How Manual Osteopathic Therapy Can Improve Digestion

Digestive issues such as bloating, acid reflux, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common complaints that can significantly impact quality of life. While dietary and lifestyle changes often play a key role in managing these conditions, manual osteopathic therapy (MOT) offers a holistic, hands-on approach to improving digestive health by addressing the root causes of dysfunction within the body.

Enhancing Nerve Communication

The digestive system relies heavily on signals from the autonomic nervous system, which controls processes like gut motility, enzyme secretion, and nutrient absorption. These nerve signals originate from the spinal cord and pass through the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine. Misalignments or restrictions in these areas can interfere with proper communication between the brain and the digestive organs. Osteopathic practitioners use gentle spinal mobilization and other techniques to restore alignment and enhance nerve flow, improving overall digestive function.

Improving Circulation

Efficient blood flow is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the digestive organs while also removing waste products. When circulation is impaired, the digestive system may struggle to perform optimally. Techniques such as soft tissue manipulation and visceral mobilization help improve blood flow to the stomach, intestines, liver, and other key organs, supporting their natural functions and promoting healing.

Releasing Diaphragm Tension

The diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle beneath the lungs, plays a significant role in digestion by facilitating pressure changes that aid in the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract. Restrictions or tension in the diaphragm can disrupt this process, leading to issues such as acid reflux, bloating, and discomfort. Osteopathic therapy can release tension in the diaphragm and surrounding structures, improving its function and enhancing digestive efficiency.

Visceral Manipulation: Supporting Organ Mobility

Visceral manipulation is a specialized osteopathic technique that focuses on the gentle manipulation of internal organs. This approach helps release adhesions, improve mobility, and restore the natural rhythm of the digestive organs. It is particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with post-surgical adhesions, chronic constipation, or IBS, as it encourages proper organ function and reduces discomfort.

Stress Reduction and Its Impact on Digestion

Chronic stress can wreak havoc on the digestive system by activating the sympathetic nervous system, also known as the "fight or flight" response. This shifts the body's focus away from digestion, slowing down processes like peristalsis and enzyme production. MOT incorporates techniques that address physical tension and promote relaxation, activating the parasympathetic nervous system, or the "rest and digest" response. This shift not only improves digestion but also enhances overall well-being.

Correcting Postural Imbalances

Postural issues can compress the abdominal cavity, reducing space for the digestive organs to function properly. Poor posture, particularly when sitting for extended periods, can exacerbate conditions like acid reflux or constipation. By addressing postural imbalances, osteopathic therapy creates an optimal environment for the digestive system to work efficiently.

Common Digestive Issues Helped by MOT

Manual osteopathic therapy can benefit individuals dealing with a wide range of digestive issues, including:

• Acid reflux or GERD

• Bloating and gas

• Constipation or diarrhea

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• Post-surgical adhesions

A Holistic Approach to Digestive Health

Manual osteopathic therapy takes a whole-body approach to healing, recognizing the interconnectedness of the body’s systems. By addressing structural and functional imbalances, improving circulation, and supporting the nervous system, MOT offers a natural and effective way to enhance digestion. If you’re struggling with digestive issues, consider consulting an osteopathic manual practitioner to explore how this gentle, hands-on therapy can help restore balance and improve your quality of life.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Digestive Health

Are you ready to experience the benefits of manual osteopathic therapy for your digestion? Schedule a consultation with a qualified osteopathic manual practitioner today and take the first step toward improved well-being and a healthier digestive system.

~Derek Chiu, MOT, RMT

Understanding Food Sensitivities

Food Allergies vs Food Sensitivities

They use different immunoglobulins of the immune system causing different reactions, causing different reactions. Food allergies use the IgE immunoglobulin and food sensitivities use the IgG immunoglobulin (side note: Immunoglobulin will sometimes be switched with the word antibodies depending on what you’re reading). IgE reactions tend to occur faster and is also known as Hypersensitvity type 1; whereas, IgG reactions tend to be delayed (can take up to 3 days to get a reaction) and is also known as Hypersensitivity type 3 (PEDIAA, 2019).

IgE Immunoglobulin

• Reaction causes release of histamine

• Itching, hives, anaphylaxis, red skin

• Reactions happen very quickly

• Test: Skin Prick test, IgE Blood test

• Through an Allergist

IgG Immunoglobulin

• Reaction causes release of inflammatory mediators

• Chronic inflammation (eg. eczema, bowel symptoms (constipation, stomach pains, diarrhea, etc), migraines, etc)

• Reaction can take up to 3 days to occur

• Test: Elimination Diet or Food Sensitivity Test

• Through a Naturopathic Doctor

IgG reactions can manifest in different ways, and since they’re delayed, can be a little trickier to track, and therefore has a higher tendency to become chronic reactions. This in turn can lead to chronic inflammation, which can cause a number of other symptoms. IgG immunoglobulins have been seen in patients with allergic-like reactions (Shakoor, et al; 2016, Crowe; 2019)

Gut Health and Your Immune System

Your gut is exposed to the outside world, which makes it a key player in regulating your health. 70-80% of your immune system is found in your gut through GALT (Gut-associated lymphoid tissue) receptors. These are receptors found all over your intestines that communicate to different parts of your body by presenting foreign bodies (eg. bacteria, viruses, etc.) to the immune system to start building up an immune response (Microbe Notes, 2018).

Discovering Your Food Sensitivities

Both of these methods should be monitored by a qualified practitioner

Elimination Diet

• Pros:

  • Understand how your body reacts to different foods

  • 100% accurate with tracking and reintroduction phase

  • Cheaper

• Cons:

  • Requires time and commitment

  • Takes 4-6 weeks of eliminations + the amount of time needed to reintroduce the foods

  • Can be difficult to see if a food causes a reaction if you are not in tune with your body or second guess yourself

Food Sensitivity Test

• Pros:

  • Convenient

  • Good for people who like visuals or are analytical

  • Takes most of the guessing out of it

• Cons:

  • Not 100% accurate

  • Is changeable depending on the health of your gut

  • Expensive

When I work with patients on these concerns, I ask my patients to fill out a questionnaire at the beginning before the eliminate the foods, and afterwards, so we can see things have shifted, and where they’ve experienced an improvement of symptoms. To better understand how to incorporate these into your life to discover your food sensitivities, book an appointment with your Naturopathic Doctor.

~ Dr. Charmagne