Breakthrough Crohn’s Disease Guide

Despite the alternative treatment methods one uses to treat Crohn’s symptoms, in many cases, especially severe case of the disease, these treatments are often not enough.  Most people still require medications to help control symptoms and put the disease in remission.  A new type of medication that shows promise is Anti-TNF drugs.

A number of recent medical studies have found that anti-TNF may be an effective way to treat those who suffer from moderate to severe Crohn’s disease.  What exactly is anti-TNF and how is it beneficial?  The following information will help you better understand this medication and why it may be a breakthrough treatment for Crohn’s sufferers.

What is anti-TNF and how does it work?  It is a group of medications that have been specially designed to locate tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) a cytokine protein created by the immune system.  Anti-TNF works to find TNF-alpha in the bloodstream, and then removes it by binding it to blood cells and cell membranes before it reaches the intestine and causes inflammation.  This treatment does not directly treat inflammation; it targets the immune system which helps alleviate inflammation.

Studies have found that cells which are affected by Crohn’s disease contain TNF-alpha, leaving many researchers to believe that the overproduction of TNF-alpha may be the leading cause of intestinal inflammation that results in Crohn’s disease.   Thus, the theory is that by stopping TNF-alpha from reaching the intestines of Crohn’s sufferers, they’ll be able to find relief from their symptoms and prevent future attacks.  In addition, studies are also finding that the use of anti-TNF for treating Crohn’s appears to be helpful in preventing and healing fistulas.

How can anti-TNF treatment help fistulas?  It can help prevent the formation of fistulas by reducing attacks of Crohn’s and putting the disease in remission.  As far as healing fistulas, anti-TNF medication is found to be effective when used in combination with surgery, particularly in those who suffer from complex fistulas.  Studies found that using anti-TNF treatment with surgery successfully healed the fistula without recurrence.  

The most studied anti-TNF drug used for treating Crohn’s patients is Infliximab, also known as Remicade.  Multiple studies have proven that infliximab is both an effective and well tolerated treatment for managing acute Crohn’s disease.  In fact, because this particular anti-TNF has been so successful, it has obtained the approval of the European Medicines Evaluation Agency and the FDA.

Of course, like any radical treatment, infliximab still presents some problems even though it is considered to be a medical breakthrough for treating Crohn’s.  For instance, due to the fact that it contains a mouse protein, it can cause a delayed allergic reaction in some people.  Furthermore, it increases the risk of infection, and is not deemed a safe remedy for people who suffer from or have had certain conditions including, cancer, congestive heart failure, tuberculosis and seizures.

In addition, there are concerns about immunogenicity occurring with the anti-TNF antibody which could cause the development of lymphoproliferative disorders and human antichimeric antibodies (HACA).  Thus, more studies need to be conducted to further establish what the exact role anti-TNF antibodies play in maintaining the remission of Crohn’s, and how long the treatment will remain effective in patients who respond well to it.

Although Infliximab is the primary anti-TNF treatment used for Crohn’s, other anti-TNF medication being studied for possible treatment for Crohn’s disease include etanercept (Enbrel) and adalimumab (Humira).

Only time will tell if anti-TNF antibodies is the breakthrough treatment that Crohn’s symptom sufferers have been waiting for.  Neverthless, the future looks bright. For more information on other ways to treat a crohns symptom, please visit Natural Crohn’s Disease Relief, where you can sign up for a free newsletter.

The mind is a powerful tool that can help you overcome physical suffering if you know how to use it.  However, not everyone can benefit from guided imagery.  Therefore, it’s not a bad idea to explore other forms of alternative and complimentary treatment such as massage therapy to help bring some Crohn’s relaxtion.

What is massage therapy?  Massage therapy is the method of applying various pressure techniques to the body’s muscular structure and soft tissues, in order to improve various systems in the body including the musculoskeletal, circulatory-lymphatic and nervous systems.  

The most common massage techniques include applying stationary or moveable pressure, kneading, holding, rocking, friction or vibration.  These techniques are usually applied with the hands, but the elbows, forearms or feet can also be used.

General message therapy benefits – Massage therapy offers many physical and mental benefits that may include:
• Full body relaxation
• Relieves tight, aching and tired muscles
• Increases range of motion and flexibility
• Calms the nervous system
• Lowers heart rate and blood pressure
• Relieves chronic pain
• Helps speed recovery from illness and injury
• Strengthening of the immune system
• Helps one achieve mental relaxation
• Encourages goodnight sleep
• Alleviates tension headaches
• Reduces stress.

