Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to disorders marked by chronic irritation and ulceration of the digestive system, with the two most common types being Crohn’s disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC). Current theories believe IBD to be an autoimmune disease, with the body’s own defense attacking the digestive system. IBD is often first diagnosed when people are in their 20’s, but can be found at any age and is alarmingly increasing in children under age 10. 10 to 20% of people with IBD have a family history of the disease.

Symptoms

The main symptom of inflammatory bowel disease is diarrhea. This is often accompanied by pain, cramping and discharge of blood, mucus and pus. During active flares, bowel movements may increase up to 25 times per day, but may be fewer than 4 during its milder phases. Those with IBD see higher rates of cancer and more commonly develop disorders of the eyes (uveitis and conjunctivitis), mouth (canker sores and stomatitis), skin (erythema nodosum, pyoderma gangrensoum and vasculitis), joints (arthritis), cardiovascular system, liver, and kidneys. Anal fissures, fistulas, abscesses and haemorrhoids are also commonly seen, especially for those with Crohn’s disease.

Colitis primarily affects the lower bowel (Colon), as compared to Crohn’s disease, a much more complicated disease, which may affect any part of the digestive system (from the mouth to the anus). Both diseases greatly affect quality of life, carrying with them the burden of social stigma, limited career choices and issues around physical intimacy.

Treatment

The primary treatment of IBD is with herbal medicine, both as a custom designed tea and, in some cases, as an enema used to apply medicine directly to the irritated areas (best for colitis). Initially treatment targets the inflammatory process in order to reduce bowel frequency, decrease pain, stop bleeding and discharge of mucus. As the bowels start to regulate then we focus on strengthening the digestion and improving overall long term health

Reducing fibre and dairy intake are often recommended during the active phases of a flare, as both can irritate an inflamed bowel.

Success

Many patients with IBD, especially those with Ulcerative Colitis, respond quite well to herbal medicine treatment. Improvements may be seen within the first week, with a typical full course of treatment lasting between 3 to 5 months. Long term remission of the disease, after stopping treatment, is often experienced.

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“After 10 years of traditional North American medicine with little resolve, within several weeks of your treatment program there was an immediate improvement.”

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“Dr. Erikson – you treated me for an active bowel (colitis, with more than 15 movements per day) more than a year ago and a related rash on my lower right leg (most likely lichen planus). After 10 years of traditional North American medicine with little resolve, within several weeks of your treatment program there was an immediate improvement. I was amazed, as I was skeptical of Chinese medicine. My gut has continued to improve ever since and it is to the point now where my bowel movements are regular and predictable. Best of all I am able to eat pretty much everything, although moderation for some foods is prudent. The ancillary benefit to this is I no longer have to rise at 5:00 AM every morning for a bowel movement and able to sleep a full 7 1/2 hours +, which has greatly improved my overall health. Your treatment has greatly improved my quality of life and I would highly recommend you.”

Andrew Block

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