---
title: "Alternative Therapies For Ulcerative Colitis"
url: https://alsuprun.com/blog/alternative-therapy/alternative-therapies-for-ulcerative-colitis-2/
author: "Editorial"
date: 2026-09-16T15:25:27+00:00
categories: ["alternative therapy"]
tags: []
---

# Alternative Therapies For Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic, disabling conditions. Their etiology is still unknown, but they involve dysregulated immune responses against gut microbiota antigens.

 [Alternative therapies](https://alsuprun.com/) can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. But it’s important to consult with a doctor first, as some supplements can interact with medications and cause side effects.

 

## Acupuncture

 Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves placing needles in specific points on the body. The needles are very thin, and insertion causes only mild discomfort. Some people do not even feel the needles at all. After the needles are in place, a practitioner may move them or apply heat or electrical pulses to the needles. The acupuncturist will also talk to you about your symptoms.

 [![Rejuvenate your whole body & balance your health without medications - now remotely!](https://alsuprun.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/BioresonanceTopAd.png)](https://www.bioresonance.rent) A number of studies suggest that acupuncture may relieve pain caused by ulcerative colitis, and it may improve quality of life. It may also help with anxiety, stress and depression, which are often associated with UC. Acupuncture appears to work by stimulating the nervous system, and it may stimulate the release of certain chemicals that reduce inflammation. It may also help regulate hormones that affect the colon lining and immune system.

 Other [alternative therapies](https://alsuprun.com/) for UC include curcumin, probiotics and moxibustion. These therapies aren’t widely available, but they might provide some relief for people with UC. Talk to your doctor before trying any of these treatments, so they can make sure they’re safe for you.

 Some insurance companies cover acupuncture treatments. Ask your health insurance provider about coverage and the number of treatment sessions you can have per year. You should schedule a session with your acupuncturist at least once a week, but some people require more frequent treatments. It’s important to avoid caffeine, alcohol and other drugs before a treatment. These substances can interfere with the treatment’s effectiveness.

 [![](https://alsuprun.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/ForeverYoungYouWannaBe.png)](https://alsuprun.com/services.html#Contact) Moxibustion is another ancient therapy that uses burning herbs to achieve a therapeutic effect. Acupuncture and moxibustion are both believed to promote healing of the colon lining and inhibit inflammation in patients with ulcerative colitis.

 Acupuncture is a safe therapy for most people, but it’s not right for everyone. It’s possible to develop complications from acupuncture, including bleeding in the brain, blood in the stool and infections. If you have a pacemaker, talk to your doctor before undergoing acupuncture because it can interfere with the operation of your device. You should also avoid squeezing or massaging the areas where you’ve had acupuncture.

 

## Moxibustion

 Moxibustion is an ancient Chinese therapy that involves the burning of moxa (Artemisia vulgaris). This technique has been used for over three millennia and is one of the oldest practices in traditional medicine. It is often combined with acupuncture to achieve more effective outcomes. Several studies have shown that moxibustion can improve symptomatic outcomes for IBD patients and can help manage pain and inflammation. The mechanism of moxibustion is unclear, but it is thought that the heat stimulation of the polymodal receptors of acupoints is crucial for its effects.

 The moxibustion technique is believed to activate the immune system and promote blood flow to areas of inflammation. This helps relieve gastrointestinal pain and reduces the frequency of hot flashes. It has also been found to be an effective treatment for neuropathy. Studies have shown that moxibustion can inhibit the protein and mRNA expression of NF-kB in sciatic nerve tissues, while stimulating the protein and mRNA expression of Nrf2. This helps to relieve inflammation and improve nerve function.

 In the past, moxibustion was applied to the abdomen or limbs to treat abdominal and back pain, joint pain, and headaches. In addition to this, it was also believed to relieve hot flashes and vaginal bleeding in postmenopausal women. Nevertheless, there is not much scientific evidence to support these claims.

 According to traditional theories, pain is a manifestation of blockages in the natural flow of Qi and blood through the meridians. Acupuncture and moxibustion, as well as other manipulations, are aimed at restoring the flow of energy in these meridians. In fact, the Huangdi Neijing, a fundamental doctrinal source of Chinese Medicine for over two thousand years, describes this therapeutic principle.

