Candida

Candida is a yeast-family fungus that naturally lives in the large intestine as part of the gut’s natural flora. In a balanced state it is harmless, but when the body’s balance is disrupted, the fungus can overgrow, and this overgrowth can directly or indirectly cause a wide range of symptoms. This article explains how the imbalance develops, how Chinese medicine views the phenomenon, and how it can be addressed with a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine and proper nutrition.

What is candida and what causes overgrowth

Candida is present in most people’s intestines and is not a problem when it stays at a balanced level. However, when something disrupts this delicate balance – unsuitable diet, prolonged antibiotic use, mental stress or a weakened immune system – the fungus can multiply beyond its natural amount and affect gut function.

The resulting damage to the intestinal wall allows toxins to enter the bloodstream, a state sometimes called “leaky gut syndrome,” which often leads to additional symptoms beyond the digestive system itself.

Symptoms of candida overgrowth in the body

Candida overgrowth can show up as a range of symptoms, including:

• Diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas and itching around the anus
• Food allergies, brain fog, migraines and feelings of depression
• Weight gain or loss, premenstrual syndrome and irregular menstrual cycles
• Joint pain, hay fever, muscle cramps and chronic fatigue

Once the fungus spreads to other parts of the body, it may also affect additional mucous membranes, mainly the vagina, lungs and sinuses.

Candida and Chinese medicine

According to Chinese medicine, candida thrives in an environment of heat and dampness in the body, a state caused mainly by weakness in the spleen or stomach. Spleen Qi is weakened by poor diet, stress and fatigue, and when clear Qi does not separate properly from turbid Qi, internal dampness accumulates and settles in the lower part of the body.

In addition, mental stress places a burden on the liver and causes stagnation of Qi and blood, which may worsen existing symptoms over time. It is important to emphasize that this is the traditional Chinese medicine perspective, which complements – and does not replace – conventional medical diagnosis and treatment.

Combined treatment – acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutrition

Combining acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, together with proper nutrition, works systematically to change the body’s internal environment: clearing dampness, reducing heat, strengthening the digestive system and converting food into available energy.

Treatment involves selecting acupuncture points suited to the individual condition, alongside a structured diet plan and gradual work on healthy eating habits. This way the treatment addresses the underlying cause and not only the isolated symptom.

At the Machat Ruach clinic

At Machat Ruach, the home of complementary medicine, treatments are tailored individually to a wide range of conditions, including fertility issues, menstrual cycle problems, back, knee, neck and shoulder pain, sleep problems, hormonal issues, skin conditions, ear infections, colds, cough and asthma, digestive problems, and of course candida.

Every treatment is built around the specific patient, with the goal of supporting the body as a whole system rather than only the single symptom that first brought them to the clinic.

To schedule a treatment

If you are dealing with candida overgrowth or with symptoms related to a digestive imbalance, Shai Davids treats with Chinese medicine in Jerusalem and Ramat Gan, building a personal treatment plan with each patient that combines acupuncture, herbal medicine and precise nutritional guidance. For more details and to get in touch.