Can Acupuncture Help with Digestive Issues?

Can Acupuncture Help with Digestive Issues?

Jan 16, 2024 | Acupuncture

Are you grappling with uncomfortable, unrelenting, and occasionally embarrassing digestive issues and seeking a natural, holistic solution? Acupuncture might just be the answer you’ve been searching for.

At Resilient Health Acupuncture & Wellness, we’ve seen firsthand how treatment effectively addresses various digestive problems and concerns. So, can acupuncture help with digestive issues?

Understanding Acupuncture and Its Healing Nature

Acupuncture works on the principle of stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities. Just as your body instinctively responds to repair a wound, our tiny needles used in practice prompt a call to action, putting that exact healing response to work. Subsequently, your immune system releases a cascade of chemical responses critical to your well-being, allowing your body to use its robust, natural healing response to address chronic issues – like digestive problems.

The Benefits of Acupuncture for Digestive Issues

Acupuncture and TCM offer a holistic approach to treating digestive issues. At Resilient Health Acupuncture & Wellness, we offer specialized services to address a range of digestive problems. Treatments frequently consist of both local ST area and distal points on these channels (PC is arm, SP and LV are foot).

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Acupuncture points for IBS often focus on the liver and spleen meridians. By targeting these areas, treatment can help regulate the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and blood in the digestive system, easing symptoms like cramping, bloating, and irregular bowel movements. It also works to balance the nervous system, which is closely linked with gut health.
  • Acid Reflux and Heartburn: For these conditions, acupuncture points along the stomach meridian are typically targeted to regulate the movement of the stomach, while also preventing the backward flow of acid. Additionally, points on the spleen meridian can assist in strengthening the digestive system and reducing inflammation.
  • Constipation: To relieve constipation, acupuncture focuses on points along the large intestine meridian. These points stimulate intestinal peristalsis, enhancing bowel movement regularity. Points on the stomach and spleen meridians also support overall digestive health, helping to address underlying issues that contribute to constipation.
  • Bloating and Gas: The spleen and stomach meridians are again key targets for these gaseous symptoms. Here, acupuncture helps to improve the digestive system’s ability to transform and transport food essence, reducing gas and bloating. Additionally, it can enhance the spleen’s function in fluid metabolism, which is often a factor in bloating.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Points on the stomach, spleen, and pericardium meridians are often used to address nausea and vomiting. These points help regulate the upward and downward movement of stomach Qi, preventing the rebellious Qi that leads to nausea. They also calm the mind and balance the body’s energy, which can be particularly beneficial for chemotherapy-induced nausea.

If you’re struggling with digestive issues and looking for a natural and effective solution, talk to the Resilient Health Acupuncture & Wellness team today. Experience how acupuncture can restore your digestive health and overall well-being.