Crohn's Disease

Crohn's Disease Protocols in Chinese Medicine for Self-Careessential oils for acupressure

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Crohn’s disease may be caused by constitutional deficiencies, invasion of the exterior pathogenic factors or an inappropriate diet. Constitutional deficiencies can be genetically induced tendencies, or could be due to improper diet during childhood such as too much fruit juice damaging the Spleen (TCM). There are typically multiple patterns of imbalance in play for Crohn's to develop. 

For best outcomes using self-care, combine associated Aroma Acu-Sticks® to acu-points, topical remedies, and good lifestyle practices.

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Acupressure Points to Alleviate Symptoms of Crohn's Disease

essential oils for acupressureLearn How to Effectively Activate Acupressure Points Linked Here!

 

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Causes and Pattern Types of Crohn's Disease

Spleen Deficiency Causing Crohn’s Disease

liver essential oilsAccording to TCM, the a proper Spleen function is necessary for healthy digestion  and a diet high in raw or cold foods will injure the Spleen and Stomach. Chron's disease may have a familial cause (see Kidney below) with a genetic disposition to Spleen Qi Deficiency, as the Spleen is central to proper digestion in Chinese medicine.

Liver Heat Contributing to Crohn’s Disease

Liver Qi contraints will cause Heat if not properly addressed in a timely manner. When the Liver heats up and becomes discontent, it tends to strike out at other organ systems. The Heat that is produced from Liver Qi Stagnation can combine with other pathogenic factors such as Internal Dampness to create more complex patterns of imbalance. One of the imbalances is referred to as the Liver Attacking the Large Intestine; this would cause digestive issues relating to bowel movements.

damp bi remedyDamp-Heat Causing Crohn’s Disease

If Spleen Qi Deficiency goes unchecked, Internal Dampness will develop and can combine with the Heat produced by the Liver Qi Stagnation.  Also, exterior pathogenic factors can develop in to Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine. Exterior invasion of Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine is characterized by an acute sudden onset of gastrointestinal distress; whereas, Damp-Heat originating from Spleen-Liver imbalances would be more chronic in nature. Indications of Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine would include diarrhea, presence of mucus and possibly blood in the stool, foul-smelling bowel movement (BM) with extreme urgency. There may be a burning sensation after the BM. Indications often include dark yellow urine, and abdominal fullness and pain. As Heat increases it will travel upwards causing irritability, increased thirst, and preference to drink iced water.

Spleen-Kidney Deficiency Causing Crohn’s Disease

For those with a familial history of Crohn’s Disease, Ancestral Kidney Qi Deficiency is very common. Those with a genetic disposition to suffering with Crohn’s can also find relief with TCM utilizing tonic herbs, but may have to rely on tonic herbs throughout their life to experience ongoing wellness. One sign of Spleen and Kidney Deficiencies is abdominal pain that increases with cold but decreases with a BM. Other indications of Kidney Deficiency such as lower back soreness, impotence, ED, premature gray hair, or anxiety may also be present. The Kidney energetic organ system is implied with genetic imbalances leading to disease patterns according to Chinese medicine as it houses the "Essence".

Qi and Blood Stagnation Causing Crohn’s Disease

Lastly, Qi and Blood Stagnation can cause sharp stabbing pain in the abdomen; this condition mimics acute appendicitis. Blood goes where Qi Goes, so if there is long standing Qi Stagnation, than Blood Stagnation will develop. Often, severe abdominal pain and fullness with a palpable mass in the right lower quadrant diarrhea, lack of appetite, muscle wasting, lethargy, dark purple tongue will be present with this pattern.  Because the Liver controls the movement of Qi throughout the body, Liver Qi Stagnation can be the underlying cause. However, Internal Dampness can also cause Qi to stagnate. Chances are that both imbalances are present. 

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References

Ng SC, Shi HY, Hamidi N, Underwood FE, Tang W, Benchimol EI, Panaccione R, Ghosh S, Wu JCY, Chan FKL, Sung JJY, Kaplan GG. Worldwide incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease in the 21st century: a systematic review of population-based studies. Lancet. 2018 Dec 23;390(10114):2769-2778. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32448-0. Epub 2017 Oct 16. Erratum in: Lancet. 2020 Oct 3;396(10256):e56. PMID: 29050646.

Teschke R, Wolff A, Frenzel C, Eickhoff A, Schulze J. Herbal traditional Chinese medicine and its evidence base in gastrointestinal disorders. World J Gastroenterol. 2015 Apr 21;21(15):4466-90. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i15.4466. PMID: 25914456; PMCID: PMC4402294.

Wang Y, Li M, Zha AS. Adjuvant Treatment of Crohn's Disease with Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Meta-Analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019 Mar 5;2019:6710451. doi: 10.1155/2019/6710451. PMID: 30949220; PMCID: PMC6425422.

Wang Y. H. Effects of ginseng decoction and kidney qi pills combined with thalidomide on the treatment of Crohn's disease and on serum CRP and TNF -a. Modern Journal of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine2018;27(16):1799–1801.

Zhang H. X., Song Z., Qian G. W., et al. Clinical efficacy of modified Si Junzitang in treatment of Crohn's disease and regulation effect on inflammatory factors. Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae2018;24(17):172–176.

 
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.