In ancient China disease was thought to be the result of ghosts or demons invading the body. Mental or physical illness was the manifestation of another creature inhabiting one’s physical structure. The return to wellness required the expulsion of the ghost so the person could regain control and ownership of her/his body. Certainly the literal presence of ghosts is no longer considered a mechanism of pathology in our time and culture. However, the image of another being taking over a person is a useful metaphor for certain types of diseases such as eating disorders.
To both the person suffering from the eating disorder and the person’s loved ones, the eating disorder can seem like an entity unto itself. The eating disorder seems to take over the person’s mind and personality, and as the disease progresses, the person seems less and less accessible, even to her/himself. The voice of the eating disorder is a constant invasive presence, interfering with fundamental perceptions and decisions. As the disease progresses, not only does the voice become louder and more persistent, the situation becomes increasingly dangerous due to the various physical effects of disordered eating. This physical deterioration compromises mental and emotional health leading to a vicious cycle that, left unchecked, can ultimately be fatal.
Effective treatment for eating disorders (including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder) interrupts this cycle and challenges the “ghost” of the eating disorder. Standard treatment includes psychological therapy, nutritional counseling and medical care. In addition to these therapies, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be invaluable because they uniquely address the emotional and physical discomforts of eating disorders.
The medical complications of eating disorders compromise multiple body systems, including the cardiac, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems. The medical problems creating by eating disorders can be life threatening (which is why eating disorders require Western evaluation and treatment). Even those dysfunctions that are not life threatening, however, are uncomfortable and can seriously interfere with efforts to recover.
Primary examples of this are those symptoms associated with the digestive system, one of the most severely disrupted systems of the body. Depending on the specific eating disorder, symptoms of this disruption may include abdominal bloating, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and acid reflux. All of these problems make efforts to normalize eating habits more difficult. Acupuncture has a history of effectively addressing the above symptoms, easing the distress of recovery until the body functions effectively by itself. Other related physical problems treatable with Chinese medicine include headaches, gynecological disorders, and fertility issues.
Besides physical complaints, the mental and emotional distresses associated with eating disorders can be excruciating. These complaints can be both causes and effects of eating disorders and include depression, anxiety, obsessive symptoms, insomnia, irritability, and impulsivity. Acupuncture can help ease these symptoms and increase a person’s sense of overall well-being. A feeling of physical and mental relaxation is often the very first effect of acupuncture a patient notices, and this reduction in stress can offer a reprieve from the constant and exhausting voice of the eating disorder. This decrease in mental and emotional agitation creates space to reconnect with one’s body and learn new ways to navigate everyday situations.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are not replacements for therapeutic counseling and Western medical treatment. Nevertheless, acupuncture and Chinese medicine are powerful tools to help repair physical and emotional damage as well as help relieve the distress of fighting an eating disorder. They support recovery with minimal side effects and offer a holistic dimension that treats body, mind, and emotions simultaneously. There are no magic cures or treatments, but the addition of acupuncture and Chinese medicine to psychotherapy and Western medical care creates comprehensive treatment to help reclaim one’s body, thoughts, and life.
The tools of Norah’s practice all respect the body’s amazing natural ability to heal if given the correct support and stimulus. Norah treats a wide range of health concerns including fertility issues, gynecological complaints, digestive and respiratory dysfunction, various types of pain, eating disorders, and anxiety.