Massage for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A general explanation of how a comprehensive Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) program might work based on common scientific approaches.

IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both). Its exact cause is not fully understood, and different individuals may experience IBS differently. Therefore, an effective IBS program should be comprehensive, personalized, and based on scientific evidence. Here are some general elements that a well-designed IBS program might include:

1. Patient Assessment: The program should start with a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle factors. It may involve questionnaires, interviews, and potentially medical tests to rule out other possible conditions with similar symptoms.
2. Personalized Treatment Plan: A one-size-fits-all approach is not effective for managing IBS. A personalized treatment plan tailored to the individual’s specific symptoms, triggers, and needs should be developed.
3. Dietary Management: Diet plays a significant role in IBS management. The program should consider identifying and addressing trigger foods or substances that may exacerbate symptoms. Common triggers include certain types of carbohydrates (FODMAPs), caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods. A registered dietitian or nutritionist may guide patients through an elimination diet and reintroduction process to identify trigger foods.
4. Lifestyle Modifications: Stress, anxiety, and other emotional factors can impact IBS symptoms. Stress management techniques, relaxation exercises, and mindfulness practices might be incorporated into the program.
5. Medication Management: Depending on the severity of symptoms and the individual’s response to lifestyle changes, medications may be prescribed. These could include antispasmodics, laxatives (for constipation-dominant IBS), or anti-diarrheal agents (for diarrhea-dominant IBS).
6. Probiotics: Probiotics are “good” bacteria that may help restore the balance of gut microbiota. Certain strains of probiotics have shown potential in managing IBS symptoms, and the program might include recommendations on specific probiotic supplements.
7. Education and Support: Understanding the condition is essential for successful management. The program should provide education about IBS, its triggers, and self-care strategies. Support groups or counseling options might also be available for patients.
8. Tracking and Monitoring: Keeping track of symptoms, dietary changes, and other relevant factors can help patients and healthcare providers assess progress and make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.
9. Follow-up and Iterative Approach: IBS is a chronic condition, and successful management may require ongoing adjustments to the treatment plan. Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers can ensure that the program remains effective and relevant.

It’s important to note that specific IBS programs offered by companies like Goodpath may have additional features, technologies, or proprietary approaches to enhance effectiveness and personalization. For accurate information about the Goodpath IBS program, I recommend visiting their official website or consulting directly with their representatives.

HOW CAN A MASSAGE HELP YOU RELIEVE SYMPTOMS OF IBS?

We all know that massage is an admirable therapy for treating tension, disentangling taut muscles, relieving pains and discomforts, easing rigidity, and assisting us to sleep, but massage is also an exceptional natural therapy for treating digestive orders like IBS. Have you ever felt butterflies in your belly before an examination, meeting, or surgical process? That all too common sensation of your belly whipping or doing tosses? This is because tension has a propensity to attack our digestive system. Worry goes directly to our tummies. Stress and our hectic lifestyles, which often don’t give us a chance to take a seat and take our time over a meal, can result in an entire array of digestive difficulties and disorders. Add to that the fact that we often eat junk foodstuff, take-outs, and also load it with a massive quantity of caffeine, massage can help in situations like this.

If you ask does massage help IBS, the answer would be yes! IBS is a common digestive complaint that is categorized by abdominal bloating, spasms, and either constipation or diarrhea. It is often prompted, or worsened, by tension, nervousness, and strain, so massage therapy, which relieves tension and encourages a feeling of happiness, can be advantageous in improving symptoms. Massaging the affected region can also encourage peristalsis, help eradicate blockages in the digestive area and decrease bloating, gas, and cramps. Massage bids us a drug-free, natural way of treating digestive ailments. These methods are all used to exceptional effect to promote health, physical and mental, and to improve your thought procedures, immune system, and general welfare.

Chi Nei Tsang is a Chinese term for an internal organ Chi massage which helps release stress and promotes healing by using techniques of massage directly over the navel and surrounding abdominal area where stress, tension, and negative emotions accumulate and congest.

In the West, it was known as the second brain or the Enteric nervous system, and the Taoists regard it as the Tan Tien. If this area is knotted up, the whole energy of the body is blocked. When this occurs, all the vital energy functions strain slowly weakening the internal organs and decreasing energy.

