Accupuncture and IBS C

[Limonana]

Hi, has anyone found that accupuncture (or any other alternative practices such as reflexology) has helped with their IBS C?

[BabsyWabsy]

Not sure if this is relevant to you, but a good friend of mine has ME and long covid and she finds fortnightly acupuncture immensely helpful and has done for years. She struggles if her acupuncturist is away.

[Mutleyforever]

Hi Limonana, yes I have tried it, and thought it was helpful on the first occasion . On the second I actually felt the pain was aggravated and chose not to go back. It was a lot of money to shell out for that uncertainty of a helpful result unfortunately.However now I am no longer constipated after taking flaxseeds in warm water daily for several months. The abdominal pain is not so bad, and I’m now trying Aloe Vera juice daily ( which seems also to be very good for constipation), to help relax my gut.

Hope this info helps, I found out through time and trial, it worked for me, and hopefully will help u too!

[Harley1020 in reply to Mutleyforever]

Hello, can you please advise how much flaxseed you use and the amount of water you use. I have tried linseed on cereal but still not working for constipation. Thank you.

[Mutleyforever in reply to Harley1020]

Hi Harley, I used a tablespoon of golden flaxseed in about 75mls of warmed water, give it a good stir, cover it and leave it overnight to drink in the morning before breakfast. The consistency will have changed as the flaxseed breaks down, drink it all down. So prepare this every evening and drink it in the morning, I reduced the amount I was soaking after awhile. Good luck, however have recently started drinking Aloe Vera juice to help with pain and also find that has a loosening affect as it draws water also into the bowel! Post how u get on, it wud b good to hear your journey….. Mutley

[Floss-12]

I have tried acupuncture for my IBS C and I did feel it helped to some degree in particular with relaxation. However, it is quite expensive so I was unable to continue with it. I have just started a course of hypnotherapy and I do feel that this is helping reduce the amount of flare ups I have.Hope this helps x

[Hidden]

I don't have IBS C, but have been diagnosed with a functional gut disorder (IBS fits but doesn't fit ), have not tried acupuncture but have tried hypnotherapy for IBS and stress. I was skeptical but willing to try anything. It has been great!! It doesn't fix IBS but it works on underlying things that can contribute to the pain etc. So while I still struggle to eat consistently, and have pain, my mindset and how I feel have changed, I don't feel so defeated, exhausted or like I want to give up, and I was stressed because of the pain and missing work etc. This makes everything else easier. It's a slow thing and subtle though I had 4-5 weekly sessions for IBS & stress, then follow up in 2-3 months, I have had 2 follow ups and I noticed the greatest change before the second follow up. It's odd, you just suddenly notice that you are not reacting or acting or feeling about things the same way you have always done hahaha. I would recommend giving it a go, it is expensive, but for me worth every cent. It may or may not help you, look into hypnotherapy and about how it works what it works on and then if you feel it...do it! Good luck☺️

[Pollyboo]

Hi, I have IBS D, and have had reflexology fortnightly for the past 10yrs.I have found it doesn't help the IBS but it is very relaxing and it is nice to look forward to a bit of me time especially on a bad day. My reflexologist is mobile and treats me at home which is good for those who may struggle on bad days to leave the house. In fact I have just had a treatment this evening and feel very calm and I know I will sleep well tonight. My reflexologist has now became a friend after all this time. Hope this helps you. Take care Pollyboo