5 Ways Acupuncture Supports Digestion
Digestion is a complex task performed by the body, starting in the mouth with chewing and mastication and then finishing when the ingested food leaves the body through the colon and rectum. While we have so much information regarding how this process works, there is still a lot that both Western and Eastern medicine are still learning! For example, around 10 years ago, it was discovered that our GI (gastrointestinal tract) acts as our second brain. This means that the food we eat does not just affect physical symptoms, but it also has an impact on our brain chemistry and emotions.
Disorders relating to digestion are at an all-time high in the United States. Research estimates that nearly 70 million people in our country are affected by some sort of digestive disorder including acid reflux, GERD, gallstones, pancreatitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, and many more. And for many people, the symptoms associated with these disorders can be debilitating, while others assume that everything they are experiencing is “normal”. For more questions on what digestive issues can be addressed with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, please give our NW Denver office a call and one of our acupuncturists that specialize in digestive disorders will be happy to answer any questions.
At Onyx Acupuncture & Integrative Health we use Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to address digestive complaints and disorders. In addition to acupuncture, we also use Chinese herbal formulas and nutritional supplementation to treat imbalances in the body, get to the root cause of your digestive concerns, and reduce symptom occurrence. We may also utilize specialized functional medicine laboratory testing including the Diagnostic Solutions GI Map Test to determine if parasites, bacteria, fungi, and more are present in the stool and digestive tract.
Below are 5 ways that acupuncture supports digestive health:
Acupuncture helps to support digestion because it treats the person holistically, meaning all parts are considered when treatment is rendered. We take into account diet, lifestyle, stress level, sleep and so much more to determine how these factors influence digestive ability. We often find that by regulating the nervous system responses and addressing stress patterns, digestive symptoms naturally improve or disappear completely!
Studies have shown acupuncture can stimulate peristalsis in the intestinal tract.This is very helpful for people who deal with chronic constipation or experience straining when using the bathroom. GI motility is essential for having healthy bowel movements and moving toxins out of the body. In as few as one to two treatments, a person suffering from chronic constipation may find relief.
Nausea and vomiting are another frequent problem associated with digestion. Acupuncture and TCM can help to calm the energy of the stomach, reducing that “queasy feeling” and allowing the energy and qi to flow in the proper downward direction. We also provide personalized dietary recommendations to support your individualized digestive systems’ needs to reduce nausea and vomiting.
Abdominal bloating occurs when gas builds up in the gastrointestinal tract, filling the stomach and/or intestines with air. This can cause the belly area to get swollen and distended. Acupuncture can reduce bloating by supporting and strengthening the digestive organs so they can break down foods properly, without releasing gas into the intestines.
Diarrhea isn’t just a problem that occurs when somebody is suffering from the stomach flu. In fact, it is much more common than many people think. Acupuncture treatments can help resolve diarrhea by clearing either excess heat or excess dampness from the digestive tract, allowing the stool to firm up for well formed bowel movements.
If you are curious about how acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can help you with your digestive issues please ask us! We are happy to guide you along your healing journey and one of our NW Denver acupuncturists will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Hi I’m Layne! I am a Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist and love sharing about Chinese medicine, holistic health, and skincare
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