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Digestion, Eating Disorders, Constipation

Digestion, Eating Disorders, Constipation

August 29th, 2010 | Posted in 3 Various Specific Problems

Many eating disorders and  indigestion, constipation and diarrhoea involve the activity of the Spleen/Pancreas

The spleen is a fist sized organ located in the upper-left portion of the abdomen between the stomach and the diaphragm. The principle functions of the spleen have nothing to do with digestion (whereas the pancreas has quite a bit to do with digestion) and revolve around our immune and cardiovascular systems. The spleen is responsible for the removal of old red blood cells and the production and storage of white blood cells (lymphocytes) which will cleanse bacteria from the blood in the spleen and provide important tissue healing and other immune responses throughout our body. The spleen is functionally equivalent to a large lymph node with a focus on cleansing our blood and aiding immunity.

The pancreas is a roughly 6-10 inch gland organ located behind the stomach with a narrow tail that extends to the left abdomen next to the spleen. The pancreas produces various chemicals which allow for proper digestion of food. The chemicals help us to digest protein, break down carbohydrates and break down fats into fatty acids and cholesterol. There is an endocrine portion of the pancreas which secretes insulin when blood sugar is elevated. Insulin moves sugar (glucose) from our blood into muscles and other tissues so it can be used for energy. On the opposite side, the pancreas also releases glucagon when blood sugar levels are low. Glucagon causes stored sugar to be broken down into glucose by the liver to return blood sugar levels to a normal balance. These functions are obviously critical in conditions such as diabetes.

From a Chinese perspective the ‘Spleen/Pancreas‘ involves the physical spleen, the pancreas, the spleen acupuncture meridian, spleen related disharmonies (or patterns), western medicine spleen/pancrease related diseases such as diabetes and chronic fatigue, and a range of health issues that arise from the spleen related disharmonies from a TCM perspective. When your acupuncturist tells you that you have “Spleen Qi Deficiency” you might just stare back at him or her blankly not understanding a word of how that explains the issues that you are seeking to resolve.   Chinese Medicine uses meridians named after and related to our physical organs to treat disease and imbalances in the body. The organ names are there to help describe the function of the related meridian and also to describe the myriad of relationships that exist in our bodies and between us and our environment.

Since acupuncture is a ‘holistic’ treatment, it is often these connections and relationships that form the basis of the acupuncture treatment.

Many problems associated with digestion can be alleviated and/or cured with acupuncture and diet changes.

  • Indigestion or acid reflux
  • Bloating and ‘gas’
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhoea
  • Retention of food
  • Anorexia
  • Bulimia
  • Stomach Ulcers
  • Stomach inflammation
  • Spleen inflammation
  • Chronic Spleen inflammation
  • Gastro Enteritis

Problems, such as Stomach Cancer, Diabetes, etc. will require a more aggressive treatment and you should consult your GP.

INDIGESTION —  DYSPEPSIA

 

Indigestion is characterised by pain or discomfort in the chest or upper abdomen that develops after eating — especially because of changing of eating or drinking habits.

Many describe it as a ‘heavy’ or ‘burning’ sensation behind the breastbone, either soon, or an hour or two after eating. For some it may be sharp stabbing stomach pains or griping, colicky discomfort lasting for several hours.

  • Pregnant women are more likely to suffer from indigestion because their baby puts extra pressure on their stomach as it grows and also increases the risk of developing reflux.
  • Overweight prople are also more likely to suffer for the same reason.
  • It can also be caused by drinking and eating more than usual (e.g. at Christmas);
  • eating lots of rich, fatty or spicy foods;
  • eating late at night,
  • rushed meals,
  • smoking, etc.

All of these can damage the protective lining of the stomach which in turn allows stomach acid to irritate the more sensitive tissue beneath. If acid travels up into the gullet this can also cause heartburn—a condition known as reflux.

 

Don’ts

  • Don’t rush food or be tempted to snack on the run.
  • Don’t eat too much 2 or 3 hours before going to bed.
  • Don/t eat too much fatty, spicy or rich food.
  • Don’t smoke.  Smoke irrates the stomach.
  • Don’t take or limit caffine-containing drinks such as tea, coffee and cola. these can increase the chances of reflux.

Do’s

  • Lose weight if overweight to prevent stomach acid being pushed up into the gullet.
  • Reduce the amount of alcohol intake.
  • Take your time over meals and stop eating before you feel too full.
  • Peppermint helps reduce indigestion and can soothe an irritated stomach lining. Try three to four cups of peppermint tea daily.
  • Ginger can help neutralise the acid balance in the stomach as well as regulating movement through the intestines and producing higher levels of saliva.
  • Liquorice can line the stomach coating that helps defend against acid.
  • Dandelion root helps soothe symptoms of indigestion and works best as a ticture
  • Devil’s Claw  is said to control indigestion as well as regulate appetite. Take it periodically over several days.
  • Papaya enzyme is used to assist overall digestion and reduce discomfort from indigestion. It is also said to help reduce bloating and abdominal discomfort.
  • Relaxation techniques, yoga and meditation, CBT, help reframe the way you think, feel and behave. Reducing stress and anxiety alone may be enough to stop indigestion occurring in many people.

If you are over 55 you need to see your doctor if you have

  • persistent indigestion for no apparent reason
  • persistent nausea or vomiting with or without blood,
  • unexplained weight loss
  • unexplained tiredness
  • difficulty in swallowing
  • black or dark excrement

These could be signs of a peptic ulcer. This can be easily detected by a simple breath or blood test and can be treated by a simple combination of antiobiotics and an antacid.

It could be a sign of gallstones or irritable bowel syndrome. Gallstones, however, will cause severe pain under the right side of the ribcage and IBS more usually causes bloating in the lower abdomen and colicky pain.