagnosed by certain signs and symptoms and based on exclusion? ^[2] Yes, that is also true! There is also no single cure or treatment for IBS.  However, fear not this peril.  There ARE things that you can do to help mitigate your suffering with IBS such as acupuncture, herbal therapy, diet modifications among other things, but first, let’s delve a bit into IBS.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (also known as spastic colon, mucous colitis, spastic colitis, and nervous stomach) is considered a “functional gastrointestinal disorder,” which means there is nothing abnormal (structure-wise) that will show up on diagnostic tests about your GI tract. It’s a DISRUPTION or DIS-REGULATION between the brain, gut and central nervous system which results in irritated bowels.

There are a wide array of symptoms with IBS, but it primary involves irregular bowel movements.  In general, there are two categories of IBS and people can veer towards end of the spectrum or the other:  those with diarrhea-predominant IBS and those with constipation-predominant IBS.

Other typical symptoms include:

• Discomfort in the abdomen (cramps, achiness, sharp or dull pain and gassiness.)
• Bloating and abdominal distention
• Change in consistency and/or frequency of stool (usually alternating from constipation or diarrhea, though many have a tendency towards one or the other) and often with mucus
• Relief upon pain after bowel movements^[3]

Other common accompanying signs/symptoms include: heart burn, nausea, feeling incomplete upon evacuating, fatigue, muscle pain, and disrupted sleep.

Sounds like a great time, right?  It’s actually quite debilitating and it can affect people to such a degree that it can be the impetus of severe depression.

While negative (or inconclusive) diagnostic tests after suffering from IBS can be supremely frustrating for those plagued with irritated bowels, there are things that you can do to alleviate and potentially prevent it from occurring including:

• Identifying your triggers of IBS: use of laxatives, food allergies or sensitivities, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and bacterial infection can all contribute to IBS. Start a journal and you may find that symptoms are worse after eating certain foods. ^[4]
• Incorporating diet changes: artificial sweeteners, chemical additives, dairy, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, greasy/fatty foods and carbonated beverages can aggravate episodes of IBS. Avoiding these foods, as well as adding gentle fiber-rich foods like oatmeal and berries can go a long way to helping relieve your symptoms.
• Adding probiotics to your daily regiment: it’s no secret that our gut flora, as a society, has seen better days.  From overuse of antibiotics to diets fueled by processed, inflammatory foods and meats laden with hormones and antibiotics have a negative impact on the good bacteria of our gut. There is a delicate balance of bacteria in our intestinal flora that, when disrupted, can cause anything from candida to symptoms of IBS.^[5]  Probiotics can help cultivate the “good” bacteria, and help maintain homeostasis in our gastro-intestinal tract.
• Lifestyle changes and stress management: Stress is one of the main contributing factors with IBS.  Learning how to balance the sympathetic (“Fight or Flight”) and the parasympathetic (“Rest and Digest”) nervous systems can help modulate our intestine’s spasmodic reaction to stress. Yoga has been shown to lower levels of functional disability in adolescents. ^[6]

Acupuncture & Herbs: You may not know but Acupuncture shines in the treatment of areas such as IBS, and other ailments that have no definitive causative factor, diagnostic tests or western medical treatments.^{[7] [8]} As with everything Chinese Medicine, IBS is an imbalance of Yin and Yang and a complex disease, usually involving the mechanisms of the Spleen, Liver, Kidney and Large Intestine. As Chinese medicine looks at the whole person with their particular tapestry of signs and symptoms, treatments will vary accordingly. However, here are general points in how acupuncture can help relieve IBS:

• decrease pain
• regulate digestive tract
• increase parasympathetic tone (which mitigates the reactionary spasms of the colon often induced by stress and sympathetic actions)
• reduce anxiety and depression

In conjunction with Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal therapy is another stellar treatment therapy that can alleviate symptoms of IBS by the intricate and elegant pairings of specific herbs (often ones that are anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic.)  Chinese herbal therapies are usually formulaic and are powerful so you should consult your Acupuncturist to determine the appropriate formula for your presentation. However, a few common single herbs that can help symptoms of IBS include:

• Peppermint:  an antispasmodic so can decrease muscle spasms in the GI tract^[9]
• Ginger: an anti-inflammatory that can decrease nausea
• Fennel:  a carminative (properties that prevent formation of excess gas)

By boiling either one or more of the above together in water for 5-10 minutes, you can make a simple, soothing tea that may help quell some of the symptoms associated with IBS.

For more information or to set up a comprehensive consultation, contact Erin Kumpf, L.Ac at erinkumpfacupuncture@gmail.com or by calling 201-338-0552.

