How to Treat Lymphocytic Colitis With Acupuncture

Lymphocytic colitis is an inflammatory condition of the colon that can cause chronic watery diarrhea, according to the Mayo Clinic. Acupuncture is part of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) system of holistic health care and has been used for hundreds of years to treat a variety of conditions. According to a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology in December 1999 by WU Huan-Gan and a team of Chinese researchers, an acupuncture protocol was able to greatly reduce inflammation markers in patients with ulcerative colitis, a more serious form of colon inflammation than lymphocytic colitis. Acupuncture with needles should not be attempted by anyone who is not qualified, although stimulating acupuncture points with fingertips, known as acupressure, is generally safe.

Things You'll Need

• Sterilized acupuncture needles (optional)

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Instructions

Acupuncture for Lymphocytic Colitis

• 1

  Locate point CV6, called Qi Hai, on the lower abdomen. Qi Hai is about an inch directly below the navel and should be tender to the touch.

• 2

  Locate point ST25, called Tian Shu, on the mid-abdomen. Tian Shu is about an inch to an inch and a half left of the navel and slightly lower. Do not needle this point if the patient may be pregnant.

• 3

  If you are a qualified acupuncturist, proceed with standard acupuncture needle therapy to these points.

• 4

  To apply acupressure, press into the tender point with the tip of your index finger. Hold pressure at the points for three minutes. Repeat this procedure five times.