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.
Location of the ICV and introducing the Rings of Houston
The ICV is located in the right hand side of the abdomen, diagonally halfway between the hip bone and the navel. When malfunctioning it is not uncommon to experience pain in this area, which may be confused with period pain or appendix problems.
Any pain or issues in the same location but on the left hand side of the abdomen may be related to the Rings of Houston (also known as the Houston Valve) which work in conjunction with the ICV and help with good stool formation.
Causes of ICV/Houston malfunction
One of the main causes of 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
Kinesiology emotional stress release techniques promote wellbeing, helping to put us in a better place, enabling us to be more adaptable when faced with stressful situations. If food sensitivities are relevant then muscle response testing can help to identify specific foods that may be causing the problem. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me for a non obligation chat.
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