15 minute read
HEALING COLITIS AND IBS
nied by severe abdominal cramping and pain, weight loss, anemia, and a loss of appetite. The disease usually begins in the rectum and lower portion of the colon; in time the entire colon may be involved.
Ulcerative colitis can be readily diagnosed by sigmoidoscopy as well as a barium enema and X-ray study. (These diagnostic tools are not suitable when an acute flare-up is involved.) Examinations can also reveal that some cases of colitis arise from infectious diseases such as amoebiasis, or bacteria from food poisoning such as salmonellosis, or other unknown bacteria or viruses.
Hemorrhage is the most common complication of ulcerative colitis. Sometimes it can lead to severe infection, therefore requiring immediate surgery.
Traditional Chinese Herbs & Acupuncture for IBS and Colitis
BY TOM FUNG, R.AC., R.TCMP
Causes of IBS and Colitis
From the Western medical standpoint there is no clear explanation of what causes intestinal inflammation, although there is recognition of contributing factors such as allergic response to certain foods or drinks, emotional distress, wrong diet, or heavy cigarette smoking. Any of these can contribute to the irritation of the intestinal tract. Some scholars believe the root cause to be an autoimmune disorder, and I tend to agree.
As a side note, colon cancer tends to occur more frequently in patients with ulcerative colitis, especially in those who have had colitis since childhood.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, IBS and colitis are categorized by a few different terms such as: 1) “Chi Bai Li” dysentery; 2) middle burner disorder; 3) fire stagnation in large intestine. Because TCM is based on a different theoretical model than Western medicine, I often think of it as ‘Macro Correlation Concept’ . TCM diagnosis is based on ‘Pattern Identification’ , rather than the Western medical label for a disease.
In my 40 years of clinical experience, I have observed that most patients suffer from more than one disease at the same time. For example, if a person comes to my clinic complaining of IBS or colitis symptoms, further investigation may reveal that he also suffers from other medical problems such as low sperm count, depression, anxiety, hiatal hernia, thyroid disease, or other problems.
According to TCM theory, any diseases occurring in the large intestine will have a connection with problems in the
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is also referred to as spastic colon, nervous bowel, or irritable colon. This condition is caused by excessive spasms of the large intestine. It is more common than colitis and probably the most frequent abdominal complaint brought to the attention of doctors. In the U.S., as many as one in five adults has the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Colitis, on the other hand, is a disorder characterized by inflammation of the inner Mild to moderate IBS and lining of the colon. Sometimes the entire colitis can be treated with length of the large intestine is involved. the use of a special diet, This condition can frequently progress to along with Chinese herbs ulcerative colitis. and acupuncture targeted to each individual
Making the Diagnosis
Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Diagnosis of IBS is often based on a review of the symptoms and a process of elimination of other disorders. The major symptoms include abdominal cramping, excess of gas, bloating, diarrhea and/or constipation. It is important to note that a barium xray, sigmoidoscopic examination, or colonoscopy can sometimes produce similar symptoms.
Colitis – This disorder can be caused by several inflammatory bowel conditions. The main defining symptom is diarrhea containing mucous with blood, often accompa-
lungs. Grief is the emotion that is associated with the lungs, and I do find that many people who have longstanding grief, or have had parents with persistent grief, these people are at higher risk of developing IBS or colitis.
Treatment of Common Syndromes
1) Hyperactivity of the “Liver Fire” and Insufficiency of the Spleen (often induced by negative emotions) – Signs and Symptoms: This condition manifests as abdominal pain before diarrhea; after that the pain is decreased, or relieved, accompanied by distention and pain, epigastric fullness, and inability to eat.
TCM Tongue Observation: Typically there is a white coating on the tongue; it can be thin or thick (especially for someone who has a thick body). Pulse: thready and taut.
TCM Treatment Principle: This involves checking hyper function of the “Liver fire” and strengthening the spleen.
