Gut Feelings: Acupuncture + Digestive Health

Causes of Digestive Issues

Are you baffled by your gut and plagued by digestive discomfort? You are not alone. According to the GI Alliance, 20 million Americans suffer from digestive issues. Digestive diseases account for one in four surgeries and are the prevalent cause of disability cases at work. While these problems can range from occasional acid reflux to debilitating disorders such as Crohn’s disease, even fatigue and weight gain can be attributed to poor gut health.

Although it's certainly no surprise to hear that Americans as a whole are seeing a steady increase in GI (gastrointestinal) problems, even seemingly healthy people find themselves suffering from tummy troubles. Dietary issues such as food sensitivity, overconsumption of high-fat or acidic foods, drinking alcohol, poor sleep, lack of exercise, trauma, regular use of over-the-counter medication, serious injury as well as chronic stress can all wreak havoc on your gut and cause digestion imbalance.

There are various digestive issues that many people consider “normal,” leading to a daily life of discomfort. However, these are not normal conditions, and you don't need to suffer! If you prefer alternative, drug-free methods, acupuncture offers a proven effective treatment for digestion ailments.

How Acupuncture Treats Digestive Issues

Think of acupuncture as a gentle touch that realigns your body's energy flow, or qi (chee). Acupuncture treats digestive imbalances by regulating the endocrine and nervous systems through the placement of hair-thin needles in specific acupuncture points on the body. These points aid in digestive function and can help to speed up the metabolism, reduce gastric acid secretion, and regulate small and large intestinal functions. Here are the many ways that regular acupuncture treatments can make a positive impact on your GI system:

Balance Peristalsis: Acupuncture can help regulate the rhythmic contractions of the digestive tract, known as peristalsis. This can prevent issues like diarrhea or constipation by promoting more regular and balanced bowel movements.

Lower Inflammation: For people with irritable bowel disease (IBD) or other inflammatory conditions, acupuncture can help reduce inflammation in the gut. By targeting specific acupoints, it can potentially alleviate symptoms and provide relief.

Reduce Stress: Have you ever been stressed and experienced an upset stomach? Stress is a known trigger for digestive problems. Acupuncture can calm the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and anxiety, which can contribute to improved digestion.

Enhance Nutrient Absorption: By improving energy flow and blood circulation to the digestive tract, acupuncture can enhance nutrient absorption, ensuring your body gets the necessary vitamins and minerals it needs.

Balance Gut Microbes: Research also suggests that acupuncture may influence the balance of the gut microbiome, which plays a pivotal role in digestion and overall health.

Acupuncture can help reduce dependency on medication by mitigating symptoms and conditions such as:

• Acid Reflux

• Colitis

• Crohn’s Disease

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Constipation

• Weight fluctuation

• Fatigue

• Bloating

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Sour stomach

• Cramping

• Abdominal Pain

Digestive Issues Affect the Whole Body

TCM treats the body as an entire connected system of being rather than compartmentalizing symptoms (like in Western medicine), treating digestive issues with acupuncture can improve emotional and mental well-being and physical well-being. After seeking acupuncture treatments for digestion, patients often report long-term improvements in their overall health such as increased energy and decreased stress.

Trust Your Gut

The evidence speaks for itself. Research suggests that acupuncture can reduce acid reflux episodes, untangle the knots of IBS, enhance gastric mobility, and ease chemotherapy-induced nausea more effectively than some medications. Beyond treating symptoms, acupuncture could strengthen your gut's defense mechanisms, promoting tissue repair and modulating inflammation within the digestive system.

All in all, research has been increasingly supportive of acupuncture’s ability to treat myriad gastrointestinal conditions. Common symptoms of many digestive issues, such as abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea, can be effectively treated by acupuncture and the several other tools acupuncturists often utilize in the course of treatment.

If you are experiencing GI issues and are looking for a holistic or complementary approach, acupuncture can be a valuable tool in your journey towards better digestive health. Contact Three Sisters Acupuncture for a new patient consult or follow-up appointment at 207-805-1350 or at chris@threesistersacupuncture.com

I look forward to supporting you! Chris White, LAc