Chi Nei Tsang massage quickly releases negative emotions, tensions, and sicknesses, bringing comfort and relief to the abdomen and vital energy to the internal organs. Chi Nei Tsang is also effective in the treatment of digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome and bloating, and constipation. It eliminates toxins in the gastrointestinal tract and promotes lymphatic drainage.

A Method to Clear Blocked Energy

Chi, the life-force energy, moves through the body’s internal channels, nervous system, blood vessels, and lymph glands. These systems concentrate and cross paths in the abdomen which acts as their control center. Tensions, worries, and stresses of the day, month, or year accumulate there and are seldom dispersed. These disturbances can cause physical tangling and knotting of the nerves, blood vessels, and lymph nodes. The result is the gradual obstruction of energy circulation.

The ancient Taoists realized that negative emotions cause serious damage to one’s health, impairing both physical and spiritual functions. They understood that each human emotion is an expression of energy and that certain emotions could indicate the negative energy behind many physical ailments. They also identified a specific cycle of relationships between the emotions and the organs. For example, the experience of a “knot” in one’s stomach indicated the presence of worry, the negative emotion that accumulates in the stomach and spleen.

The Taoists discovered that most maladies could be healed once the underlying toxins and negative forces were released from the body. They developed the art of Chi Nei Tsang to recycle and transform negative energies that obstruct the internal organs and cause knots in the abdomen. Chi Nei Tsang clears out the toxins, bad emotions, and excessive heat or heat deficiencies that cause the organs to be dysfunctional.

Explain in detail the science of Chi Nei Tsang massage for IBS

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Chi Nei Tsang (CNT) massage is a therapeutic technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Taoist practices. It focuses on the abdomen and aims to improve the flow of energy (chi or qi) through the body’s energy channels (meridians) to promote overall health and address specific health issues, including digestive disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The underlying principle is that imbalances or blockages in the flow of chi can lead to various health problems, and by working on the abdomen, where many vital organs reside, one can restore harmony and health to the body.

Here’s a detailed explanation of the science behind Chi Nei Tsang massage for IBS:

1. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Chi: In TCM, chi is considered the vital life force or energy that flows through the body along specific pathways or meridians. These meridians connect various organs and systems, creating a network that regulates physiological and energetic functions. When the flow of chi is disrupted or blocked, it can lead to pain, illness, and discomfort. IBS is thought to be related to imbalances in chi flow, particularly in the digestive system.
2. Abdominal Focus: The abdomen is a crucial area in Chi Nei Tsang massage because it houses several vital organs directly related to digestion, such as the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, and spleen. By working on the abdomen, a Chi Nei Tsang practitioner aims to release tension, improve circulation, and remove blockages in these organs, which may alleviate IBS symptoms.
3. Visceral Manipulation: Chi Nei Tsang incorporates gentle and precise manual techniques to manipulate the organs and tissues in the abdomen. This visceral manipulation can help release adhesions, improve organ mobility, and promote better functioning of the digestive system. By addressing physical obstructions and tightness in the abdomen, the massage may help reduce digestive discomfort and irregularities.
4. Emotional Release: According to Taoist principles, emotions are believed to be stored in the organs, especially in the abdomen. Emotional stress, anxiety, and tension can accumulate and manifest as physical symptoms, including those related to IBS. Chi Nei Tsang aims to facilitate emotional release and promote emotional well-being by working on the abdominal area, where emotional energy is thought to be trapped.
5. Stimulating the Enteric Nervous System (ENS): The abdomen houses a complex network of nerves known as the enteric nervous system (ENS). The ENS is often referred to as the “second brain” because it can function independently of the central nervous system and plays a significant role in digestion. By massaging the abdomen and stimulating the ENS, Chi Nei Tsang may positively influence digestive function and help manage IBS symptoms.
6. Relaxation Response: Chi Nei Tsang, like other massage techniques, promotes relaxation. The relaxation response helps reduce stress, which is known to exacerbate IBS symptoms. By inducing relaxation, the massage can contribute to overall well-being and potentially lessen the impact of stress on the digestive system.