TCM Chinese herbal formula: Prescription of Importance for Diarrhea with pain: – Radix Paeoniae Alba 15 gram – Rhizoma Atractylodis Macroce Phalae 15 gram – Radix Ledebouriellae 10 gram – Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae 10 gram – Radix Bupleuri 10 gram Semen Coicis 15 gram – Semen Dolichoris 12 gram Fructus Crataegi 12 gram
Acupuncture treatment: Apply reduce method to
acupuncture point Neiting (St. 44), Xingglian (Liv 2), Jinsue (Du 8). Apply reinforce method to acupuncture point:Taihai (Sp 3), Shangwan (Ren 13), Pishu (U.B.20). 2) Downward Flow of Damp-heat – Symptoms: Fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, burning sensation in the anus, bloody and/or purulent stool with mucous. – TCM Tongue Observation: Yellow, thick, greasy fur. – Pulse: Rolling and rapid. – TCM Treatment Principle: Clearing away pathogenic heat and dampness. – TCM Chinese Herbal formula: Decoction of Pueraria, Scutellaria and Coptis with additional ingredients: – Radix Scutellariae 10 gram; Rhizoma Coptidis 10 grm – Flos Lonicerae 30 gram; Radix Pulsatillae 15 gram – Semen Plantaginis 10 gram; Radix Aurantii 10 gram
Acupuncture treatment: Apply reduce method to acupuncture point: Yinlingquan (Sp. 9), Hegu (L.I. 4), Tainshu (St 25), Dachangshu (U.B. 25). 3) Insufficiency of the Spleen and Stomach – Signs and Symptoms: Gassy diarrhea with undigested food in the stool, stuffiness in the abdomen, fatigue, anorexia. – TCM Tongue Observation: Pale colour with whitish fur. – Pulse: Deep and weak – TCM Treatment Principle: Apply reinforcing method to spleen and stomach. – TCM Chinese formula – Modified Power of Ginseng, Poris and Bighead Astractylodes: Radix Codonopsis Pilosulae 15 gram Semen Coisis 15 grm Semen Nelumbinis 12 gram Rhizoma Dioscoreae 12 gram Rhizoma Astractylodis Macroce phalae 12 gram Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae 10 gram Radix Glycyrrhizae Praeparata 6 gram
Acupuncture treatment: Apply reinforce method with Moxibustion to Zhongwan (Ren 12), Qihai (Ren 6). 4) Insufficiency of the Spleen and Kidney Yang – Signs and Symptoms: Early morning diarrhea, cold limbs, soreness and weakness of the loins, paleness. – TCM Tongue Observation: pale and tender; whitish fur coating. Pulse: Deep, thready and weak. – TCM Treatment Principle: Warming and tonifying the spleen and kidney yang. – TCM Chinese herbal formula: Four Miraculous Drugs with additional ingredients:
Radix Aconiti Praeparata 10 gram
Radix Codonopsis Pilosulae 12 gram
Rhizoma Atractylodis Macroe phalae 12 gram
Halloysitum Rubrum 30 gram
Radix Glycyrrhizae Praeparata 6 gram
Acupuncture treatment: Apply reinforce method with moxibustion to acupuncture point: Shenshu (U.B. 23), Mingmen Du 4), TaiXi (K 3 ). Guanyan (Ren 4 , Baihui (Du 20 ), Baihui (U.B 20), Taixi (K3), Zhongwan (Ren 12). Zhangmen (Liv. 13 ) Note: This is the Eight Influential points dominating the Zang organs.
In Summary
This is a difficult disease to treat – so I often incorporate meditation training such as “Qigong” to my patients, who benefit greatly from this. * Diet advice: hot porridge such as millet porridge is also recommended for daily diet (contact me for the recipe). * Cold drinks and cold foods must be avoided. * Avoid a stressful lifestyle.
Sufferers of IBS and colitis must find a good TCM practitioner and acupuncturist who is highly trained and experienced. The above information on herbal formulas and acupuncture treatments are general guidelines; during treatment there may be adjustments needed to suit the individual case. Mild to moderate IBS and colitis can be treated by a special diet, along with Chinese herbs and acupuncture. Advanced cases may require surgery to remove the part of the colon most likely to progress to cancer. See your doctor if you have any persistent change in bowel habits or symptoms. These could also be the signs of colon cancer!
Tom Fung is a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner and Acupuncturist in Markham, Ontario. He is the founder and chief instructor of Self Balance Meditation Assn. He received a diploma of modern Chinese medicine and Acupuncture in 1975. He established the Tom Fung Holistic Acupuncture Clinic in Toronto in 1979. He graduated as doctor of internal Chinese medicine, and received an Acupuncture certificate in Xiamen China University in 1985. Office: 179 Main St. N., Markham, ON.
