The Ileo-Caecal Valve (or ICV for short) sits between the small and large intestine and plays a vital role in our gut health and overall wellbeing. A malfunctioning ICV allows waste products to build up in the body, causing toxicity and a range of symptoms, which can include:

• Constipation

• Diarrhoea

• Abdominal pain

• Chronic tiredness

• Stiff neck

• Joint Pain

• Mid-back pain

• Carpel tunnel

• Frozen shoulder

• Headaches

• Skin problems

• Depression

Here’s how it works (or doesn’t!)…..

After food is broken down by the stomach it goes into the small intestine, where all the essential vitamins and minerals needed by the body are absorbed. Once the goodness has been taken out, the remaining waste product heads towards the large intestine, via the ICV, to be formed into faeces and expelled.

The ICV is like a gatekeeper sitting at the end of the small intestine – opening at the appropriate time to let the waste matter through to the large intestine, and closing afterwards. 

Problems occur when the valve either stays shut (allowing waste matter to build up) or remains open (allowing faecal matter to flow backwards) - in both cases toxic matter is absorbed into the body via the small intestine, resulting in many of the symptoms listed above.

Causes of ICV malfunction

One of the main causes of ICV malfunction is emotional upset, which is why many IBS sufferers experience a worsening of symptoms when stressed.  

Another cause is food sensitivities.  Although it can often be difficult to identify the offending foods because, unlike allergies where the allergic reaction is usually instantaneous, food sensitivities can sometimes take days to manifest.

How kinesiology can help

A kinesiology assessment can help to identify ICV involvement in your symptoms.  It can also help to address any emotional cause as well as identify specific foods that might be causing you problems.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact me for a non obligation chat.

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