It’s essential to note that while many people report positive effects from Chi Nei Tsang massage for IBS and other conditions, the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited. More research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and benefits of this therapeutic approach. If you’re considering Chi Nei Tsang for IBS or any other health issue, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified and experienced practitioner to discuss your individual needs and concerns. Additionally, always ensure that any complementary therapy is used as a complement to, not a replacement for, evidence-based medical treatments and advice.

Explain in detail the science of the enteric nervous system (ENS) for massage of IBS

 

 

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The Enteric Nervous System (ENS) is often referred to as the “second brain” due to its complex and semi-independent nature. It is an intricate network of nerve cells (neurons) that resides in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, extending from the esophagus to the anus. The ENS is responsible for regulating and coordinating many essential gut functions, including digestion, motility, secretion, and nutrient absorption. It communicates with the central nervous system (CNS) but can also function independently, controlling various aspects of gut function even without direct input from the brain.

1. Structure of the Enteric Nervous System: The ENS consists of millions of neurons that are organized into two major plexuses:

a. Myenteric plexus (Auerbach’s plexus): This plexus is located between the longitudinal and circular smooth muscle layers of the GI tract. It plays a significant role in controlling gut motility and peristalsis—the coordinated rhythmic contractions that propel food through the digestive system.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b. Submucosal plexus (Meissner’s plexus): Found within the submucosal layer of the gut, this plexus is involved in regulating local blood flow, epithelial cell function, and the secretion of digestive juices and hormones.

 

 

 

The Gate Control Theory of Pain, proposed by Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall in 1965, is a prominent neurophysiological model that helps explain how pain signals are processed and experienced by the human body. It revolutionized the understanding of pain perception and has had a significant impact on pain management and treatment strategies.

1. Overview of Pain Perception: Pain is a complex sensory and emotional experience that occurs when the body’s nervous system detects tissue damage or potential harm. Nociceptors, specialized nerve endings, are scattered throughout the body and respond to various stimuli, such as temperature extremes, pressure, and chemical irritants. When these nociceptors are activated by tissue injury or inflammation, they transmit pain signals to the brain for processing.
2. Basic Concepts of the Gate Control Theory: The Gate Control Theory introduces the idea that the transmission of pain signals is modulated by a “gate” mechanism located in the spinal cord. This gate acts like a control system that can either facilitate or inhibit the transmission of pain signals to the brain. The gate can be opened to allow pain signals to flow freely, or it can be closed to limit or block pain signals from reaching higher brain centers.

The key elements of the theory include:

• Pain fibers (nociceptors) that transmit pain signals to the spinal cord.
• Non-pain fibers that transmit other sensory signals, such as touch and pressure, also project to the spinal cord.
• The “gate,” is a neural mechanism in the spinal cord that can increase or decrease the flow of pain signals to the brain.
• Central Control Mechanisms: Descending pathways from the brain that can also influence the opening and closing of the gate.

3. The Gate Control Mechanism: According to the theory, the gate is controlled by the balance of activity between the pain fibers and non-pain fibers projecting to the spinal cord. When pain fibers are highly active (e.g., due to injury or inflammation), they can overwhelm the non-pain fibers, leading to the gate being opened, and pain signals flowing freely to the brain, resulting in a heightened perception of pain.

On the other hand, when non-pain fibers are more active (e.g., during the application of counter stimuli like rubbing, massaging, or applying cold or heat), they can outcompete the pain fibers, leading to the gate being closed or partially closed. This reduces the transmission of pain signals to the brain, resulting in a reduced perception of pain or even pain relief.

4. Role of Central Control Mechanisms: The Gate Control Theory also acknowledges the role of the brain in modulating pain perception. Descending pathways from the brain can influence the gate’s opening and closing, either enhancing or inhibiting pain signals at the spinal cord level. Factors such as cognitive processes, emotions, attention, and past experiences can affect the gate’s activity, impacting how pain signals are processed and experienced.
5. Applications of the Gate Control Theory: The Gate Control Theory has important implications for pain management and treatment strategies. It helps explain why certain non-pharmacological pain-relief techniques, such as massage, acupuncture, physical therapy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), can be effective in alleviating pain. These techniques may activate non-pain fibers, leading to gate closure and reducing the perception of pain.