For information or appointment, email: drtomfung@gmail.com, call: (905) 554-8849, or visit: www.drtomfungclinic.ca
Traditional Chinese Mediicine Practitioner
Over 30 yrs Clinical Experience;
President of Toronto Institute of Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture;
Executive Director of World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies.
416 572-2788 Quanfu Zhou
212 Bathurst St. ( at Queen St. ) Toronto, M5T 2R9 www.hunsing.com
DEC 3 THE POWER OF GRATITUDE
- 11:00 am Beaches Public Library. Free Discussion. Information at: https://www.meetup.com/torontospiritual-experiences-group/events/ and https://www.Eckankar.org or call 1-866-I AM SOUL
DEC 10 REIKI I CERTIFICATION Learn how to treat yourself & others. Includes Principles of Healing, chakras, endocrine glands... Illustrated Workbook. Virginia Hart Nelson, 30 years' experience. (416) 960-1690, virginia@theinnereye.ca
DEC 21 DIVINE GUIDANCE
6:45 pm North York Public Library. Free Discussion. Information at: https://www.meetup.com/torontospiritual-experiences-group/events/ and https://www.Eckankar.org or call 1-866-I AM SOUL
JAN 7 REIKI 1 9 am - 4 pm $75. www.marlenegeorge.com
JAN 9 HEALING CIRCLE meetup 8 - 8:.45 pm $5 fee. Information: www.marlenegeorge.com
JAN 11 HEALING CIRCLE meetup 7:30 - 8:30 pm $5 fee. Visit: www.marlenegeorge.com
JAN 17 LET'S TALK REIKI meetup 7 to 7:45 pm. More information at www.marlenegeorge.com
JAN 19 REIKI SHARE meetup 7 - 9 pm $5.00 www.marlenegeorge.com Vitality staff would like to wish Happy Holidays to all of our loyal readers and advertisers
JAN 21 REIKI I CERTIFICATION Learn how to treat yourself & others. Includes Principles of Healing, chakras, endocrine glands... Illustrated Workbook. Virginia Hart Nelson, 30 years' experience. (416) 960-1690, virginia@theinnereye.ca
JAN 21 MANIFEST MAGNIFICENCE:
Uncover the myths that sabotage your power. A workshop. Contact krophealth@gmail.com
JAN 23 MINDFUL MEDITATION
meetup 7 - 7:45 pm. More information at: www.marlenegeorge.com
JAN 25 HEALING THROUGH
BREATHING meetup 7 - 7:45 pm $5.00 www.marlenegeorge.com
JAN 28 REIKI 11 meetup 9 am - 4 pm $75. To register and for more info: www.marlenegeorge.com
JAN 30 HEALING THROUGH
BREATHING meetup 7 - 7:45 pm $5 fee. www.marlenegeorge.com
JAN 31 MINDFUL MEDITATION
meetup 7 - 7:45 pm $5.00 www.marlenegeorge.com
FEB 4 REIKI 1 9 am - 4 pm meetup $75. www.marlenegeorge.com
FEB 6 HEALING CIRCLE meetup 8 - 8:45 pm $5.00 www.marlenegeorge.com
FEB 8 HEALING CIRCLE meetup 7:30 - 8:30 pm $5. More information at: www.marlenegeorge.com
FEB 14 LET'S TALK REIKI meetup 7 - 7:45 pm www.marlenegeorge.com
FEB 16 REIKI SHARE meetup 7 - 9 pm $5 fee. Find information at: www.marlenegeorge.com
FEB 18 REIKI I CERTIFICATION Learn how to treat yourself & others. Includes Principles of Healing, chakras, endocrine glands... Illustrated Workbook. Virginia Hart Nelson, 30 years' experience. (416) 960-1690, virginia@theinnereye.ca
FEB 20 MINDFUL MEDITATION
meetup 8 - 8:45 pm, $5 fee. www.marlenegeorge.com
FEB 23 MINDFUL MEDITATION
meetup 7 - 7:45 pm, $5 fee. www.marlenegeorge.com
FEB 27 HEALING THROUGH
BREATHING 7 - 7:45 pm, $5 fee. www.marlenegeorge.com
HEALING TRANSFORMATION CLINIC: Bioenergy healing that gives remarkable results to a wide variety of conditions. Change everything in just four days a month. Please contact Ellen Lewinberg by phone (416) 203-2744, email: ellen@healingtransformation.ca, visit www.healingtransformation.ca.
