Chicago Loop Acupuncture for Digestive Disorders
How Can Acupuncture Help With Digestion? - The TCM Perspective
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine have long been used to treat digestive disorders naturally and effectlvely. From a Chinese Medicine perspective, organ systems, such as the Spleen, Stomach, or Large Intestine, can energetically become out of balance and wreak havoc on digestion. Poor diet, not eating according to constitution or seasons, lack of rest, overthinking, stress, and external factors like dampness and heat can all negatively affect the delicate balance of the digestive system and lead to a variety of ailments. When digestion is damaged and weak, this can in turn lead to diarrhea, constipation, cramping, bloating, fatigue, low immunity, weight gain, weight loss, and even pain.
Acupuncture can help treat digestive disorders by opening up blood and energy flow to the organs regponsible for converting food into energy and nutrients. By unblocking obstructions along energy channels, or meridians, acupuncture holistically strengthens and restores balance to the organ systems that are not functioning properly. This can lead to more regular bowel movements, less pain and discomfort, better metabolism, improved energy, and stronger immunity.
Although each patient is treated holistically and individually with acupuncture for digestive ailments, some of the commonly used acupuncture points include:
- CV12 - Located midway between the breast bone and the navel, this acupuncture point harmonizes and strengthens the Stomach. This is a very important point for indigestion, GERD, and weight loss.
- ST25 - Located at the level of the umbilicus, this acupuncture point used to balance the digestive system and treat constipation and diarrhea.
- CV9 - Located above the umbilicus, this acupuncture point regulates the water passages and transforms dampness, harmonizes the Intestines, and dispels accumulation. This is a very important point when using acupuncture for weight loss.
- SP9 - Located on the inner side of the knee, this acupuncture point regulates the Spleen and resolves dampness by opening up the water passages. This is a very important point for lowering blood pressure and reducing edema.
- ST36 - Located on the outer side of the knee, this is one of the most important acupuncture points for strengthening the digestion, boosting energy and blood, and stimulating the immune system.
- ST37 - Located on the outer side of the knee a few inches below the knee cap, this acupuncture point is very important for influencing the Large Intestine and is often used to improve motility in the lower gastro-intestinal tract.
How Can Acupuncture Help with Digestion? - the "Rest and Digest" Perspective
From another perspective, acupuncture may help with digestive issues by stimulating the nervous system to regulate gut motility and balance the autonomic nervous system. This can help with the body's self-healing process by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS)and promoting the "rest and digest" response. This in turn increases blood flow to the digestive tract, stimulates the salivary glands, and relaxes digestive tract sphincters. It can also help release hormones and neurotransmitters like serotonin and endorphins, which can calm the mind, relax the body, and aid digestion and gut health. Acupuncture can help normalize bowel movements by stimulating muscle contractions in the digestive tract. This can help with constipation, diarrhea, and other irregularities.
Acupuncture can be helpful in treating many types of digestive disorders, including:
- Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Crohn's disease
- Constipation
- Chronic indigestion
- Bloating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
Our Licensed Acupuncturists have many years of experience treating digestive issues with acupuncture, herbal supplements, dietary guidance, and lifestyle modifications. We have helped many people with a wide variety of digestive issues have improved well-being and better quality of life. Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our board certified Chicago acupuncturists and start feeling better today!