More than 70 million Americans regularly suffer from gastrointestinal issues like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and IBS. Conventional medicine often relies on medications that just mask symptoms or have undesirable side effects. Acupuncture offers a safe, effective alternative for restoring normal digestive function and getting to the root causes of gastrointestinal distress.
In this blog, we’ll look at how acupuncture eases common digestive troubles, the scientific evidence supporting it, what to expect during treatment, and tips for finding a qualified acupuncture for digestive issues.
How Acupuncture Helps with Digestion
According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture helps regulate the function of internal organs closely tied to digestion like the stomach, spleen, liver, and colon. Needling specific points enhances energy flow, nerve signaling, and blood circulation to return these organs to optimal function.
Key benefits of acupuncture for digestion and gastrointestinal issues include:
- Reduces inflammation that irritates the gut
- Lowers stress hormones that disrupt digestion
- Lessens muscle spasms and cramping
- Normalizes stomach acid secretion
- Regulates bowel movements
- Alleviates abdominal bloating and pain
- Minimizes nausea and vomiting
- Improves nutrient absorption
Relieving these underlying causes of poor digestion with acupuncture also often reduces anxiety and depression associated with gastrointestinal disorders.
What Does the Research Say?
Numerous studies support the efficacy of acupuncture for treating digestive diseases and symptoms:
- A analysis of 6 trials found acupuncture significantly improved IBS pain and diarrhea.
- A study of constipation in Parkinson’s disease patients showed acupuncture increased bowel movements.
- Multiple studies reveal acupuncture reduces dyspepsia, gastritis, acid reflux, stomach pain, and nausea.
- Research confirms acupuncture lessens side effects like diarrhea after cancer surgery.
- Evidence indicates acupuncture normalizes GI functioning by regulating nerves, muscles, inflammation, and hormones.
More high-quality clinical trials are still needed. But thus far, research corroborates acupuncture’s ability to safely support healthy digestion.
What to Expect During Acupuncture
Acupuncture sessions to improve digestive health last about 45 minutes. The acupuncturist will ask about your specific symptoms, diet, stress levels, and medical history. Pulse and tongue examination provides additional diagnostic information.
Sterile disposable needles are then inserted along meridian points on your abdomen, feet, hands and legs. Abdominal points correspond to the stomach, spleen, liver, colon, and intestines. Points are also selected to decrease anxiety and inflammation.
As you relax comfortably with the needles in place, you’ll feel little to no pain – just some mild dull pressure or tingling. The acupuncturist monitors you and removes the needles after 10-20 minutes. You can resume normal activities immediately afterward.
Finding a Qualified Acupuncturist
Look for an acupuncturist with the following credentials and experience when seeking treatment for digestive issues:
- Licensure indicated by L.Ac designation
- 5+ years practice with specialization in gastrointestinal disorders
- Advanced training in Chinese herbal remedies for digestion
- Collaborates with gastroenterologists
- Incorporates diet and lifestyle counseling
- Takes health insurance and offers discounted packages given frequent treatment is often needed
With acupuncture for hormonal balance from an experienced practitioner combined with diet and stress relief, your digestive health can improve greatly. Acupuncture, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, promoting energy flow and overall well-being. Integrating acupuncture for hormonal balance into your wellness routine can gently and naturally contribute to healing your gut. Consider giving it a try to experience the holistic benefits that extend beyond hormonal balance, positively impacting your digestive health.