 [![](https://alsuprun.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/RadionicMerch.png)](https://alsuprun.com/merch.html) Moxibustion is based on the fire element in the Five-phase Theory, which, along with Yin/Yang theory, is one of the core theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Fire is associated with Yin and represents a warming, energizing dynamic. Mastering the art of fire-making is essential for moxibustion. In addition to heating the body, the burned moxa also emits visible light and infrared radiation. Infrared radiation emitted by the burnt moxa is similar to the spectral characteristics of the acupoints being stimulated.

 

## Indigo naturalis

 Indigo naturalis (IN) is an herbal medicine containing true indigo and indirubin, which act on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). It is used to treat inflammatory bowel disease and other gastrointestinal disorders. It is a popular Chinese herbal medicine that has been shown to be effective in clinical trials. Several studies have found that IN can improve symptoms and promote mucosal healing in patients with refractory ulcerative colitis.

 In one study, IN reduced the number of inflammatory cells in the colon and improved the condition of the intestinal epithelium. It also increased the expression of proteins that facilitate cellular repair in the colon. Additionally, it reduced the amount of inflammatory cytokines in the colon. This was attributed to the inhibition of TNF-a, IL-1, and IL-6. It also inhibited the activity of NF-kB and promoted IL-22 production in the colon.

 Another study found that IN significantly decreased pMayo scores in refractory UC patients. The results suggest that IN is an effective treatment for UC and could be used in conjunction with other medications. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to determine the efficacy of this therapy.

 People with ulcerative colitis often develop deficiency in numerous nutrients. These deficiencies can be caused by chronic bleeding, malabsorption, drug side effects, or loss of nutrient through the stool. A number of supplements can help people with ulcerative colitis overcome these problems and improve their quality of life.

 Some of the most promising nutritional supplements include fish oil and evening primrose oil, which contain healthy fats called essential fatty acids. These fats may help reduce symptoms of psoriasis, but larger studies are necessary to confirm this claim. Indigo naturalis is also a good option for people with psoriasis, as it can reinforce the joints between skin cells and decrease trans-epidermal water loss.

 Despite its effectiveness, UC is a progressive disease with a poor prognosis. Many patients with refractory UC will need to have a colectomy due to uncontrolled inflammation of the colon. Therefore, the need for [alternative therapies](https://alsuprun.com/) that can improve relapse rates and quality of life is urgent.

 

## Curcumin

 Curcumin, the active ingredient in the spice turmeric, is a powerful antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory effects. It also has anticancer, antidiabetic, antidiarrheal and antimicrobial properties. A recent study found that it inhibits the growth of colon cancer cells. It also reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in people with ulcerative colitis. It does this by blocking NF-kappaB activation in the cells. It also induces p53-dependent and -independent apoptosis in tumor cells.

 One clinical trial found that a curcumin supplement of 3.0 grams a day significantly reduced the incidence and severity of oral mucositis in people with ulcerative colitis who were taking anti-inflammatory drugs. However, this does not mean that curcumin is safe. Several cases of severe liver toxicity have occurred in Europe and the United States with products labeled as containing curcumin. These events may be due to contamination with toxic compounds or because of individual patient susceptibility.

 A second study of patients with advanced colorectal cancer reported that curcumin treatment was well tolerated in a dose of up to 3.6 g per day, even when given concurrently with chemotherapy. However, some patients experienced diarrhea and increases in serum alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase. Other studies have found that a similar dose of curcumin is effective in reducing oxidative stress by increasing leukocyte glutathione-s-transferase activity.

 In healthy adults, curcumin supplementation of 80 mg a day for four weeks significantly increased salivary glyceride levels and reduced circulating total cholesterol and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. It also lowered plasma triglyceride levels and increased nitric oxide and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM) levels.

 Some [alternative therapies](https://alsuprun.com/), such as acupuncture and moxibustion, have been shown to be effective in treating ulcerative colitis. Others, such as fish oil and colostrum, have not been well studied in UC patients. However, it’s important to talk with your doctor before trying any alternative treatments for UC. He or she can make sure they’re safe and don’t interfere with your prescribed medications.

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