Ileocecal Valve

WHAT IS THE ILEOCECAL VALVE?

The Ileocecal valve (ICV) is a sphincter muscle valve that separates the small intestine and the large intestine. It is located between the end of the small intestine (ileum) and the start of the large intestine (cecum) in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen.

It functions to keep material in the large intestine from going back into the small intestine. It is controlled by the nervous system of the digestive tract. Sometimes, this valve does not function properly and needs intervention to correct its function. This may be done manually, but the root cause for its improper functioning should always be investigated.

SYMPTOMS OF A DYSFUNCTIONAL ILEOCECAL VALVE:

• Dark Circles under Eyes

• Constipation

• Low Back Pain

• Right Shoulder Pain

• Syncope/Near Syncope

• SIBO/SIFO

• Nausea

• Abdominal Pain

• Dizziness

• Diarrhea

LOCATING AND MANIPULATING THE ICV:

The ICV is located between the belly button and the groin in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen (near the appendix). You should feel a tender, hardened area, this is the ICV. Once you locate the ICV, use both hands, applying pressure in an upward direction to hold the valve closed, as shown in the PDF (at the bottom of this guide).

You may even incorporate a massage over the area in a circular motion to encourage the contents of the colon to move through. This should be done for several minutes, or until relief is maintained. Placing an ice pack over the valve for 15-20 minutes may also help close it.

OTHER TIPS FOR SUPPORTING PROPER ICV FUNCTION:

• Avoid inflammation-inducing foods when experiencing symptoms of ICV dysfunction. This includes: popcorn, potato chips, nuts and seeds, whole grains, raw fruits and veggies, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, chocolate.

• To avoid further aggravation of the ICV, stay hydrated, incorporate healthy stress management tools, chew food completely, don't over consume caffeine, and work with a healthcare practitioner to investigate any food sensitivities or GI infections.

• You may use a castor oil pack on the ICV area to relax it.