For the Health of It: Crohn’s Disease

Tyler Ryan and Hima Dala discuss the causes and treatments for Crohn's

Crohn’s disease and integrative Occupational Therapy By Hima Dalal. Integrative Occupational
Thetapist,Energy Medicine Practioner ,Yoga Meditation Teacher,Reiki GM,Sports Rehab
Specialist Benefits ,symptoms explain in detail
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Crohn’s Disease and Integrative Occupational Therapy
By
Hima Dalal
Integrative Occupational Therapist, Energy Medicine Practitioner, Yoga Meditation Teacher,
Reiki Grandmaster, Sports Rehab Specialist

What is Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the gastrointestinal
(GI) tract. It can cause inflammation anywhere from the mouth to the anus but most commonly
affects the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. The exact cause is unknown,
but it is thought to result from an overactive immune system attacking the body’s own tissues,
influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
The symptoms of Crohn’s disease can vary depending on the location and severity of
inflammation. Common symptoms include:
● Digestive Symptoms: Persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, and bloating.
● Systemic Symptoms: Fatigue, fever, and weight loss.
● Other Symptoms: Mouth sores, joint pain, skin rashes, and eye inflammation.
● Complications: Fistulas, intestinal strictures, malnutrition, and a heightened risk of
colon cancer.

Integrative Occupational Therapy for Crohn’s Disease
Integrative occupational therapy (OT) addresses Crohn’s disease holistically, focusing on
reducing physical discomfort, managing stress, and improving overall quality of life. It combines
conventional rehabilitation with complementary approaches like energy medicine, mindfulness,
and lifestyle modifications.

Key Benefits
1. Pain and Symptom Management
○ Techniques like Crystal Myofascial Release Therapy (CMFR) reduce abdominal
pain by releasing tight fascia around the intestines, improving circulation, and
lowering nerve sensitivity.
○ Energy medicine and Reiki help soothe the nervous system, which can reduce
inflammatory responses.

2. Stress Reduction
○ Stress is a known trigger for Crohn’s flares. Integrative OT incorporates yoga,
meditation, and breathing exercises to activate the parasympathetic nervous
system, reducing cortisol levels and promoting relaxation.

3. Improved Gut Health
○ Collaboration with dietitians to recommend anti-inflammatory foods and
personalized nutrition plans to reduce digestive strain.
○ Manual therapy techniques to improve digestion and reduce bloating.
4. Restoration of Physical Function
○ Exercises tailored to individual energy levels to improve stamina, flexibility, and
muscle strength without overexerting the body.
○ Support with activities of daily living (ADLs) when fatigue or pain limits function.
5. Emotional Support
○ Addressing anxiety, depression, or feelings of isolation through guided
meditation, mindfulness, and counseling.
○ Providing tools for self-acceptance and forgiveness, promoting a positive outlook
during flares.
6. Lifestyle Modifications
○ Teaching pacing strategies to conserve energy.
○ Education on avoiding environmental triggers like specific foods, allergens, and
pollutants.

Hima Dalal’s Holistic Approach
As an integrative OT, I emphasize aligning the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies.
For Crohn’s disease, this means:
● Creating individualized plans to restore harmony in the body.
● Using energy therapies to clear blockages and improve the flow of energy in the
digestive system.
● Empowering patients to accept their diagnosis and transform challenges into
opportunities for growth.

Conclusion
While Crohn’s disease is a lifelong condition, integrative occupational therapy provides tools to
manage its symptoms, improve quality of life, and support physical, emotional, and spiritual
well-being. It helps patients reclaim control over their lives, emphasizing holistic healing and a
positive mindset.
For more information or to experience personalized integrative therapy, visit http://Hima Dalal
Integrative Health or join me for an energy meditation session on Facebook.