Digestion is not only a vital process in the body, but is part of the parasympathetic nervous system. What that really means is digestion should happen without you even being aware. It is when there are hiccups in the process that we start paying a lot more attention to our bowels. For instance, if you experience gas or bloating, if you tend to have more diarrhea during your periods, or you swell up after eating certain foods, it starts to affect your life.

Since the nervous system regulates digestive function, we aim to regulate the nervous system to treat digestion. By targeting digestion this way, we're able to slow down digestion if it is moving too quickly. Conversely, in cases of constipation, acupuncture helps move things along. Stress management can be helpful to improve digestive function. We can also help regulate stomach acid production, and reduce gas and bloat.

Massage therapy can be used to address digestion and motility issues by applying a gentle abdominal massage in the direction of a bowel movement. Bowels can be affected by stress, medications, or surgery. This soothing approach allows the body to relax while stimulating and engaging the bowels. A similar gentle abdominal massage can be used on scar tissue/adhesions.

Naturopathic Medicine looks at the gut through a nutrition lens. Often we encourage patients to eat low FODMAP foods so we can bring down any inflammation and then gradually increase foods in a controlled manner, to better understand your unique body. We also take into consideration the impact of hormones on the body and vitamins that may help the healing process.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is known as a functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) along with functional dyspepsia. These are characterized by chronic or recurrent abdominal pain, and in the case of IBS, change in bowel habits that are either relieved or exacerbated with defecation. There are three subtypes of IBS: IBS with constipation (IBS-C), IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) and IBS with mixed symptoms (IBS-M). The latter is the most commonly diagnosed but it is not uncommon for patients to switch between subtypes. In all cases, abdominal bloating is reported to be the number one symptom in IBS patients. There are currently no biomarkers to diagnose IBS, but instead must be based on patient’s most bothersome symptoms. While there is no one-size-fits-all etiology for the onset of IBS, studies have shown that a single experience or combination of the following play a part: bowel motility, visceral hypersensitivity, psychosocial triggers, altered gut-brain interactions, low grade inflammation, alteration in gut microbiome, genetic factors. Anxiety and depression are highly comorbid with IBS.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we are aware of the gut-brain connection (the gut-brain axis) and how they communicate through the nervous system (the nerves). What we aim to do is regulate the nerves so that the gut can function properly.

When the bowels are receiving too many ‘urgent’ signals from the brain (ex. Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Acupuncture can calm the nerves so the bowels can take a break. Conversely, if the patient has not been able to properly have a bowel movement (constipation, SIBO), acupuncture can help move things along.

Physiotherapy can help discern structural factors that may be impacting bowel movements. We can teach the patient how to align the pelvic floor for optimal bowel movements, how to breathe through (and reduce) any painful sensations during bowel movements and apply gentle pressure (splinting) to assist the process. In some cases rectal muscles may need to be retrained by a pelvic floor physiotherapist who can help you become more familiar with these muscles and their functions.

Massage therapy can be used to address digestion and motility issues by applying a gentle abdominal massage in the direction of a bowel movement. Bowels can be affected by stress, medications, or surgery. This soothing approach allows the body to relax while stimulating and engaging the bowels.

A similar gentle abdominal massage can be used on scar tissue/adhesions, for stress release, and can be used in conjunction with pelvic floor physiotherapy.

We offer Naturopathic Medicine though the lens of FODMAP, plant based diets and gut health to help achieve the right balance of fibers for all subtypes of IBS. This is handled in conjunction to a full assessment of other dietary, immune, inflammatory and other comorbid issues that may be impacted by diet and lifestyle. Additionally we offer Nutrition services that also provide an in-depth assessment of your triggers and beneficial foods, and includes meal plan ideas to slowly integrate the dietary changes that are needed to mitigate the symptoms.