Welcome to Eastern Medicine & Acupuncture Center! Dr. Sophia Pan

Dr. Sophia Pan provides comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine care at the Eastern Medicine & Acupuncture Center in Walnut Creek, California.

AA
925.391.0066
Dr. Sophia Pan, DAOM, L.Ac.
潘秀芬 中醫師(台灣)

1840 San Miguel Dr, Ste 203, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Acupuncture

Do you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Woman affected by irritable bowel syndrome and suffering from stomach pain.According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), an estimated 25-45 million people in the United States have IBS. This all-too- common disease is characterized by chronic stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, excess gas, and irregular bowel movements. While there’s no known cure for IBS, however, acupuncture may offer relief.

A recent study conducted by researchers in the U.K. found acupuncture to offer relief of IBS symptoms. For the study, researchers split 233 IBS patients into two groups, one of which receive acupuncture plus the usual care, while the second group strictly received the usual care.
Researchers in the study conclude…

“Acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome provided an additional benefit over usual care alone. The magnitude of the effect was sustained over the longer term. Acupuncture should be considered as a treatment option to be offered in primary care alongside other evidenced based treatments.”

Will acupuncture cure your IBS? There’s not enough evidence to definitively say that it’s a cure for IBS. However, numerous studies, including the one cited above, attest to the healing power of acupuncture. Whether you experience minor or severe symptoms as a result of IBS, you should consider seeking acupuncture. It’s a safe, painless and highly effective way to treat a wide variety of diseases, only one of which is Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Foods to avoid for people with IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive condition characterized by chronic stomach pain, bloating, irregular bowel movements, diarrhea and/or constipation. It’s estimated that upwards of 15% of the United States population suffers from IBS, many of whom do not even realize it. While there’s no known cure for IBS, individuals can prevent symptoms from occurring by avoiding the consumption of certain foods.

  • Brussels Sprouts. Although they are loaded in beneficial nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, manganese and fiber, Brussels sprouts should be avoided by people with IBS. This fun-sized vegetable can worsen the symptoms of IBS by promoting excess gas and abdominal pain. While each and every case of IBS is unique, most people report adverse symptoms after consuming Brussels sprouts.
  • Broccoli. Another food that you should avoid is broccoli. This crunchy, stalky vegetable is high in fiber and it promotes gas – two elements that can worsen IBS symptoms. It’s important to note, however, that cooking broccoli may eliminate some or all of its negative effects. So if raw, uncooked broccoli triggers a bout of IBS, try steaming or sautéing it. Doing so may allow you to reap the nutritional benefits of this vegetable without irritating your digestive system.
    The truth is that any high-fiber vegetable may cause digestive issues in people with IBS, broccoli and Brussels sprouts may not be the only culprits.
  • Milk. You may want to think twice before eating a milk-filled bowl of cereal for breakfast in the morning, as it can worsen IBS symptoms. Normally, the small intestine does a pretty good job at breaking down lactose. If there’s not enough enzymes to perform this operation, some of it will travel to the large intestine where it’s fermented. Not only will this cause gas, but it can also cause bloating, cramps, spasms and diarrhea.
  • Beans. It should come as no surprise that beans is on our list of foods for IBS sufferers to avoid. Beans (legumes) contain a special type of sugar known as oligosaccharide, which the body is unable to break down. Since they aren’t broken down in the same manner as other sugars, oligosaccharides pass through the small and large intestines, at which point bacteria converts them to gas.

Click here to learn more on our blog or give me a call for advice.

Sources:

  • International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders – Facts About IBS
  • BMC Gastroenterology – Research Article

The information provided on this site is for reference only and should not be taken as medical recommendations or professional guidance.

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Dr. Sophia Pan is an experienced traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, sought after for the quality of her pulse diagnostic. Sophia gained considerable experience from more than 10 years of practice in Taiwan, following her degree from China Medical University, before starting a practice in the United States in 2011.

In addition to her dedication for the care of her patients, Dr. Pan taught clinical and theoretical classes to aspiring TCM practitioners at Five Branches University in San Jose, CA, and has been supporting new graduates in their practice.

Dr. Pan maintains her medical license in Taiwan and returns for a few weeks a year of practice with local specialists to keep up with the latest advances in treatments.

Chinese medicine herbs used for herbal therapy and preparation of formulas
Dr. Pan uses herbs of the finest quality in the preparation of her formulas.

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Website By Eric-Thierry Martin

MENU
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet Dr. Sophia Pan
    • Testimonials
  • Our Services
    • Chinese Herbal Therapy
    • Acupuncture
    • Auriculotherapy or Auricular Acupuncture
    • Moxibustion
    • Cupping
    • Nutritional Counseling & Lifestyle Recommendations
  • New Patients
    • Patient Forms (get password from our office)
    • What to Expect On Your First Visit
    • Payment and Insurance Options
    • Make a Payment
  • Oriental Medicine
    • TCM Diagnostic & Chinese Herbal Therapy
    • An Introduction to Acupuncture
    • Reversing Infertility with Acupuncture
    • Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Acupuncture
    • How Acupuncture Can Safely Help with Allergies and Asthma
    • Pain Relief for Arthritis
    • Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatments for Eczema and other Skin Disorders
    • Is Acupuncture Effective for Psoriasis?
    • Acupuncture for Migraines
    • Acupuncture and Hypertension
    • Ovarian Health and Traditional Chinese Medicine
    • Acupuncture to Improve Prostate Health
    • Acupuncture and Depression
    • Acupuncture and Diabetes
  • Blog
  • Contact Us