Crohn's Disease
Crohn's Disease Protocols in Chinese Medicine for Self-Care
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.
Acupressure Points to Alleviate Symptoms of Crohn's Disease
Learn How to Effectively Activate Acupressure Points Linked Here!
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Large Intestine 4
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Large Intestine 11
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Stomach 37
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 9
- Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Liver 3
Causes and Pattern Types of Crohn's Disease
Spleen Deficiency Causing Crohn’s Disease
According 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-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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