HOW IS CROHN’S DISEASE TREATED WITH ACUPUNCTURE?

Crohn’s disease is a chronic and irremediable disease that is associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They are an autoimmune disease-causing enduring inflammation and irritation to the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Crohn’s inflammation commonly occurs at the end of the ileum (small intestine) and at the cecum (the beginning of large intestine) where they connect. However, Crohn’s disease conditions vary by person and inflammation can affect an individual in one section or segments throughout the GI tract (from the oral cavity to anus). Inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease can spread deep into the layers of the bowel tissue resulting in thickening of the bowel wall that does not subside. Subsequently, inflammation from Crohn’s disease can develop into colorectal cancer. 

CROHN’S DISEASE SYMPTOMS

The cause of Crohn’s disease is not known. Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune disease, which the immune system is unable to differentiate between their cells from foreign pathogens. The body’s natural defense system would mistakenly believe these harmless bacteria in their intestinal are foreign pathogens. By protecting its own body from pathogens (virus, bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms), the immune system produces a response and attack the harmless bacteria that aid in digestion. Subsequently, inflammation and irritation in the GI tract cause individuals to experience intestinal obstructions, rectal bleeding, fatigue, loss of appetite, mouth ulcer, slow growth and many other disturbances with the GI system. Crohn’s disease can also cause inflammation on the skin, eyes, joints, and in the liver or bile ducts.

RISK FACTORS ARE:

Crohn’s disease is believed to be hereditary. That being the case, a significant chance an individual will have Crohn’s disease is if someone in their family or a close relative have Crohn’s disease.

An individual has a higher risk of developing Crohn’s disease when both mother and father have IBD.

Crohn’s disease affects both men and women between the ages of 15 and 35.

Caucasian and Eastern Europe Jewish lineage have a higher risk of developing Crohn’s disease than African American, American Indian, Asians, or Hispanics.

Active smokers are twofold likely to develop Crohn’s disease than non-smokers.

MODERN MEDICINE TREATMENT OF CROHN’S DISEASE | DRUG MEDICINE

There is no cure for Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease can be treated with specific medication based on the severity and location of the condition. Medication such as steroids and immunosuppressants, aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and immunomodulators can be prescribed to help control, sustain flair-ups and reduce inflammation. However, each medication has various side effects such as headaches, heartburn, acne, bone loss, high blood pressure, low white blood cell count and other side effects that can potentially lead to higher chance of developing infections and pancreatitis. Additionally, some medication can take several weeks or months before becoming active and require regular screening due to high risk of colorectal cancer. Since Crohn’s condition occasionally going into remission, it is unknown if a specific prescription drug is effective towards Crohn’s disease.

Surgery may be required if all medication drugs have been exhausted and ineffective towards the individual. Depending on the location of the condition, the operation consists of removing that specific part of inflammation from the intestines. However, each part of the internal organs plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis within our body. By removing an essential part of the organ, Crohn’s disease can reappear but in other areas of the intestines that can lead to diarrhea or malnutrition.

ACUPUNCTURE AND HERBAL MEDICINE TO BENEFIT CROHN’S DISEASE 

Acupuncture and herbal medicine induce homeostatic response on the cellular level by influencing the body’s internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities. They stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body’s own internal regulating system. Acupuncture helps Crohn’s disease by reversing tissue damage and reduces inflammation and improves their quality of life. Acupuncture is safe and painless. There are no drugs or hazardous equipment used and no surgical operation performed. 

CASE STUDIES:

According to Healthcare Medicine Institute, modern research has proven that acupuncture has improved Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI) scores, quality of life, increases hemoglobin levels, and reduces C-reactive protein (CRP) levels for patients with Crohn’s disease. CDAI score is measure during medicine, and medical procedure for responses and remission of Crohn’s disease and CRP measure inflammation levels in the blood. Researchers have shown that acupuncture induces a powerful anti-inflammatory response that improved patient’s intestinal mucosal epithelium and intestinal glands in Crohn’s disease patients. 

Testimonials on Agape Natural Health has shown patients with Crohn’s disease has substantially improved with acupuncture. By receiving acupuncture and consuming herbal medicine regularly, it has proven to cause Crohn’s disease to stay in remission and promote health and quality of life.

Work Cited

What is Crohn’s Disease | Causes of Crohn’s | Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. April 06, 2019. Crohn’s & Colitis. Retrieved from http://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-are-crohns-and-colitis/what-is-crohns-disease/

National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. September 01, 2017. Treatment for Crohn’s Disease. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/crohns-disease/treatment

HealthCMi CEUs. May 23, 2015. Acupuncture Anti-Inflammatory Crohn’s Disease Discovery. Retrieved from https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1478-acupuncture-anti-inflammatory-crohn-s-disease-discovery

Agape Natural Health. September 24, 2016. Crohn’s Disease | Auto Immune Condition | Inflammation Small Intestines | Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Treatment. Retrieved by http://www.agapeacupuncture.com/blog/2016/9/23/crohns-disease-auto-immune-condition-inflammation-small-intestines-acupuncture-and-herbal-medicine-treatment