What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional disorder of the intestines. Doctors refer to IBS as a functional disorder because there is no sign of disease when the colon is examined. However, doctors believe that people with IBS experience abnormal patterns of colonic movement. The IBS colon is highly sensitive, overreacting to any stimuli such as gas, stress, or eating high-fat or fiber-rich foods.

People with IBS usually have crampy abdominal pain with painful constipation or diarrhea. In some people, constipation and diarrhea alternate. Sometimes people with IBS pass mucus with their bowel movements.

Although abdominal pain and cramps are among the most common IBS symptoms, pain or discomfort alone does not suggest IBS. However, when a bowel movement or the passage of gas temporarily relieves pain and cramps, a doctor may suspect IBS. IBS is frequently diagnosed after doctors exclude more serious intestinal diseases through a detailed medical history and complete physical examination.

There is no standard medical treatment for IBS. Treatment depends on the severity, nature, and frequency of a patient’s symptoms, and may range from lifestyle and dietary changes to antidepressants and psychotherapy.

Through the years, IBS has been called by many names — colitis, mucous colitis, spastic colon, spastic bowel, and functional bowel disease. Most of these terms are inaccurate. Colitis, for instance, means inflammation of the large intestine (colon). IBS, however, does not cause inflammation and should not be confused with ulcerative colitis, which is a more serious disorder.

The cause of IBS is not known, and as yet there is no cure. Often IBS is just a mild annoyance, but for some people it can be disabling. They may be afraid to go to social events, to go out to a job, or to travel even short distances.

Edgar Cayce’s Perspective of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Because the diagnostic category of “irritable bowel syndrome” did not exist during Edgar Cayce’s lifetime, there are no readings which use that term. Generally the term “colitis” was used to cover the full range of intestinal complaints involving the large bowel (colon). However, the symptoms and general description of IBS is evident in numerous readings which provide a basis for a therapeutic regimen.

For example, reading 800-1 emphasizes the “functional” nature of the irritation in colon as “reflexes and sympathetic conditions.” Pressures on nerve centers along the spine which influence the intestinal system are cited as the primary causative factors disturbing not only the colon, but the whole of the digestive system. Spinal manipulation (osteopathic treatment) to relieve the nerve pressure was recommended as was often the case for bowel problems. As was also typical, a balanced, alkaline-reacting diet and colonic irrigations were prescribed. Note the psychological aspects of the problem which are described as “worriments in the mental.”

These conditions, as we find, are from the lack of the proper functioning of organs as related to the eliminations and their coordinating in the activity of these disturbances with other functional conditions of the body…

No organic disturbance. Little functioning disturbance, unless there are those periods when the body is under excess or acute excitement …
As to the stomach itself, here we find a sympathetic condition from the activities from the gastric flow, as well as at times a regurgitation from the duodenum from the repressions in the liver area that make for the awareness of a fullness at times across the abdomen, especially over the lower portion of the spleen area. These are only reflexes and sympathetic conditions.

The organs disturbed, then, are those of the hepatic circulation, or the liver and its concurrent activity with the pancreas, spleen, gall duct, eliminations through the system; the activities of the spleen, the kidneys, and the eliminations through the canals that make for drainages in the system in the pelvic organs and jejunum and colon and those activities throughout – that are indicated as showing sympathetic and functional disturbance…

Then, be mindful of the diet. To be sure, this should be in the form of blood building; with the proper vibrations and radiations and the revivifying of the functioning of the organs themselves. So we would have rather, then, an alkalin-reacting diet. Not that the body is to set itself in the position that the diet becomes the RULE, but knowing in which direction the foods should act – and those things that will aid most in correcting the influences in the body – the body should take what is necessary. The alkalin-reacting foods in the main, though, would be the better…

Necessary that we at times eliminate through the alimentary canal by the use of colonic irrigations. These should not be taken too often, but in the first two or three take sufficient that we remove the mucous that is indicated as an accumulation in the ascending colon in the present. Three, then, would be taken in about two weeks; then a month or six weeks apart should be sufficient – if the diet is carried in such a way as to make for body-building…

(Q) Dr. Riley D. Moore for the osteopathic treatments – would he be alright?
(A) Yes, he would be very good; VERY good. Make the manipulations or adjustments in the lumbar, COORDINATING the others with same.
Do these, and we will bring those conditions for the body so that its outlook upon life, the whole of the perspective will be raised. For with torpidity in self and worriments in the mental, these are hand in hand with great irritation – and close down the horizon even of hope.

