• The main SIBO test (Lactulose breath test) is only about 50% accurate and much more complex than it is being presented on the internet.
• Parasites are hard to detect (even with modern DNA testing) and often smaller parasites that are detected with DNA testing do not directly cause the patient’s condition. Also see my article on Should I Do a Parasite Cleanse.
• Most food sensitivity testing is inaccurate.
• IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is just that, a syndrome (a conglomeration of symptoms). Thus, there is not a single cause. It is currently thought that around 50% of IBS is from SIBO. And SIBO has many causes, one of which is hypochlorhydria. In Chinese medicine it is also well understood that IBS is directly related to the Liver and emotions and stress.

Once we have a “working” diagnosis, treatment is also not as straightforward as many suggest.

• SIBO (which has a wide-range of treatments based on the pattern).
• A pathogen in one person will respond well to one medicinal where in another it does not.
• Hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) has at least 8 different causes. Actually all of these conditions above, except for some straightforward parasites, have underlying causes that must be investigated, which leads to an individual presentation and treatment.

THIS IS IMPORTANT!

For the correct treatment we must understand your (1) specific presentation  and (2) individual constitution. These help us understand the underlying cause and the complex relationships that often present in the clinic. For example hypochlorhydria can cause SIBO. Adrenal fatigue can cause the hypochlorhydria. Adrenal fatigue can be caused by chronic gut inflammation.

Thus, it is very important to NOT just treat the “test results;” they are always secondary.

(1) The presentation gives us clues to the specific pattern as well as the underlying cause. Presentations are the symptoms, such as:

• • Bloating
  • Distention
  • Location of bloating and distention (upper or lower abdomen)
  • Constipation (which type)
  • Diarrhea (which type)
  • Pain, cramps, spasms
  • Bad breath
  • Appetite
  • Nausea / vomiting

    For example, a case of SIBO would be treated differently depending if there was bloating or distention and where that was located.

(2) I also consider the constitution of the patient. Such as, their body type, are they more warm or cold, how they hold their stress, etc. I feel their pulse, look at their tongue, notice their facial color to get further diagnostic information. This aspect comes from the deep roots of Chinese medicine and can be extremely important in rounding out underlying causes of GI issues.

Thus the constitution, individual presentation, and diagnostic test results are all combined to come up with an individualized treatment. Thus, each individual has their own web of connections, which is why so many people, even after some “diagnosis” still struggle after following the internet “expert” advice and programs.

Further thoughts on treatment. Modern or Ancient?

Simply, Chinese medicine has a 2000+ year history of treating ALL of these above issues. For example, the presentation of IBS or SIBO are nothing new and we have time tested acupuncture and herbal therapies that can effectively treat this. Although many MDs are recommending the antibiotic rifaximin, it has high potential of collateral damage. Quite simply, there are more balanced and individualized approaches that work. Interestingly, modern research has validated the clinical efficacy of many of the oldest herbs used, such as coptis / berberine (huang lian), ginger (sheng jiang), and pomegranate husk (shi liu pi).

We can mix this ancient knowledge with modern research and interventions, such as specific probiotics and prebiotics. For example, there are specific probiotics that help symptoms of SIBO or IBS. See my article on Probiotics.

In the end, I enjoy combining both Western (functional medicine) and Eastern knowledge (acupuncture and Chinese herbs) to heal the underlying cause of gastrointestinal disorders. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Energy and microbiome restored after Giardia

Jason’s knowledge and living connection with Chinese herbal medicine as well as Accupuncture is helping me so much in getting my energy back and microbiome into balance after having Giardia. I receive ongoing support from him and watched my partner recover twice as fast from Covid with Jason’s help. Highly recommend.

Hashimoto’s, food sensitivities and digestive issues

I started seeing Jason in February after receiving a Hashimotos diagnosis along with a long list of sensitivities and digestive issues. Jason has changed my whole life and I have never felt better, even just after a few months of treatment. Each time we add another supplement I continue to see vast improvement in my mind and body. I am so grateful for Jason and I cannot recommend him enough!!

H. pylori cleared after antibiotics failed

I had digestion problems and was diagnosed by a doctor as having H. Pylori bacteria in my system. That problem was treated with a intense dose of antibiotics that was painful and made me sick and disoriented. After the treatment I still had the bacteria. The doctor wanted to give a another mega treatment of antibiotics. I couldn’t go through that again. That is when I began treatment with Jason. Acupuncture and herbal tea and over the counter supplements that he recommended. I did this for two months. Then I had another test made for H. Pylori and the results were negative! Thank you Jason for your knowledge, treatment and helpful counseling. I am so grateful.

Gut issues – finally heading in the right direction

I am happy to say that I’ve been progressively getting better and really appreciate Jason’s knowledge of gut and other issues, as well as the tangible solutions he provides. After several years of seeking help, I finally feel like I’m heading in the right direction. I highly recommend Jason Blalack Acupuncture & Functional Medicine!

Intestinal problems, H. pylori and sleep issues

My family has been seeing Jason for over a year and we are very thankful for his attentive care. His intuitive abilities to diagnose coupled with the approach of a functional medicine practitioner were very helpful in dealing with intestinal problems, obgyn concerns, getting rid off HPV and H. Pylori, back issues and sleeping problems. As a medical practitioner myself, I highly recommended Jason to my patients, family and friends. Thank you for all you do!

Avoided gallbladder removal

I was told by my doctor that I would need to have my Gallbladder taken out. I went to see Jason and he prescribed some herbs and did some acupuncture. I have not had my Gallbladder taken out and it has been about three years now. I have not had any problems with my Gall Bladder either. I was very pleased with the results.

Digestive issues and recovery from shoulder surgery

I came to see Jason for several reasons; digestive issues and shoulder surgery. He was very professional, listens well, and is keenly interested in helping people feel better. I greatly benefitted from his care.

Digestive concerns and repetitive-motion pain

Thorough and Consistent
Jason has a mastery of acupuncture that places him at the top of his profession. He listens to my health concerns and applies his prowess. He has helped me with ongoing digestive concerns as well as numerous aches and pains due to repetitive motions. He is thorough and consistent in his gathering of information and implementation of the appropriate method of treatment.

Migraines for 50 years – and IBS

Migraines
I’ve had migraines for about 50 years, usually about once a week. I have tried many treatments but always treating the symptoms. Jason did a great sleuthing job with a variety of symptoms to zero in on the probable root problem. The first acupuncture treatment made a noticeable difference and I am looking forward with hope to continuing treatment. The root problem also explains my IBS symptoms of about 40 years so hope for that condition is a bonus.

Long-standing digestion problems

very relaxing sessions
I have been enjoying Jason’s care for about 2 years. It has always been done on a very professional and educational level. I am on the path to unravel digestion problems that went for many years without the proper treatment from traditional medicine. He always listens carefully and also does a lot of research to address specific issues. Just a wonderful person and easy to talk to.

Rare inflammatory skin disease into remission

I saw Jason for a very rare skin disease that caused inflammation throughout my entire body. Jason’s knowledge of the body, how it works and his deep understanding of chinese medicinal herbs that can heal, support and strenghthen the body helped me get to remission much faster than many individuals that are afflicted with the disease. Jason was also able to address g.i. issues that have plagued me for years. I feel fortunate to have been under his care.