Natural IBS Treatment Options in Ottawa: The Complete Guide
This article is the most comprehensive guide to natural IBS treatment options in Ottawa…ever!
In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about the natural IBS therapies available in Ottawa.
Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a growing concern among thousands of people in Ottawa. Treatment options offered by family doctors are limited to medications that are ineffective and have adverse side effects.
The question is: are there any safe and natural IBS treatment options in Ottawa? Well, that’s where this ultimate guide comes in.
Chapter 1. Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a type of alternative medicine involving the insertion of thin needles through a person’s skin at specific points on the body.
How does Acupuncture work?
The needles are thought to affect the energy in the body and influence the body’s different systems, including the digestive system.
Does Acupuncture help IBS?
Research suggests that Acupuncture can help digestive function, including IBS.
How do you find a practitioner who does Acupuncture in Ottawa?
There are several types of practitioner that practice acupuncture in Ottawa.
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, especially those trained in China, tend to have a greater depth of training.
Licensed Acupuncturists working in Ottawa have similar training to TCM practitioners but have completed their studies in Canada.
Naturopathic doctors are taught Acupuncture as part of their course, but not as extensively as TCM practitioners.
Some chiropractors and physiotherapists also practice Acupuncture, who usually learn through short post-graduate courses.
Our initial recommendation is that you look for a TCM practitioner and, if not a licenced acupuncturist.
Chapter 2. Food Allergy Testing
What is food allergy testing?
Food allergy testing looks at which foods your body reacts to negatively.
There are three main types of food allergy testing:
- IgG Blood Food Allergy Testing
- Muscle Response Food Allergy Testing
How does food allergy testing work?
IgG food allergy testing works by measuring the level of antibodies to a particular food are in the blood.
With muscle response testing, practitioners test muscles in the presence of different foods.
Does allergy testing work for IBS?
Research has shown a link between IBS and different foods, including wheat and dairy.
IgG blood testing has been shown through research to be an effective way to identify food allergens.
At present, there is no scientific only anecdotal clinical evidence that muscle testing is an effective method for testing food allergens.
Where can you find allergy testing in Ottawa?
You can get IgG food allergy testing through your family physician, nurse practitioner or naturopathic doctor.
You can find food allergy testing with muscle testing by searching for a natural allergy practitioner.
Chapter 3: Chiropractic
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a type of alternative medicine chiefly concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Chiropractic treatment mainly involves the adjustment of the spine.
How does Chiropractic work?
Chiropractic works by improving spinal motion and spinal nerve supply to the muscles, joints and organ systems, including the gastrointestinal system.
Does Chiropractic help IBS?
Research into the effects of Chiropractic on IBS is limited. However, a 2015 review, or a summary of research, suggests that chiropractic care could be considered adjunctive therapy for patients with various digestive symptoms, including IBS.
How Do You Find a Chiropractor in Ottawa?
Chiropractic is a regulated profession in Ontario. As such, all chiropractors working in Ontario are registered with the College of Chiropractors. You can find a chiropractor in Ottawa by COC’s searchable online public register. Remember, you may also want to consider seeing a chiropractor who also uses Acupuncture as part of their practice.
Chapter 4: Functional Medicine
What is Functional Medicine, and how does it work?
Functional medicine is a branch of western medicine that looks to identify and treat the underlying causes of symptoms.
Does Functional medicine help IBS?
Because of the multifactorial approach of Functional medicine to the treatment of IBS, research is difficult and so limited.
That said, when diagnosing, functional medicine practitioners use the latest scientifically validated diagnostic tools to identify the causes of IBS. When treating practitioners use, when possible, only use drugless therapies that have been shown to help IBS.
How to Find a Functional medicine practitioner in Ottawa?
There is no centralized organization for Functional medicine practitioners in Canada. As such, finding and choosing a practitioner is usually done by researching the internet. Most Functional medicine practitioners have completed some training through the Institute of Functional Medicine in the United States.
Chapter 5: Energy Medicine
What is Energy medicine?
Energy medicine is a branch of alternative medicine that includes energy healing, reiki and shamanic healing.
How does energy medicine work?
Scientists have not yet been able to identify the exact mechanism through which energy medicine works, although the explanation is thought to lie in the realm of quantum physics. Energy practitioners are believed to facilitate the release of blocked energy in the body.
Does Energy Medicine Work For IBS?
There have been no clinical trials into the efficacy of energy medicine techniques for helping IBS symptoms. At present, we can only offer clinical anecdotal evidence that energy medicine helps IBS symptoms.
How to find an Energy Medicine Practitioner in Ottawa?
Like Functional medicine, there is currently no governing association for energy medicine. Therefore, we advise you to seek a personal recommendation from your friends or family.
Chapter 6: Naturopathic Medicine
What is Naturopathic medicine, and how does it work?
Naturopathic medicine is a type of alternative health care. It focusses on prevention and the promotion of optimal health through the use of natural therapies that promote the body’s natural healing ability.
Does Naturopathic medicine work for IBS?
Like Functional medicine, naturopathic medicine practitioners try to use the most up to date scientifically validated therapeutic interventions for IBS.
How to find a Naturopathic Doctor in Ottawa?
You can find a naturopathic doctor near you by searching through the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors website.
Chapter 7: Osteopathy
What is Osteopathy, and how does it work?
Osteopathy is a branch of alternative medicine that treats the body through gentle manipulation of the fascia, muscles, joints and viscera to promote the body’s natural healing ability.
Does Osteopathy work for IBS?
Research looking at the effectiveness of Osteopathy in the treatment of IBS is limited, but results are encouraging. In a pilot study, published in 2012, researchers concluded that Osteopathy should be considered as an effective complementary alternative medicine in the management of IBS symptoms.
How to find an Osteopath in Ottawa?
You can find an osteopath near you by searching through the Ontario Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners website.
Did I miss anything?
Now I would like to hear from you.
Which treatment from today’s post are you going to try first?
Or maybe I did not mention one of your favourite natural IBS treatment options in Ottawa.
Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below right now.
Disclaimer
This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.