Factors that disrupt our emotional state, such as stress, not only increase our reactivity but also affect our intestines. The smooth muscles of the intestines become more tense, and their response to stimuli intensifies.
How does the digestive system work?
Our intestines have specific and regular movements to transport the digested content towards the exit. We can compare the movement of our intestines to the action we take to remove a viscous substance from a long nylon bag. We push our hand forward without opening it by pinching the bag just before the viscous substance. The substance inside the bag is also forced to move forward along with our fingers.
The situation in the digestive system exhibits a similar characteristic. The entire system continuously moves the intestinal content forward through movements that occur immediately after the esophagus.
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
If you have experienced severe pain while trying to swallow a large and solid piece of food or when drinking uncontrollably, it is easy to understand this problem. While you try to swallow the food, your esophagus tries to push it out with a reverse movement. Even in your esophagus, which is the very beginning of the digestive system, when two opposing movements collide, it causes pain as if the esophagus is tearing apart.
In IBS, the same problem occurs in your intestines. The only difference is that instead of two opposing movements, a complete contraction that does not allow the passage of intestinal content takes place. In this case, the movement that normally progresses from top to bottom will stop at the site of contraction, constantly pushing and compressing the intestinal content at that point. The result is an unbearable pain that makes you think your organs are being torn apart.
Why does the digestive system get affected by emotional state?
Factors that disturb our emotional state, such as stress, also affect our intestines. The smooth muscles of the intestines contract more and the response to stimuli intensifies. The existing problem in the intestines (irritability) becomes even more pronounced.
How is acupuncture used in the treatment?
Acupuncture is a treatment method that addresses both the psychological and physical aspects of the problem. It is highly successful in normalizing the movements of the digestive system by touching both the mind and body.