_ _ _

^[1] About Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). (2016, March 6). Retrieved March 23, 2016, from http://www.aboutibs.org/

^[2] Cunha, J. P., DO. (2015, July 15). Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Retrieved March 23, 2016, from http://www.emedicinehealth.com/

^[3] Cunha, J. P., DO. (2015, July 15). Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Retrieved March 23, 2016, from http://www.emedicinehealth.com/

^[4] Cunha, J. P., DO. (2016, March 9). Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Retrieved March 23, 2016, from http://www.medicinenet.com/

^[5] Guglielmetti S, Mora D, Gschwender M. Randomised clinical trial: Bifodobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 significantly alleviates irritable bowel syndrome and improves quality-of-life–a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2011;33(10:1123-32.

^[6] Kuttner L, Chambers CT, Hardial J, et al. A randomized trial of yoga for adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome. Pain Res Manag. 2006;11(4):217-23.

^[7] Pei LX, Zhang XC, Sun JH, Geng H, Wu XL. Metaanalysis of acupuncture-moxibustion in treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2012; 32(10):957-60.

^[8] Manheimer, E., Cheng, K., Wieland, L., Min, L., Shen, X., Berman, B., & Lao, L. (2012, May 16). Acupuncture for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Retrieved March 23, 2016, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/

^[9] Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). (2015, February 4). Retrieved March 23, 2016, from http://www.acupuncture.org.uk/

Harness the Energetics of Spring by Cleansing Inside and Out

by Erin Kumpf LA.c MSTOM

SPRING IS HERE. (I know you are as excited as I am about this statement.) As we move from the uber YIN, cold, retracted, inward and downward flowing, introspective season of winter (dominated by the Kidney energy and WATER element) we are beginning the transition into the season dominated by the LIVER and WOOD energy. Spring and the wood element have everything to do with breaking through old habits and patterns, creating fresh new starts and embarking on new projects.

The wood energy has an upward and outward movement, which makes sense since the wood energy and its associated season is all about rebirth and renewal, growth, reaching forward and the beginning of all things new. Just as a seedling breaks through the cold, hard, frozen earth and bursts forth despite the seeming odds, our wood energy allows us to burst forth in our creative potential and new endeavors with gust and enthusiasm. However, this particular season, as invigorating and as exciting as it is, can often elicit a bit of obstreperous and chaotic energy as well.

The upward and outward reaching our our wood energy needs balance, to be rooted and allowed appropriate expression else we can get “stuck”, feeling impatient, unable to adapt and bend our way through life’s obstacles which can lead to friction, stagnation and potentially anger, resentment and depression. We need a healthy and balanced Liver and Wood energy to ensure smooth transition into and throughout this highly active season. The Liver cleanses and filters the blood and helps eliminate toxins from our body. In Chinese Medicine the Liver is responsible for ensuring that everything is flowing correctly, including our Qi and Blood, but also our energy and emotions. Detoxifying our lives (not only our Liver and internal system but also outside) can help filter out the figurative and literal garbage, opening up space for new ideas and endeavors to flourish, allowing for clarity in our intent and actions and to see things through to fruition.

Ahh..the “D” work again. Seems that everyone is “detoxing” these days; whether its the Master Cleanse advocates, the Isagenix crew, the “Dry Februarians”, or my Paleo peeps, the idea is all similar: purging that which is no longer suiting us, giving our internal organs a break from the accumulations of toxins with which our modern diet (and surrounding environment) is often laden and allowing reparation of our internal gut flora, our liver’s detoxifying functioning and kidney’s filtering ability. But, detoxifying other aspects of our lives is as important as removing the toxic foods from our diet. Whether that means replacing persistent negative thoughts with more positive ones, disengaging from “toxic” people who are zapping positive energy and engaging in physical activities that both energize and revitalize ourselves, this is a great time to do an inventory and determine what in your life, needs to be given the old “Heave Ho” and what you need to bring into your life.

Here are some ways I encourage a bit of spring detoxifying in both our bodies and minds, which will help prepare for the transition into the Spring season.

1.Warm water and Lemon: a great way to flush out our system by enhancing enzyme functioning and simulating your liver, especially first thing in the morning (if you’ve been a patient of mine, you know my homework for everyone is to start off the day with something warm to help the digestive fire.)
2.Lets get real people, processed foods are just no good…take an inventory of your pantry and make a note of things that you’d like to eventually replace so you are prepared for the next time you go shopping. If you can’t pronounce it, most likely you shouldn’t be putting it in your mouth.
3.Chlorella and Spirulina: talk about superfood! This pair of algae are super high in chlorophyll which cleanses the blood and can help balance blood sugar levels; chock full of nucleic acids which are imperative for cellular repair and renewal and can bind to heavy metals, allowing them to be eliminated from the body.
4.Get outside and move! Walk, run, dance, moonwalk, whatever it is, get outside and move. Work up a little bit of sweat. We are meant to move and most of us could use a little outside time. Better yet, get yourself into a garden, park or some kind of green space. We have about 5 parks within a 5 mile radius. Lets enjoy them!
5.Balance with activities that gently stretch our bodies (Liver and Wood energy is associated with our tendons and ligaments so yoga, tai chi and pilates are great yin activities to balance the more rigorous yang exercises.)
6.Cupping! Cupping is an ancient modality used by various ancient cultures and involves creating a gentle suction with glass, plastic or bamboo cups to improve blood circulation, lymphatic movement and cellular regeneration and detoxification.
7.Steam that face: Throw just a drop or two (no more!) of an essential oil or two such as tea tree, or eucalyptus and maybe some fresh or dried lavender, nettle or chamomile, into a basin of very hot water and you got yourself a bonafide, purifying face bath to clear your pores and skin.
8.Turn off the phone: This is a hard one. I know. But…try it. Its good for the soul.
9.Use a dry brush! Do it. And to target the Liver channel, start near the big toe and work up the insides of your ankles, inner legs and up into your torso on the sides to stimulate qi and blood flow in the Liver channel.
10.Organize your closet and donate everything you have not worn over a year.

