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Researchers conclude that acupuncture combined with herbal medicine helps to eliminate ulcerative colitis. Researchers at the Hospital of Handan City (Hebei, China) conducted a unique experiment. They wanted to know if acupuncture and herbal medicine combined with pharmaceutical medications is more effective than using only drugs. The results were overwhelmingly supportive of adding acupuncture and herbal medicine to conventional medication protocols. The study group receiving acupuncture and herbs combined with drugs had a total effective rate of 93.1%. The group that only received drugs had a 75.86% total effective rate. The researchers concluded that acupuncture and herbal medicine consistently enhances clinical outcomes for patients with ulcerative colitis.
The research team randomly divided 58 ulcerative colitis patients into two study groups. Group 1 received acupuncture, herbal medicine and mesalazine. Group 2 received only mesalazine. Oral administration of mesalazine enteric coated tablets at a dose of 1g per dose, 4 times daily, was given to both groups. One course of treatment consisted of eight weeks. Mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid) is an anti-inflammatory medication primarily used for treating inflammatory bowel diseases. Mesalazine’s primary action is in the intestines and it is used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) classifies ulcerative colitis into several categories. Heat and toxins are categorically similar to biomedical discernments of inflammation. TCM related dampness may also correlate to biomedically defined inflammation as well as suppurative lesions. Blood stasis in the TCM system relates, in part, to biomedically defined scarring, congealed tissue and poor circulation. TCM also recognizes exogenous external pathogens, dietary imbalances, stress and qi deficiency fatigue as related factors. Classical TCM texts classify ulcerative colitis in the same categories as dysentery, diarrhea, hematochezia and/or intestinal wind.
General TCM theory for the treatment of ulcerative colitis posits clearing heat, dispelling dampness, detoxifying and stopping bleeding to promote tissue regeneration. Accordingly, the researchers chose acupoints such as Tianshu (ST25). This acupuncture point regulates the Spleen and Stomach, tonifies qi, benefits the intestines and rectifies disorderly emotions. Acupuncture points used in the study were: Tianshu (ST25), Shangjuxu (ST37), Daheng (SP15), Zhongguan (RN12), Zusanli (ST36), Taibai (SP3), Shuifen (RN9), Qihai (RN 6). Baitouweng Tang (Pulsatilla Decoction), a classic herbal formula for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, was administered.
The researchers noticed a very important clinical benefit of the acupuncture and herbal medicine. Patients required less time of care when using the combined therapy. Patients receiving the drugs combined with acupuncture and herbs averaged 56 days of required care. The drug only group required 81 days of care. Even with the extra time of treatment, the drug only group had a total effective rate of 75.86% whereas the acupuncture and herbal medicine plus drug group had a total effective rate of 93.10%. Other important clinical findings demonstrated that the acupuncture and herbal medicine plus drug group demonstrated less depression and anxiety than the drug only group. As a result, the researchers concluded that acupuncture and herbs combined with mesalazine is superior to the stand-alone drug treatment in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
In related research published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, patients with intractable ulcerative colitis who were unresponsive to conventional drug therapy self-administered 1g of the herbal medicine Qing Dai (Indigo naturalis) powder, two times per day for four months. Six of the seven patients in the study were able to completely discontinue the use of anti-inflammatory medications including aminosalicylates, corticosteroids and azathioprine. Endoscopy and symptomatic responses demonstrated a range of improvements from completely cured to significantly improved.
The research was prompted by a prior study showing that a Ku Shen combined with Bai Tou Weng enema in a protocol that also included acupuncture was superior to antibiotic intake for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Additionally, electron spin resonance reveals that Qing Dai has potent hydroxl radical scavenging properties. Research also demonstrates that Qing Dai suppresses superoxide generation. The researchers were intrigued by the anti-inflammatory properties of Qing Dai. Studies demonstrate that I3M, synthesized from indirubin found in Qing Dai, downregulates cancerous tissues when applied topically to oral cancer. Research confirms that indirubin has anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing interferon-alpha, interleukin-6 and nuclear factor. Historically, Qing Dai has been an important herb in the treatment of ulcers of the mouth and tongue. Topically, Qing Dai is also prepared as a paste for the treatment of acne and psoriasis.
Ulcerative colitis (Colitis ulcerosa, UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis is a form of colitis, a disease of the colon (the largest portion of the large intestine), that includes characteristic ulcers, or open sores. The main symptom of active disease is usually constant diarrhea mixed with blood, of gradual onset. IBD is often confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Ulcerative colitis shares much in common with Crohn’s disease, another form of IBD, but Crohn’s disease can affect the whole gastrointestinal tract while ulcerative colitis only attacks the large intestine, and while ulcerative colitis can be cured by performing a total colectomy (i.e., removing the entire large intestine), surgery for Crohn’s disease involves removing the damaged parts of the intestine and reconnecting the healthy parts, which does not cure Crohn’s, as it can recur after surgery, mostly at the site of the intestinal anastomosis (connection) or in other areas. Ulcerative colitis is an intermittent disease, with periods of exacerbated symptoms, and periods that are relatively symptom-free. Although the symptoms of ulcerative colitis can sometimes diminish on their own, the disease usually requires treatment to go into remission. Ulcerative colitis has an incidence of 1 to 20 cases per 100,000 individuals per year, and a prevalence of 8 to 246 per 100,000 individuals.
The disease is more prevalent in northern countries of the world, as well as in northern areas of individual countries or other regions. Rates tend to be higher in more affluent countries, which may indicate the increased prevalence is due to increased rates of diagnosis. It may also indicate that an industrial or Western diet and lifestyle increases the prevalence of this disease, including symptoms which may or may not be related to ulcerative colitis. Although UC has no known cause, there is a presumed genetic component to susceptibility. The disease may be triggered in a susceptible person by environmental factors. Although dietary modification may reduce the discomfort of a person with the disease, ulcerative colitis is not thought to be caused by dietary factors.
Ulcerative colitis is treated as an autoimmune disease. Treatment is with anti-inflammatory drugs,immunosuppression, and biological therapy targeting specific components of the immune response. Colectomy (partial or total removal of the large bowel through surgery) is occasionally necessary if the disease is severe, doesn’t respond to treatment, or if significant complications develop. A total proctocolectomy (removal of the entirety of the large bowel) can be “curative” (extraintestinal symptoms will remain), but it may be associated with complications.
Excerpt from:
Acupuncture and Herbs Relieve Ulcerative Colitis