Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the digestive tract. It can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. This chronic condition often follows a relapsing and remitting course, meaning symptoms may flare up periodically. Crohn’s disease can be debilitating and, in severe cases, may lead to life-threatening complications. It is believed to result from an abnormal immune response that mistakenly attacks the digestive tract.

The Role of Chinese Medicine in Crohn’s Disease Care

Over the past two decades, both clinical and experimental research conducted in China and internationally has explored the benefits of Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture as complementary therapies for Crohn’s disease. These studies have shown encouraging results in relieving symptoms, reducing the frequency of flare-ups, and enhancing patients’ overall quality of life (Ng et al., 2020; Bian et al., 2013). In Chinese medicine, Crohn’s disease is viewed as a manifestation of internal imbalances, often involving the immune system, digestive function, and emotional well-being. Treatment focuses on restoring internal harmony and strengthening the body's natural ability to maintain gut health.

If you have any questions regarding how Chinese Medicine can help you manage Crohn's disease feel free to contact us.

Conditions We Address

We have extensive experience supporting individuals with Crohn’s disease, especially in managing the following associated symptoms and conditions:

Mild to moderate diarrhea
Abdominal cramping and pain (mild to moderate)
Low energy and chronic fatigue
Poor appetite and/or nutrient absorption
Emotional stress as a triggering factor

Please note: Our services are not suitable for patients experiencing severe complications of Crohn’s disease, such as heavy bleeding, severe diarrhea, intense abdominal pain, or bowel obstruction. Individuals with these conditions should seek urgent medical attention.

Our Treatment Approach

Chinese Herbal Medicine: Our individualized herbal prescriptions aim to improve digestive function and reduce chronic inflammation. We offer convenient herbal forms such as granules, capsules, and pills for easy use.

Acupuncture: is used in conjunction with herbal medicine to help relieve abdominal pain or cramping, chronic fatigue, and emotional stress.

Diet and Lifestyle Guidance: Guided by Chinese medicine’s holistic principles, we provide personalized dietary and lifestyle advice. This may include identifying food sensitivities, regulating digestion, managing stress, and building sustainable self-care habits that support gut health and reduce the risk of flare-ups.

Expected Outcomes

Improvement varies based on the individual’s condition, including the severity and duration of Crohn’s disease. In general:

Mild to moderate cases may respond well to 2–3 months of consistent treatment with Chinese herbal medicine and/or acupuncture.
Severe or long-standing cases typically require longer-term treatment, around 4–6 months or more, and may benefit from an integrated approach alongside conventional medicine.
Maintenance and prevention are key. During remission or stable periods, continued use of Chinese medicine for 2–3 years may help reduce relapses and maintain long-term gut health.

Our Expertise

Dr. Henry Liang brings over 40 years of clinical experience in Chinese medicine, with extensive practice in both Chinese hospitals and Australian clinics.
He formerly served as Unit Coordinator and Lead Lecturer in Chinese Internal Medicine (including Digestive System Disorders in Chinese Medicine) at Western Sydney University. His academic background enhances his diagnostic precision and clinical effectiveness.
As a dedicated clinician and researcher, Dr. Liang integrates the latest evidence-based practices into his work, providing safe, personalized, and effective care for each patient

Treatment Costs

Initial Consultation (up to 40 minutes): $150
Your first visit includes a thorough consultation to assess your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Follow-Up Consultation (up to 20 minutes): $65
These sessions are designed to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment.
Chinese Herbal Medicine: $12 – $15 per day
The cost of herbal medicine depends on the type and quantity of herbs prescribed, tailored to your individual needs.
Acupuncture: $90 per session
Acupuncture sessions are available as a standalone therapy or in conjunction with herbal treatment.

Please note: Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture are not covered by Medicare. However, many private health insurance providers, such as Bupa, HCF, and Medibank Private, may offer rebates depending on your level of cover. We recommend checking with your insurer for specific details.

References

Ng SC, Lam YT, Tsoi KKF, Chan FKL. “Therapeutic Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review.” World Journal of Gastroenterology, 2020.
Bian Z, Wu T, Liu L, et al. “Effectiveness of Chinese Herbal Medicine in Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review.” The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 2013.