Regardless of what your “detoxifying” strategy is, clearing out the gunk from our body, mind and life itself can have a remarkable impact. Great things can happen if you make the space and this is the season to do so!

**Register for my Community Auricular Acupuncture session on March 12th here! 
Erin Kumpf L.Ac, MSTOM is a nationally board certified and state licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist. She holds Masters of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is continuing her studies by completing her doctorate. She incorporates various facets of this ancient medicine including acupuncture, herbs, tui na, gua sha, cupping and moxibustion. While working as a general practitioner, she also has clinical training as an acupuncturist at the Lutheran Medical Center, working in the Labor and Delivery Ward as well as experience working at the drug addiction treatment center at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Yonkers. She works with patients of all ages: babies through the elderly. She approaches and respects each patient as a unique individual with unique ailments and strives to help them to wellness with personalized strategies.

Acupuncture and Sticking to New Year’s Resolutions

by Erin Kumpf, L.Ac.

Photo by Flickr user Marnie Joyce

The New Year: the time is almost upon us once again. As 2014 draws to a close, we can reflect upon and take inventory of all the good that has come our way, all the goals we had set and actually accomplished, and maybe those things that didn’t make it to our 2014 list of accomplishments. Enter 2015!

At this time we start thinking about what we want out of the upcoming year. Many of us have common goals: stop smoking, lose weight, stay focused, change careers, save more money. Our direction is clear, and we are focused – in the beginning.

Staying clear, focused, and on the path tends to be a bit more difficult. Acupuncture is gaining a lot of popularity and has succeeded in entering mainstream America for everything from pain management to assisting with fertility. What people may not know is that many of the reasons that derail us from staying true to our desires and goals, or from keeping on our “resolution path,” can be addressed through acupuncture, which can be used as a reset button.

Here are a few of the reasons why:

1. Addictions: Addictions, no doubt, are one of the most difficult afflictions to overcome. Studies have shown, however, that acupuncture, and, in particular, the protocol NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) is an effective method to help address addictions. These five auricular points help reduce cravings for everything from cigarettes to alcohol, dampen down the jitters associated with withdrawal from many narcotics, reduce anxiety and stress, and assist in facilitating detoxification.

2. Weight Loss: Acupuncture has also been shown to be an effective adjunct therapy for those seeking to lose weight. Chinese Medicine incorporates strengthening the spleen and liver mechanisms to regulate digestion, increase metabolism, facilitate the transformation of food into the blood and energy that we need to live, and help reduce cravings. Acupuncture also helps regulate emotions, which are often a trigger for overeating. In conjunction with lifestyle changes and a commitment to eating healthy, acupuncture can be the catalyst that drives your weight loss goals.

3. De-stress: Stress has been shown to wreak havoc on our bodies. Our current modern lifestyle, especially when coupled with living in an urban environment, leads us to a predominantly sympathetic mode of living. Constant stimuli bombarding our system have our adrenals (think adrenaline, epinephrine, and cortisol) running on high octane. Eventually we exhaust our adrenals, and this “running on empty” eventually leads to fatigue, sluggishness, foggy-headedness, increased infections, and irritability. Acupuncture has been shown to up-regulate certain hormones and to down-regulate others, creating balance within the body. The stimulation of the parasympathetic response (“rest” and “digest”) allows our system to relax, reset, and recharge. When we are more relaxed and rejuvenated, we can be more clear, focused, and deliberate in our every day actions and goals!

Incorporating acupuncture into your life can help you overcome those obstacles that continuously set you back and can help keep you on track. Start now and make those New Year’s resolutions stick!

Call now to make an acupuncture appointment: 201-338-0552. Or visit Yoga in the Heights at 317 Central Avenue, Jersey City, NJ.

Erin Kumpf, L.Ac. is a nationally certified licensed acupuncturist and board certified herbalist with locations in Manhattan, NY and Jersey City, NJ. She specializes in women’s health, fertility, depression and anxiety and addiction recovery. She has been practicing yoga since 1995 and obtained her Teachers Training certificate in 2004. She is currently undergoing DONA certification to become a doula. Erin is deeply committed to her patients and ensures that each person she sees is treated uniquely with respect and empathy.