A 28-year-old woman came to our clinic complaining of abdominal pain and bowel irregularities due to Crohn’s disease. In addition, she had fatigue, insomnia, and anxiety. She had started taking Humira six months earlier, and her doctor was encouraging her to increase her dosage, which she did not want to do. This Crohn’s case study describes how acupuncture eased her symptoms and allowed her to remain on a small dose of Humira.
Crohn’s Diagnosis
Our patient was diagnosed with Ileocolitis, one of the most common forms of Crohn’s disease, which impacts the small and large intestines. Her primary symptoms included diarrhea, cramping, and pain in the lower right section of her abdomen. Tests revealed inflammation in both her small and large intestines.
Her doctor prescribed the minimum dose of Humira, an immunosuppressant. Humira works by blocking a protein in the body’s immune system, thereby blocking the formation of inflammation. This targeted suppression of the immune system reduces pain and swelling in patients with Crohn’s disease and other autoimmune conditions (i.e., rheumatoid arthritis).
Crohn’s Acupuncture Treatment
Acupuncture also quiets the immune system, albeit in a more natural fashion. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, specific acupuncture points reduce the inflammatory response in muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and organs.
In this Crohn’s case study, we selected acupuncture points to reduce inflammation, strengthen the small and large intestines, and diminish lower abdominal pain. After the first treatment, our patient reported feeling twenty percent pain relief and thirty percent improved bowel function. After four treatments, acupuncture reduced her pain and improved her bowel function by fifty percent. Also, she reported having more energy, less anxiety, and improved sleep.
Acupuncture Reduces Inflammation
There are many powerful acupuncture points on the body which clear heat and reduce inflammation. These include GV14, LI11, CV4, ST28, LV3, and SP13. Such points naturally and safely promote the body to expel heat through urination or sweating and regulate the body’s internal thermostat.
A body in balance is less susceptible to future bouts of inflammation – the immune system can self-regulate and return to homeostasis. On the other hand, disease creates an imbalance in the body, resulting in surges of inflammation. Acupuncture restores balance to promote powerful self-healing.
Acupuncture Strengthens Organ Function
In addition to reducing excess heat and inflammation, acupuncture also strengthens the organs. For our patient in this Crohn’s case study, this involved nourishing the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. The root of many autoimmune diseases lies in the dysfunction of the stomach and intestines, be it from stress, the foods we eat, or other toxic exposure in the environment. As these organs weaken, they become susceptible to disease and inflammation.
Acupuncture points including ST36, Li4, SP3, CV12, ST21, ST25, BL20, BL21, and BL25 strengthen the stomach and intestines, enabling them to fight back against inflammation and restore normal function. The result for the patient is better digestion and bowel movements, improved energy, and reduced pain and anxiety.
Next Steps
If you, or someone you love, struggle with abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, Crohn’s, or IBS, try acupuncture. You’ll know within four treatments if this ancient healing modality can help. Over ninety percent of our patients find that it does help!
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Crohn’s Case Study
One of the most important outcomes for our patient in this Crohn’s case study is that she remained on a minimal dose of Humira. She was concerned about what would happen in the long run if she increased her dosage at such a young age. However, she is now more confident that she can manage her condition without constantly increasing her medications.
What our Clients are Saying
I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease two years ago. I had fairly severe low abdominal pain and swelling, weight loss and really low energy. My doctor wanted to put me on steroids but I wanted to avoid that for as long as possible. I read that acupuncture could treat Crohn’s so I booked an appointment at Raleigh Acupuncture. Sure enough, the treatments eased my pain, resolved the swelling, and increased my energy. It’s been almost two years and I have yet to need steroids. Initially I got acupuncture twice a week, but after the first two months I have been on monthly maintenance treatments, and that seems to be holding me. I highly recommend Raleigh Acupuncture for Crohn’s treatment. They have made a huge difference in my life.
