Ulcerative Colitis & Acupuncture

In the quest to alleviate the symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis, we will try nearly anything. Most of us who have had the condition for any amount of time have tried both the pharmaceutical medications that are available and some for of naturopathic medicine as well. Personally, I tend to want to support natural remedies as much as possible. I truly believe that there are natural ways to heal our bodies without the use of chemicals and Chinese medicine, in particular, has a lot of potential for helping us achieve that healing.

My pre-existing feelings aside, I must confess that I cannot in good conscience recommend acupuncture as a therapy for Ulcerative Colitis. In the early stages of my condition - when the symptoms were in full bloom, but before my actual diagnosis - I tried this form of natural medicine hoping that it could cure my chronic digestive issues. I lay in the room for about 15 minutes as the practitioner gently tapped needles into strategic locations. If I remember correctly, the main points were in my forehead and feet, with a couple of spots in between. While the idea of having needles systematically poked into your flesh may not sound comfortable, let alone pleasurable, I actually rather enjoyed the whole process. I rested with the needles in, supposedly restoring the correct and harmonious flow of my life energy, or chi, for about 45 minutes or so before the naturopath returned and removed them. Afterward I felt rested, energized and a bit euphoric. It was quite a nice and relaxing experience.