Ulcerative Colitis & Acupuncture

Ulcerative Colitis has a lot of unpleasant side effects. Diarrhea, stomach cramps, leg cramps and fatigue are some of the most common. When you suffer from Ulcerative Colitis, you will try a lot of different things to try to cope with the symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis.

Acupuncture, the ancient Chinese practice of inserting thin sharp needles in various places on the body to help control diseases or symptoms, is one of the less conventional ways to control the symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis.

I was skeptical of this when I first heard about it. I came to a point in my search for things to help my symptoms where I was willing to try acupuncture to try to alleviate some of the unpleasant side effects of this horrible disease.

Acupuncture cannot cure Ulcerative Colitis. It can only be used to help with the symptoms.

When I went for my first session, I was unsure of the whole thing. I really do not like needles and here I was, willing to let a stranger put a lot of them into my skin. But I figured that it would be worth it, if it worked.

There was good news and bad news. The good news is that it did help my cramping. The bad news is that acupuncture is a restrictive procedure. You cannot get up and run to the bathroom since you have needle sticking out of every part of your body.

This is not something that a person in the midst of a flare up should try unless you are willing to have an accident during the procedure. If you decide that you are willing to risk an accident to get some relief, you can make yourself a little more comfortable.

First off, wear incontinence underwear. If you do have an accident, these will contain the mess and make it less obvious.

Second, tell the acupuncturist about your Ulcerative Colitis. He will be able to try to stay away from spots that may relax your muscles so much that you will have an accident. Telling him will also prepare him for the possibility of an accident. Lastly, bring an extra set of clothes and your emergency bag to your session. This way you will be able to get cleaned up and change your clothes before you have to go out in public.

Some acupuncturists make house calls. If there is one in your area who does, this is your best option. You will be able to take a bath or shower after your appointment and you don't have to worry about the embarrassment of going out in public after an accident.