Banishing bellyaches, bloating and biliousness

Stomach pain

The approach of World Digestive Health Day on 29th May offers a great opportunity to explore how Cranial Osteopathy and/or Acupuncture can help with all types of digestive problems. These include  the dreaded Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and widespread pain associated with Fibromyalgia.

Common digestive problems

The likes of stomach pain, indigestion, heartburn and bloating occur in people of all ages. These can be linked to many different factors including diet, lifestyle and stress. IBS is especially prevalent and sufferers are all too familiar with symptoms such as abdominal cramping and pain, bloating, constipation and/or diarrhoea. No-one knows for sure exactly what causes IBS but there are many theories – food passing through the gut too quickly, family history, food intolerances or an over-sensitive enteric (gut) nervous system.

If you suffer with widespread pain all over your body and also have fatigue, IBS, headaches, sleep problems and muscle stiffness, you could have Fibromyalgia, also called Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS).

As we’ve said earlier, the cause of many digestive problems are, as yet, unknown. But some can be traced back to musculoskeletal damage arising from pregnancy or an injury to the back, ribs or pelvis, for example. The consequences are often interrupted blood supplies, tense abdominal muscles or restricted spinal joints or organs. Therapies such as Osteopathy and Acupuncture can help rebalance your blood and nerve supplies, reposition and restore full joint and organ functions and reduce your symptoms.

Cranial Osteopathy – not just for children

If you’ve never had it, Cranial Osteopathy is a very gentle type of Osteopathy that’s safe for patients of all ages. It can also be very effective in treating digestive disorders. It works by detecting areas of tension within the body, releasing and repositioning stuck tissues and muscles and getting the body back into balance. After a treatment, many of my patients say they feel both relaxed and energised, with the added bonus of a better night’s sleep. That’s especially true of colicky babies – and very popular with thankful parents!

The point of Acupuncture 

This ancient therapy originated in China, only arriving in the West about 40 years ago. Adopting an holistic approach, Chinese Acupuncture seeks to restore balance within the body and maintain optimum ongoing health. The insertion of sterile needles into any one (or more) or the body’s 360 acupoints stimulates the flow of energy (qi) and re-establishes the crucial balance between yin and yang. Scientific studies to determine its efficacy are ongoing but some data has shown that the therapy is effective for a wide range of gastro-intestinal disorders especially nausea and vomiting.

What our clients think

“I have seen Denise for many different health issues over the past 10 years, however I returned recently for Acupuncture treatment to help with severe digestive issues. After about 3 treatments, I saw a noticeable difference. Denise has an abundance of knowledge in so many different therapies and uses her inner tuition to help heal the body, whatever it might need. I have now had 6 treatments of Acupuncture and feel so much more positive that I can face these issues, instead of the repetition of constant worrying. I would recommend Denise as she is a highly trained professional that is making a big difference in helping people to understand, accept and heal.” (Deborah Dial)

In my practice, I often use Cranial Osteopathy in conjunction with Acupuncture to relieve the symptoms of gastro-intestinal problems as I find the two therapies work effectively together. You may wish to check out any new stomach problems with your GP before coming to see me but if you have ongoing IBS and Fibromyalgia, please get in touch and I will try my best to help you.

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