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NEWS RELEASE

October 9,2006 ontact: Lauri Howell Phone: (800) 729-0941

Acupuncture for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

The word functional disorder refers to a disease or disorder when a body part functions in an abnormal manner. Western physicians have accounted that Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders are the most common illness found in most individuals in primary care or gastroenterology.

The most common Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders include the following:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Dyspepsia
Constipation
Diarrhea
Pelvic Floor pain
Abdominal bloating
Esophageal disorders and GERD

Causes of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders are not found through a blood test or x-ray, but are identified based on the symptoms. As there is no little understanding to these types of disorders, Western medicine uses drug and nutritional therapy to provide relief for the discomfort. However, as each set of symptoms is different, it may take several different drug combinations, before a patient finds complete relief. One alternative therapy to help alleviate symptoms is acupuncture. /p>

Acupuncture is based on the theory that there are patterns of energy flow through the body that are essential for health. Disruptions of this flow are believed to be responsible for the Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. Acupuncture helps correct this disruption in flow at identifiable points close to the skin. Patients suffering from gastrointestinal disorders find acupuncture effective because it revises the acid secretion, GI motility, and visceral pain.

Acupuncture also helps to focus on a holistic, energy based approach to the patient rather than a disease - orientated diagnostic and treatment model. There have been various studies on human beings as well as animals to indicate the fact that Acupuncture causes the multiple biological responses. These multiple responses can occur at various places such as close to the site of application, at a distance, or mediated mainly by sensory neurons to many structures within the central nervous system. This helps to activate the pathways affecting various physiological systems in the brain.

For more information please contact Pacific College at 800-729-0941 ext 107 or visit us at www.PacificCollege.edu.

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