How does massage therapy benefit Crohn’s sufferers?  Studies, conducted on massage therapy as treatment for Crohn’s disease symptoms, found that massage therapy can have a powerful and positive effect on the emotional distress that is psychologically caused by the condition.  Stress plays an integral role in Crohn’s disease symptoms.  Stress has been know to make Crohn’s symptoms worse, which often results in pain and in some cases even more serious conditions that require hospitalization and can lead to death.

Massage therapy has also provided many Crohn’s sufferers relief from pain, and also reduces the frequency of attacks.

Different types of massages.  There a diverse number of massage techniques that can be combined or used separately depending on the needs of the individual.  For those with Crohn’s disease, some massage therapies that may be used include but are not limited to:

Swedish massage – This is the most common massage used in North America and is characterized by long smooth motions, kneading or applying friction to the surface of the muscles.  This type of massage encourages overall relaxation, improves circulation, and relieves tension within the muscles.

Deep tissue massage – This massage involves the use of deep slow stroking motions, friction, or direct pressure to the muscles.  Intense pressure is applied for this massage to penetrate deeper into the muscles.  It helps relieve chronic muscle tension.

Neuromuscular massage – This massage focuses on the deep penetration of individual muscles.  Its purpose is to increase blood flow and release knots of tension that exist in muscles connected to other areas of the body where pain is present.  The release of this muscle tension often reduces painful symptoms.

Acupressure – this is a massage-like therapy similar to acupuncture.  However, pressure is applied to the specific points within the acupuncture meridians with the finger or thumb, and not with acupuncture needles.  Like neuromuscular massage, acupressure is designed to help relieve painful symptoms and also works to bring balance to the body and mind.

If you are considering massage therapy, seek treatment from a qualified massage therapist who has experience treating inflammatory bowel disease symptoms.  Since you are seeking relief from Crohn’s symptoms, you need to find someone who understands how to use different massage techniques and applies the right amount of pressure.  For instance, applying too much pressure can cause the body to tense, while not enough pressure will lead to insufficient results. Thus, each person receiving massage therapy needs to be accessed differently. 

To find a skilled massage therapist that specializes in crohn’s relaxtion ask your health care provider, a physiotherapist, your local hospital, check the yellow pages or conduct a search online.

For more information on other ways to achieve crohns relaxation, please visit Natural Crohn’s Disease Relief, where you can sign up for a free newsletter.

Acupuncture isn’t the only alternative and complimentary treatment for Crohn’s sufferers.  In fact, many affected by Crohn’s find that with the help of a special hypnosis technique known as guided imagery, they can obtain relief from their symptoms.

What is guided imagery?  It is a type of hypnosis that is designed to help people use the power of their imagination to improve their emotional and physical wellbeing through personal, positive mental visualization.  .

Guided imagery can be directed by others such as a psychotherapist.  In this situation, a therapist helps the patient achieve the power of mental imagery by talking to them, or by using video or audio to guide the person through the relaxation and visualization exercise.   On the other hand, guided imagery can also be self-directed.  This is when a person is able to put themselves in a relaxed state and uses their own images to achieve the same result.

What are the benefits of guided imagery for Crohn’s sufferers?  Extensive research has found a powerful link between a person’s mind and their physical well being.  It’s been discovered hat positive mental imagery can indeed encourage physical relaxation which can lower stress, improve mood, alleviate pain, and boost the immune system, all of which can play a role in triggering and worsening Crohn’s symptoms.

Furthermore, guided imagery can also improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal system, allowing for the relief of common Crohn’s symptoms such as bloating and constipation.  

Another excellent benefit is self-directed guided imagery can be done anywhere, at anytime.  In addition, even though one may require some training in order to master the technique on their own, it is an inexpensive treatment that can be achieved by anyone regardless of their demographic, and has no side-effects.

How does guided imagery work?  Guided imagery is a process with two parts.  The first is geared towards reaching a deeply relaxed state.  This can be achieved by closing the eyes and focusing on slowly inhaling and exhaling, or by focusing on releasing tension from the muscles throughout the body.  Relaxation tapes that feature tranquil music or the sounds of nature are often used to help achieve relaxation, as is Yoga, aromatherapy and massage.

