Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-term inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. Affecting millions worldwide, UC can lead to debilitating physical and emotional distress. Conventional treatments often include medications, immunosuppressants, or even surgery. However, acupuncture offers a natural, non-invasive, and holistic approach to managing ulcerative colitis symptoms and promoting long-term healing.

What Is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is part of a group of disorders known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It mainly affects the colon and rectum, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, persistent diarrhea (often with blood or mucus), urgency to have bowel movements, chronic fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. While the exact cause of UC is still unknown, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic predisposition, immune dysfunction, and environmental factors. Though flare-ups can be severe, acupuncture can help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and support overall health in those with ulcerative colitis.

How Acupuncture Helps Relieve Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms

Acupuncture helps the body’s natural healing process by stimulating specific points to restore balance. It can provide several benefits for individuals with ulcerative colitis, such as reducing inflammation, regulating the immune system, improving digestion, alleviating stress, supporting gut flora, and reducing pain and cramping. Through its anti-inflammatory effects, acupuncture helps control flare-ups and promotes long-term gut health. By balancing immune activity, acupuncture may also prevent the immune system from attacking the gut lining, reducing flare-ups and alleviating symptoms.

Additionally, acupuncture can enhance digestion by increasing blood flow to digestive organs, improving intestinal contractions, and supporting gut motility, which can ease symptoms like bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. 

Stress is a significant trigger for UC flare-ups, and acupuncture helps reduce stress by stimulating the release of endorphins and calming the nervous system, which plays a vital role in preventing flare-ups and improving emotional well-being. Acupuncture can also support gut microbiome balance, strengthening gut immunity and reducing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria that exacerbate symptoms. Finally, acupuncture promotes circulation, releases muscle tension, and supports the healing process in the gut, helping reduce pain and discomfort associated with UC.

Ulcerative Colitis from a Chinese Medicine Perspective

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), ulcerative colitis is often seen as an imbalance in the digestive system, commonly associated with Heat, Dampness, or deficiency. For instance, Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine leads to inflammation, pain, and diarrhea with mucus or blood. Acupuncture in this case aims to clear Heat and Dampness, soothe inflammation, and regulate bowel function. Chronic UC can also deplete the body’s Qi and Blood, leading to fatigue, weakness, and digestive issues. Acupuncture helps strengthen Qi and Blood to support healing. Additionally, TCM believes that the Spleen and Stomach are responsible for transforming food into energy, and weakness in these organs can lead to digestive issues. Acupuncture can strengthen the Spleen and Stomach to improve digestion. Acupuncture, combined with Chinese herbal medicine, offers a holistic approach to managing ulcerative colitis.

Key Acupuncture Points for Ulcerative Colitis

Acupuncture points are tailored to each individual’s symptoms. Some commonly used points include ST-36 (Leg Three Miles), which strengthens the digestive system and promotes overall health; CV-12 (Middle Cavity), which regulates the Spleen and Stomach to aid digestion and nutrient absorption; LI-4 (Union Valley), which reduces pain and clears Heat, especially in the digestive system; ST-25 (Heaven’s Pivot), which alleviates abdominal pain and addresses diarrhea or constipation; ST-37 (Upper Great Void), which clears Damp-Heat and regulates the intestines; BL-20 (Spleen Shu), which tonifies the Spleen for improved digestion; and GV-4 (Gate of Life), which tonifies Kidney Qi and boosts vitality in chronic conditions like UC.

Integrating Chinese Herbal Medicine for Ulcerative Colitis Relief

Chinese herbal medicine complements acupuncture in managing ulcerative colitis symptoms. Some commonly used herbal formulas include Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang, which strengthens the Spleen and resolves Dampness to reduce bloating and improve digestion; San Ren Tang, which clears Damp-Heat from the intestines and promotes normal bowel function; Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, which tonifies Qi and strengthens the Spleen to improve energy and digestive function; and Shao Yao Tang, which clears Damp-Heat from the intestines, alleviating pain associated with diarrhea, particularly when blood and mucus are present. These herbs can be customized to suit individual needs and work synergistically with acupuncture for optimal symptom management and long-term relief.

Lifestyle Tips to Manage Ulcerative Colitis

In addition to acupuncture and herbal medicine, certain lifestyle changes can help manage ulcerative colitis. It is beneficial to avoid trigger foods such as spicy foods, alcohol, and dairy, and instead focus on anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, ginger, and green tea. Incorporating stress management practices such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga can also reduce stress and improve emotional health. Gentle, regular exercise like walking or Qi Gong can improve circulation and reduce stress, while aiming for 7-9 hours of restful sleep can support healing and energy restoration.

How Long Does Acupuncture Treatment Take for Ulcerative Colitis?

The effectiveness of acupuncture depends on the severity of ulcerative colitis and individual responses to treatment. Some people may experience relief after a few sessions, while others may require 8-12 weeks of regular treatments. For chronic cases, ongoing maintenance sessions every 2-3 weeks may be recommended.

Start Your Journey Toward Holistic Healing Today

Ulcerative colitis can be a challenging condition, but acupuncture offers a gentle, holistic approach to supporting the body’s healing process. By reducing inflammation, improving digestion, lowering stress, and restoring balance, acupuncture can significantly enhance the quality of life for UC patients. If you or someone you know is struggling with ulcerative colitis, consider incorporating acupuncture into your treatment plan.

Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward holistic healing and lasting relief.