By: Shahrzad Taavoni, LA.c, Dipl OM, MACHM, B.S.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture addresses both symptoms and root causes of digestive disorders by focusing on the balance and flow of Qi through the digestive organs. Additionally, acupuncture can be a supportive therapy alongside dietary changes and other natural approaches for long-term digestive health.
Acupuncture is increasingly recognized for its effectiveness in managing various digestive disorders. Here’s a breakdown of how acupuncture can assist with these conditions:
Bloating: Acupuncture helps to reduce gas and ease bloating. Specific acupuncture points help relax muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, aiding in smoother digestion. In Chinese Medicine (TCM), bloating is often linked to stagnant Qi in the digestive organs. By targeting meridians associated with the stomach and spleen, acupuncture promotes the free flow of energy, which helps alleviate feelings of fullness and discomfort.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): Acupuncture points associated with the stomach and esophagus can help modulate acid secretion and improve the function of the lower esophageal sphincter. This can reduce acid reflux symptoms and help manage GERD. Acupuncture, particularly points targeting the liver and pericardium, can calm the nervous system, which may reduce stress-induced acid reflux.
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome): By targeting points that improve intestinal motility and reduce inflammation, acupuncture can help lessen abdominal pain and cramping associated with IBS with constipation- or diarrhea-predominant IBS. Acupuncture can help regulate bowel movements, bringing relief from irregular patterns. Anxiety: Stress is a well-known trigger for IBS flare-ups. Acupuncture’s effect on the nervous system can alleviate stress and improve mental well-being, which in turn positively affects IBS symptoms.
Chronic Constipation:
Acupuncture helps stimulate peristaltic movement, improving bowel motility making it easier for patients to have regular, comfortable bowel movements. It does this by working on the stomach and spleen meridian. It enhances digestive efficiency, supports nutrient absorption, and reduces issues contributing to constipation.
Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis, or delayed stomach emptying, often leads to nausea, vomiting, and early satiety. Acupuncture can help stimulate the stomach’s natural motility, reducing symptoms. It is well-known for its anti-nausea effects and can be particularly useful for people experiencing nausea due to gastroparesis.
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s Disease: Acupuncture can reduce inflammation and improve immune function, helping to manage flare-ups and extend remission. By working on points associated with the intestines, acupuncture can reduce abdominal cramping, pain, and frequency of bowel movements.
Peptic Ulcers Healing: Acupuncture can help alleviate the pain associated with peptic ulcers by improving circulation and modulating the nervous system. specific points can help regulate acid production, aiding in the prevention of ulcer formation and recurrence.
Functional Dyspepsia (Indigestion) Discomfort: Acupuncture helps relieve symptoms like bloating, upper abdominal pain, and discomfort, which are common in functional dyspepsia. By stimulating certain acupuncture points, it can enhance the secretion of digestive enzymes, improving overall digestion.
Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance: Acupuncture cannot directly treat celiac disease, it can reduce inflammation and support healing of the gut lining, particularly when combined with a gluten-free diet. Many people with celiac disease suffer from malabsorption, leading to bloating, fatigue, and nutritional deficiencies. Acupuncture can support digestive function and symptom relief.
Liver and Fats: For those with gallbladder dysfunction or stones, acupuncture can promote bile flow and ease symptoms related to fat digestion. By addressing the liver and gallbladder meridians, acupuncture can help reduce pain and support liver function, essential for overall digestive health.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: Acupuncture can enhance peristalsis and promote balanced gut bacteria by preventing stagnation. Acupuncture helps alleviate symptoms of bloating and gas, common in SIBO, by addressing imbalances in the digestive tract.
Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis: Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation and pain during diverticulitis flare-ups. By supporting normal intestinal function, it can reduce constipation and help prevent diverticular complications.
Morning Sickness: Another name for morning sickness is nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP). Acupuncture can effectively relieve morning sickness by reducing nausea and vomiting, often using points like Pericardium 6 (P6) on the wrist. It helps regulate hormones and calm the nervous system, lessening symptoms, and also boosts energy levels.
Chemotherapy or Radiation -Induced Nausea and Low Appetite: Acupuncture can effectively manage nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy and radiation, providing relief without additional medication. It stimulates points like Pericardium 6 (P6) to reduce nausea and boost appetite, helping patients feel more comfortable and better able to maintain nutrition during treatment.
Supporting TCM Approach
In TCM, digestive health relies on the balance between the stomach, spleen, liver, gallbladder and intestines. Imbalances in these organs are often the root of digestive complaints. Acupuncture, combined with lifestyle changes and possibly herbal medicine, addresses both symptoms and the underlying causes, aiming for holistic improvement.
Final Thoughts
Digestive issues, often rooted in stress, diet, and lifestyle, are ideally suited to acupuncture’s whole-body approach. Regular treatments can promote long-term relief and improve quality of life for those suffering from chronic digestive disorders.
If you’re interested in receiving acupuncture, please call 443-982-6159 to schedule an appointment. Complimentary 15 minute phone consultation are also available. Our office is located in Towson, Maryland, in the Baltimore region. For more information, visit www.acupunctureintowson.com.