(Q) I have diarrhea all the time. Will this treatment take care of this?
(A) When we remove the irritations as indicated in the caecum area, we overcome these conditions by removing the mucous, that is as an accumulation – causing irritations to the flow. As the pressures are taken off the lumbar and 9th dorsal, these will materially aid also. (800-1)

The case of 5609 presents another example of functional bowel disease which Edgar Cayce linked to nerve pressures that hindered peristalsis in the intestines. As with the previous example, spinal manipulation, colonic irrigation, and balanced diet were the primary therapies recommended.

(Q) Can you define any improvement in colitis condition?
(A) There is not as much congestion in the inner portions of colon, and there is a DEFINITE change in those portions or regions where prolapsus, in a form, has been existent. Hence the changes that have been necessary, for PERIODS of treatments in these directions and periods of rest; for as long as there is the tendency for areas within the colon proper, where impulses from the nerve centers and the activities are hindered from such in their normal action, through the action of the intestine, or the peristaltic movement, there must be conditions recurrent where there would be troubles, from the activities within this area, at times causing sour stomach, belching or the like, the tendency for the folds within the lower portion or area of the intestine itself – but this is gradually being eliminated, and as the general condition improves so must this also improve. Do not become over anxious, that this may be expected to be eradicated or eliminated entirely at once – but, as it has been long in forming, or conditions accumulating as to cause disorders, so must it be a development or normal growth that would build for normalcy in its activity. Much easier to destroy than to build up!

Follow then, those suggestions in these directions, as for the [colonic] irrigations occasionally, the mindfulness of the diet and of the activities of the body…

(Q) What causes pain and sometimes cramps in solar plexus region to the left?
(A) That area in the descending colon that makes for that portion that has been suffering under prolapsus…

(Q) What is occasional pain I get in right side?
(A) Pressure on the colon, through CAECUM area, from the LACK of dilation in transverse and descending colon…

(Q) What causes nausea occasionally, and what shall I take to remedy it?
(A) Take the treatments that have been outlined – and it’ll remedy it!

(Q) Why have stools been loose, almost to diarrhea?
(A) At TIMES these are produced by the character of the foods that have been taken, and TOO much relaxation in those of the area as indicated.

(Q) Has the activity of the sphincter muscle improved?
(A) Considerable! (5609-4)

In several readings on functional bowel disease, the Cayce readings note that pressure on spinal nerve centers impede nerves impulse to the musculature supporting the colon. The colon sags (prolapse) impeding circulation and peristalsis. Usually, spinal manipulation and abdominal massage are emphasized in such cases to help the colon to return to a normal anatomical and functional state.

In the NERVOUS SYSTEM, or SYSTEMS, we find rather what may have been, must have been (from the conditions), that of the primary or first causes; for there are evidences of there having been in the lower dorsal area those of the form of lesions that made for the tendency of the DROPPING of the whole of the DIGESTIVE organism. Hence a prolapsus in the colon area (ascending) made for that which was of the nature of colitis in its form, or congestion of the muco-membrane, and an indication of engorgement in the intestine itself. This produced by pressure in the solar plexus center, see – in the 10th and 11th dorsal area, or lower portion of the solar plexus center; that is, from the cerebro-spinal connection – see?This, then, brought about first that tendency of the lack of impulse for peristaltic movement of fecal matter through the matter, and the clogging up of the system in the area.Following this with engorgements, or tendencies to force or produce through the lymph circulation that of an excess of matter to reduce or carry out the disorders produced a form of laziness, or slackness, in the wall of the intestines or colon itself.Hence a specific condition of two natures existed.One has been greatly relieved by the removing of the pressure in the cerebro-spinal area, so that this does not occur so often; yet there are those tendencies still left in the nervous system – see? By the whole plexus, or the whole ganglia, not being fully awakened through the stimuli of impulse in the area to carry on its functioning, when overtaxation mentally, physically, or FOODS of the value that do not digest properly, producing improper fermentation…

Digestive system rather that that may be termed NERVOUS indigestion, occurs at times.The body should never EAT when excited, and especially never when mad; for these, with such a sympathetic condition, will produce disorders that make for bad reactions in the system…

(Q) Did a treatment I had for colitis 3 or 4 years ago have a real and lasting beneficial effect?
(A) As has been indicated, the greater portion has been removed; yet those tendencies that exist in and through the prolapsus in ascending colon, and those arising from those pressures as existed in the cerebrospinal system, have NOT entirely been removed.Hence the necessity of application of some PHYSICAL as well as MENTAL treatments for the body.(2095-1)

