Treating Ulcerative Colitis With Chinese Medicine

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic non-specific inflammation of the large intestine mainly located in the mucosal layer of the rectum and distal part of the colon. The main symptoms are diarrhea with blood, pus and mucous in the stools, abdominal pain and tenesmus.

Ulcerative Colitis Chinese Medicine Perspective

Chinese medicine considers ulcerative colitis as having certain characteristics of dysentery: diarrhea, blood in the stool, intestinal wind and toxin in the colon. The main pathological changes in this disease are located in the spleen, stomach and large intestine and are closely associated with the liver and kidney. Spleen and kidney deficiency and exuberant dampness are the main etiological factors. In Chinese medicine, the key to a successful treatment is to assess the degree of excess and deficiency to control the condition at the remission stage.

Integration of Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine

The basis of a western medicine approach  to treat ulcerative colitis is formed by local/oral use of aminosalicylates and corticosteroids. Sometimes surgery is needed if medical management has not achieved a satisfactory response in either acute or chronic conditions. Immunosuppressants may be required for frequent relapse conditions.Chinese herbs and acupuncture can help control the condition and prevent aggravation and subsequently reduce symptoms. Combination of Chinese herbs and acupuncture can help to reduce colon inflammation, and modulate the immune response to prevent further relapsing of the condition. With a holistic view of the whole person, a favourable clinical outcome can be achieved, and the patient can slowly be tapered off the use of corticosteroid and other medications.

Chinese Medicine Diet Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis

It is recommended that patients should:

  • Keep a diet of soft, easily digestible, and nutritious food, and eat small quantities frequently.
  • Avoid raw food and cold drinks. A dairy free diet is recommended as well.
  • Avoid intake of deep fried and oily foods. Better to eat boiled, steamed or stewed foods.
  • In terms of staple food, rice or noodles cooked until they are soft will be more suitable for most patients. Congee is highly recommended for severe ulcerative colitis patients.

At Sustain Health, our Chinese medicine practitioners aim to prevent aggravation and subsequently reduce symptoms in the management of ulcerative colitis. Check out other digestive issue articles here.Visit us anytime; we are located in South Melbourne... Call us or book a consultation now.

Research References

Written by

Dr Scott Ling

Dr Scott Ling is the Chief Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist and the founder of Sustain Health. He holds a PHD Doctorate Degree in Chinese medicine from Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. Dr Ling’s extensive qualifications also include a Master of Reproductive Medicine (western medicine). Due to his unique medical background, Dr Ling’s approach stresses on the integration of Chinese and Western medicine to ensure patients get the greatest benefits from the best of both medical systems.

Dr Scott Ling

's profile

Book An Appointment with

Dr Scott Ling

Join our newsletter “The Balanced Perspective” featuring practical advice and wellness insights for a healthier, more balanced life

Dr Scott Ling

BMed MReproMed PhDChinMed

FIND US

Our Clinic

Monday to Thursday

9:30am – 7pm

Friday

9:30am – 2pm

Saturday

9:30am – 3pm

Sunday

Closed

Insurance Rebates

You may be able to claim treatment costs on your Health Insurance.

Wheelchair Accessibility

We have wheelchair access via our backdoor, which is accessed via our Yarra Street carpark. Call reception for more details.

Parking Options

Please allow extra time on your first visit to find the best parking option for you. There is limited free and paid parking available on York Street in front of the clinic. Alternatively, there is limited free parking available in the underground carpark at South Melbourne Central on Cecil Street. Please be aware this carpark is a 5-7-minute walk from the clinic.

Public Transport

Simply catch the No. 12 Tram and get off at Stop 12 (York Street/Clarendon Street). Walk down York St for 2 minutes until you reach our clinic entrance. Alternatively, you can catch No. 58 and get off at Stop 117 (York Street). Walk up York St for 4 minutes until you reach our clinic entrance.

Visit Us

Ground Floor, 69 York Street
South Melbourne VIC 3205
Get Directions

"We treat the root cause to restore balance and connection"

— Dr Scott Ling