The second process of guided imagery focuses on visualization.  There are various methods that can be used for guided imagery such as relaxation imagery, mental rehearsal, healing imagery and pain control imagery.  The following are examples of the techniques that may be the most helpful in assisting Crohn’s sufferers in finding relief from symptoms:

Healing imagery –This imagery focuses on visualizations that promote healing.  For a Crohn’s sufferer this could mean imagining their inflamed intestines are an inflated red balloon.  They can imagine curing inflammation by deflating the balloon.  As they watch the balloon shrink to nothing so does their inflammation. 

Pain control imagery – This imagery is designed to control pain through various imagery methods.  One technique is for a person to produce a mental image of what they perceive the pain to look like, and then transform this image into something that is manageable and not so frightening; something the person feels confident they can control.

In order to be successful, a guided imagery session should be performed in a quiet and relaxing location.  It should never be used while driving or when actively participating in something that requires your full concentration such as using tools or operating machinery.

There are many books, CD, DVD’s, etc. available at both online and local stores that can help you achieve self-directed guided imagery.  However, you may want to think about finding a trained psychotherapist, especially if you have problems achieving visualizations on your own.  To look for a hypnosis specialist in your area you can conduct a search online, and visit sites geared toward hypnosis such as academyforguidedimagery.com.
For more information on other natural crohns remedies, please visit Natural Crohn’s Disease Relief, where you can sign up for a free newsletter.

Remicade is a treatment that shows much promise for Crohn’s sufferers, but it’s not the only option available.  Actually, many Crohn’s sufferers find that combining acupuncture and crohn’s, along with medical treatment, helps them effectively cope and find relief from their symptoms.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the body has approximately two thousands acupuncture points, and each of these points are connected by twenty pathways known as meridians.  The meridians conduct qi (body life energy) between the internal organs and the body’s surface.  Qi has a diverse effect on every acupoint it passes through, and helps to maintain balance within the body and mind.  It is believed by TCM that intestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s disease, are a disruption of the spleen and liver and insufficient kidney support.  Thus, it is usually the acupoints that affect these organs which will be focused on to relieve symptoms.

Although TCM believes the alleviation of symptoms is due to the stimulation of meridians via acupoints that brings balance to the body and mind, Western medicine has different theories on why acupuncture is effective.  For instance, many believe that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system which blocks pain impulses from reaching the brain. Another theory suggests that acupuncture causes the release of endorphins (natural painkillers). While another believes that acupuncture may release opiods into the body which is another substance that provides pain relief.  Despite what the real reason may be, the fact is that acupuncture provides relief.

Acupuncture is a common method for treating inflammatory bowel disease in China, and is being applied more and more in Western culture.  Studies that have been conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating Crohn’s disease carefully observed changes in the overall life quality and well-being of participants with mild to moderate Crohn’s disease.   It was discovered that traditional acupuncture was successful at alleviating Crohn’s symptoms in most of these participants.

Some of the Crohn’s symptoms acupuncture may alleviate include, but are not limited to:
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nervousness
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Menstrual cramps

How is acupuncture performed?  It depends on the individual.  Everyone is treated differently so that their own specific needs can be met.  That being said, the following is a general description of how traditional acupuncture is administered to patients.

To stimulate the flow of qi, solid hair-thin needs are inserted individually into particular acupuncture points that pertain to the meridians being targeted.  The needles are not inserted as deeply as hypodermic needles and do not draw blood.   They are only designed to penetrate the meridian surface which is well seeded into the affected organs and tissues. 

Acupuncture does not cause pain when needles are inserted correctly, but the patient may feel a slight tingling, aching or numbing sensation in the area where the needles are applied.  Any discomfort that may be felt tends to disappear once needles have been removed.

Once inserted, the acupuncturist may twirl the needles or connect them to an electrical current in order to provide the targeted meridian with effective stimulation.   Sometimes, specific herbs or oils are used in combination with the needles to help treat a condition and provide relief from certain symptoms.  Despite the methods used, the entire treatment process may last anywhere from 20 – 60 minutes.

In order to receive effective treatment with successful results, it is important for you to undergo acupuncture from a qualified acupuncturist, especially one who is experienced in treating inflammatory bowel disease.  It also isn’t a bad idea to consult your doctor about your decision to seek alternative treatment before you go ahead with it.

For more information on acupuncture and crohns, please visit Natural Crohn’s Disease Relief, where you can sign up for a free newsletter.