Moreover, the theory has influenced the development of multidisciplinary pain management approaches, combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to target different aspects of pain perception and processing. In summary, the Gate Control Theory of pain is a fundamental concept in pain neuroscience that describes how pain signals are modulated at the spinal cord level. It emphasizes the interplay between pain fibers and non-pain fibers, as well as the influence of central control mechanisms on the brain. This theory has played a pivotal role in advancing pain management strategies and enhancing our understanding of pain perception.

4. Enhanced Blood Circulation: Massage increases blood flow to the massaged areas, which can improve oxygen and nutrient delivery to the tissues. Enhanced circulation can aid in the healing process and reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

5. Reduced Bloating: Abdominal massage techniques can help to release trapped gas and relieve bloating, a common symptom of IBS.

6. Improved Mood: IBS can significantly impact a person’s emotional well-being, leading to anxiety and depression. Massage therapy, through its calming and mood-enhancing effects, may help alleviate some of these emotional burdens. While the benefits of massage for IBS are promising, it is essential to note that it may not work for everyone, and individual responses can vary.

Furthermore, massage therapy should be used as a complementary treatment and not a replacement for medical care or other IBS management strategies. If you are considering massage therapy for IBS, it is crucial to consult with a qualified massage therapist and your healthcare provider. They can work together to tailor an appropriate treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and helps manage your IBS symptoms effectively. Additionally, seeking evidence-based treatments for IBS, such as dietary modifications, stress management, and medications if necessary, can be crucial components of a comprehensive approach to managing the condition.

Reflexology – can it help relieve IBS?

 

For those that haven’t heard of Reflexology, many see it as an essential complementary therapy for their IBS struggles. During these difficult times with COVID-19 still very much a part of our lives, the added benefit of a reflexology foot massage has been important to many for relieving stress. So how does Reflexology help with IBS? Although it is not known exactly how Reflexology as a therapy works from a scientific viewpoint, the basic premise is that the feet are mirrors to the body and contain reflex points corresponding to all the organs and systems of the body which can become congested or blocked causing the body to function less effectively. By stimulating these pressure points, the therapist interacts with the corresponding organs, enabling the body to achieve a better level of harmony, balance, and functioning.   Reflexology is seen as an ancient science and a modern-day complementary therapy. Reflexologists believe that strong emotions, anxiety, and stress can impair the normal regulation of the autonomic nervous system, hurting those bowel functions normally carried out automatically. Reflexology aims to relax retained tension in the body’s tissues and organs caused by IBS, and balance metabolism in those key organs involved in digestion, namely the stomach, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, small intestine, and colon. Reflexology is said to provide natural relief from many everyday health conditions through its ability to relax mental and physical tension in the body, improve general circulation and nerve supply, boost the immune system, encourage the elimination of the body’s harmful wastes and toxins, and restore a sense of harmony to the body.

 

Reflexology You Can Do at Home? There is also some simple DIY reflexology massage that you can do at home to help get your mind and body back on track. Follow these five simple steps to count down to calm down…

1. It’s nice to have an oil, cream, or balm, so pick a product that makes you feel relaxed, and that you like the smell of! You can massage without cream if you prefer.
2. Lightly apply the cream to the foot that you would like to start on.
3. A good wrist/ankle rotation to the right and the left is a great way to encourage mobility and release stiffness.
4. Please remember to only apply as much pressure as feels comfortable to you so that it is enjoyable. Then start by gently squeezing your foot to start to increase circulation.
5. To start to stimulate your reflex points, you will use a technique called thumb walking. Here you’ll apply pressure to a point, make circular motions and then shuffle a small step forward. See the below guide to find your reflex points.

If Reflexology does appeal to you, it’s important to remember that this is thought of as a complementary treatment that can be used alongside other treatments and good habits. Other ways of coping with IBS include drinking plenty of water, keeping a food diary so you can eliminate food that exaggerates the symptoms, avoiding spicy meals, and maintaining a good diet.

more info at:

https://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/chi-nei-tsang

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2022.810483/full

 

*Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription of any kind. The decision to use, or not to use, any information is the sole responsibility of the reader. These statements are not expressions of legal opinion relative to the scope of practice, medical diagnosis, or medical advice, nor do they represent an endorsement of any product, company, or specific massage therapy technique, modality, or approach. All trademarks, registered trademarks, brand names, registered brand names, logos, and company logos referenced in this post are the property of their owners.