REIKI II CERTIFICATION All-day class by appointment. Includes Healing Symbols, Long-distance healing. Illustrated Workbook. Virginia Hart Nelson, 30 years' experience. Call (416) 960-1690, email: virginia@theinnereye.ca
FREE DAILY DANCE CLASSES FOR
SENIORS and those living with Parkinson’s disease. Online via Zoom, daily 11-11:30 am EST. Free In-Studio Dance classes (Bloor/Spadina) Mondays 12:45 1:45 pm EST at Trinity St. Paul Centre - 427 Bloor Street West, Toronto; and Wednesdays 3:30 4:30 pm EST at 721 Broadview Avenue, Toronto (lower level) Click on link for full details and to register: https://vitalitymagazine.com/ free-daily-dance-classes-for-seniorsand-those-living-with-parkinsonsdisease/ or call (647) 217-9252
AWARENESS THROUGH MOVE-
MENT classes. Stay flexible and learn to move with ease and efficiency. Classes online and in person. Visit https://www.feldenkraiscentre.com/events/categories/onlineclasses/single-classes/ or email: abigail@feldenkraiscentre.com
AURAS AND ALCHEMY. Join our free online session each Thursday night at 8 pm to study and discuss these fascinating topics. Visit www.humanaura.org to view the course materials. To register, email bookstudy@humanaura.org or visit www.higherconsciousness.ca
FREE DOCUMENTARY FILM
SCREENING – Due to extraordinary healings, Bruno Groening made headlines around the world in the 1950s. He was the last ray of hope for thousands of people seeking help and healing... and the inconceivable happened: sick people became healthy again. Thanks to the knowledge Bruno Groening left behind, great healings are still occurring today regardless of one’s religious affiliation and culture. South Asian Women’s Centre, 800 Lansdowne Ave (@Dupont), Unit 1, Toronto, ON. Film Screening Dates in 2023: Jan 22, Feb 26, Mar 26, Apr 23, May 28, Jun 25, July 23, Aug 27, Sep 24, Oct 22. Time: 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm (incl. 1 break). Admission is free, donations are appreciated. A must-see film, there is no other like it. Contact: (647) 242-0761, Email: bgdocfilm1906@gmail.com Or visit our website: www.brunogroening-film.org
Vitality’s Classifieds, Calendars, and Service Directory listings cost 50 cents per word + HST. For one low price your ad will be included in the magazine and on our website. Email: listings@vitalitymagazine.com
AKASHIC READINGS
SERVICE DIRECTORY
ENERGY THERAPY REIKI RETREATS & VACATIONS
AKASHIC RECORD READING joebencze@rogers.com
BREATH WORK
MARLENE GEORGE. Healing Through Breathing. www.marlene george.com, (905) 796-0101.
COLONIC IRRIGATION
VITALIFE CLINIC - Digestive Health (Colonics / Enemas / Diet Consultation) – Toronto East Beaches –Since 2009. Quiet, private, effective. Visit www.vitalifeclinic.com or call (416) 849-0004.
COLON HYDROTHERAPY offered at Hockley Valley Naturopathic & Chiropractic Clinic, near Orangeville. Call Elinko at (519) 941-7553 or 1800-397-3085.
COUNSELLING / COACHING
CORE BELIEF ENGINEERING. We repeat what we don’t resolve. Lisa Sidorowicz, MA, B.Ed., CBE Master Practitioner & Trainer. Call (905) 510-7562, or (905) 842-3305; lisa@thecore.ca, www.thecore.ca
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
CRANIOSACRAL: Gentle yet powerful healing. Holistic therapies include: CranioSacral, Registered Nutrition, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Reiki, Osteopathic Techniques, Living raw Food lifestyle expert, Massage. Graduate of: Hippocrates & Esalen Institutes, Matthew Kennedy Academy & Young Living Essential Oils; Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. Call Fabienne Thuet (416) 558-7441.
MARLENE GEORGE. Craniosacral Therapy. www.marlenegeorge.com, (905) 796-0101.