Another common variation on the causes of functional bowel disease as described by Edgar Cayce trace the condition to the after effects of intestinal flu or other infectious agent which settle in the intestine.Often, readings with this etiology discuss disturbances to the circulation (especially the lymphatic circulation) which produces irritation to the nerve impulses governing peristalsis. Here are a couple of examples in which flu after effects were a primary causative factor:

In the colon area, as indicated, here we have had the tendencies for portions where the organ itself is attended with the activities of the circulation along the sides or areas from which the movements of same receive the impulses to the nerve forces for eliminations through these channels. These have had those activities, as we find, apparently from what may be termed intestinal flu; that affected directly these portions of the lymph and emunctory circulation through same…

(Q) The soreness in the entire abdominal cavity and pit of stomach, with the great amount of flatulency (distress whether eating or not)?
(A) As indicated, this is an effect from the COLON area – where there has been – or is indicated from here – the effect of intestinal flu. (1040-1)

As we find, there are disturbing conditions which prevent the better physical functioning in this body.These arise primarily from the after effects of flu, intestinal flu which has caused a colon irritation – or fecal forces not being eliminated from the body. (3622-1)

In addition to the standard treatments described previously, cases linked to intestinal flu were usually treated with a medicine containing ginseng.Although the ingredients varied somewhat depending upon the individual, ginger root and lactated pepsin were often included in the formula.

The psychological dimension of functional bowel disease is prominent in the Cayce readings.Often, negative mental patterns were cited as contributing to the physical pathology in the alimentary canal.Thus, a positive attitude toward the healing process was an essential first step.

As we find, conditions are such that as to responses – which there may be from suggested applications – much will depend upon the attitude of mind of the body

And, while there would soon be considerable response, unless that gained in the physical is also magnified and manifested in the mental and spiritual, there will be a reverting to old disturbances…

But as we find, if there is the use of these applications, the body may find response.Then it will depend upon the mental attitude as to whether the body will keep that response…

(Q) Reoccurring spastic colitis?
(A) Lack of the proper activity, as indicated, through the peristaltic movement in the alimentary canal. (3040-1)

Edgar Cayce’s Therapeutic Model

Regardless of the cause of the irritation to the bowel, the Cayce treatment recommendations are consistent in emphasizing the need to address the whole digestive system as well as the colon itself. In other words, improving assimilation, elimination, and circulation throughout the entire alimentary canal is helpful in supporting the healing of the colon.Here are some basic therapeutic modalities which are emphasized in the Cayce readings on functional bowel disease:

1. Diet: The Basic Cayce Diet is intended to improve assimilation and elimination.The diet focuses heavily on keeping a proper alkaline/acid balance while avoiding foods which produce toxicity and drain the system.Essentially, the diet consists mainly of fruits and vegetables while avoiding fried foods and refined carbohydrates (“junk food”).Certain food combinations are emphasized. A variety of dietary supplements including elm water, yellow saffron tea, and small amounts of olive oil are often helpful for improving digestion and promoting healing of the intestines.
2. Internal Cleansing: Hydrotherapy includes drinking six to eight glasses of pure water daily, colonic irrigation, castor oil packs, and a cleansing diet of fresh fruits and vegetables.
3. Spinal Manipulation and Massage: Osteopathic or chiropractic treatment is recommended to relieve any pressures that may be hindering assimilation, elimination, and circulation. If osteopathic or chiropractic treatment is not available, the use of an electric vibrator along the spine may be helpful. Massage can provide relaxation while also improving systemic functioning.
4. Medicine: A specific herbal formulation combining ginseng, ginger, lactated pepsin and stillingia is recommended, and may be particularly helpful for individuals with a history of intestinal flu.
5. Symptomatic Relief: A variety of therapies intended to provide symptomatic relief are suggested in the Cayce readings. For symptomatic relief of abdominal pain, the use of grapes in the diet and in abdominal packs may be helpful. Charcoal tablets used as a dietary supplement can provide symptomatic relief from flatulence and acute gastric bloating. For persons experiencing diarrhea, an herbal remedy based on alum root is suggested. Beef juice taken as a medicine is recommended for persons who experience general fatigue and debilitation. Alternating various laxatives is a standard Cayce strategy for relieving acute constipation.
6. Attitudes and Emotions: The mental and emotional aspects of healing are frequently discussed the Cayce readings. Particularly, an attitude of desiring and expecting to be healed is important. A positive mental and emotional attitude and can be created and maintained by focusing on a high purpose (ideal) for being healed.