EAR CANDLING
EAR CANDLING $35 & TREE ESSENCES $22 – Sinus drainage, Allergies, Headaches, Asthma and Healing Emotional Pain. Visit www.Wellnesstogo.ca or call (416) 707- 4896.
Vitality’s next magazine: SPRING 2023 Advertising deadline: January 22. Email: listings@vitalitymagazine.com BICOM BIORESONANCE: German frequency healing technology for burnout, stress, EMF, Lyme and Mold toxicity and 100s of other symptoms & conditions. Painless. Effective. No side-effects. Jozef Krop: www.ecohealthcentre.ca
HYPNOTHERAPY
VIRGINIA HART NELSON. Turn your experiences & conditioning into powerful catalysts for healing & change. Call (416) 960-1690, www.theinnereye.ca, see ad pg. 23.
MASSAGE THERAPY
DEEP TISSUE SWEDISH MASSAGE. 20 years’ experience. www. Rickvassallo.com (416) 871-1677, West Toronto.
PAST LIFE THERAPY
REMEMBER ACCOMPLISHMENTS from other lifetimes, transform old habit patterns & liberate your purpose. Virginia Hart Nelson: (416) 960-1690, www.theinnereye.ca. See ad pg. 23.
PSYCHICS & CLAIRVOYANTS
MARGOT PSYCHIC SERVICES. Professional, accurate, insightful readings by renowned psychic medium. Reading by phone or in person, contact: (416) 921-0611, www.margotpsychicservices.com
PSYCHOTHERAPY
HOLISTIC PSYCHOTHERAPY. The most powerful work. Integrating Psychotherapy with body/energycentred modalities. Remote work during pandemic. Registered Psychotherapist, Canadian Certified Counsellor with Master’s degree & Board Certified Polarity Practitioner. Over 25 years' experience. See ad pg. 24. Visit her website: www.visualizationworks.com, Victoria: (416) 916-6066.
REFLEXOLOGY
PAMELA RUSSELL. Reflexology for pain and stress relief from head to toe. Dupont and Spadina office. House calls. 20 years of experience. Feet, hands & ears. (416) 856-6589, pjrussell@sympatico.ca REIKI, EMOTION CODE, Healing Codes, Theta Healing, & Psychotherapy. Effie Hadzis B.A., B.Ed., Registered Psychotherapist. (416) 751-9619, www.aocliving.ca
MARLENE GEORGE. Reiki. Recognized Master Teacher by the CRA Ontario. Over 30 years' experience. Certificate, Attunement manual. All levels. Practice groups and private sessions. Please visit: www.marlenegeorge.com, (905) 796-0101.
VIRGINIA HART NELSON. Private treatments, and Certification all Levels. 28 years' experience. (416) 960-1690, www.theinnereye.ca, email: virginia@theinnereye.ca. See ad pg. 23.
REIKI HEALING 1 hour $90 both in-person and distance, also Reiki Attunements. (416) 707- 4896. www.Wellnesstogo.ca
HEALING WITH JACKIE. In-person & Remote healing sessions available. Breath + Sound infused. For more information or to book a session call (416) 841-3455, visit www.risewithjackie.com, or email: risewithjackie@outlook.com
RETREATS & VACATIONS
HIDDEN BUDDHA HEALING CENTER: Retreats, Rentals, Bed & Breakfast, Reiki, Macrobiotics, Health Coaching. Contact Lidia: (416) 912-1721, visit: www.hidden buddhahealingcenter.com AYURVEDA RITUALS offers Authentic Ayurveda Getaway retreats, Online workshops in Indian Head Massage, Ayurveda products, Jyotisha/Vedic Astrology Readings. (416) 504-6049 info@ayurvedic touch.com, www.ayurvedarituals.ca
THERAPEUTIC TOUCH©ˇ
TOUCH© PRACTITIONER, Marlene George, www.marlenegeorge.com, (905) 796-0101.
YOGA
EXPLORE THE GREAT MYSTERY through Yoga nidra online in a safe community. Contact Tabitha by email peaceiswithinyou@gmail.com, or visit www.tabithakot.com.
Get a FREE subscription to Vitality’s digital magazine. Send request to: subscribe@ vitalitymagazine.com or sign up on www.vitalitymagazine.com
CHECK YOUR AD Vitality magazine requires advertisers to check their ad upon publication. We will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion. We assume no liability for non-insertion of any ad. Thank you for your business!!
