Digestion Issues

Acupuncture can address a number of gastrointestinal issues by resolving imbalances that impact the organs involved in digestion. The stimulation of acupoints connected to digestion can help speed up your metabolism, reduce gastric acid secretion, and regulate function of the stomach and spleen, as well as the small and large intestines.

The holistic nature of acupuncture makes it easier to identify and treat imbalances in organs that are secondary to digestion. As a result, acupuncture is widely prescribed to alleviate many kinds of digestive issues.

The following are some of the most common digestive issues that can be effectively treated and managed with acupuncture:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects the stomach and intestines. It’s characterized by abdominal pain, cramping or bloating that is related to passing a bowel movement, as well as changes in the appearance and frequency of bowel movements. Symptoms and severity vary between patients.

Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. This can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is still unknown, but it does tend to run in families.

Acid reflux

Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), occurs when some of the acid content in your stomach flows up into the esophagus. Heartburn is a term that often gets used interchangeably but is just a symptom of acid reflux. If you experience acid reflux frequently, you may be diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter, or ring of muscle, between your esophagus and stomach. This condition can be caused by chronic acid reflux or a hiatal hernia. Those with GERD may experience frequent heartburn, backwash of food or sour liquid, chest pain, trouble swallowing, or a persistent sensation of a lump in your throat.

Hiatal hernia

A hiatal or hiatus hernia is a condition where part of the stomach protrudes through an opening in the diaphragm muscle. The condition may be due to weakness of the supporting tissue, and can be exacerbated by age, obesity, or smoking. This condition is believed to cause GERD.

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UI) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers to form on the inner lining of the large intestine. Symptoms of this condition include rectal bleeding, diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramping, rectal pain, weight loss, inability to defecate, fatigue, and fever.

Chronic gastritis

Chronic gastritis is a persistent, low-grade inflammation and damage to the stomach lining. The mucus membrane, or gastric mucosa, that protects your stomach from digestive acid becomes thinner as the normal cells are destroyed. The vast majority of cases won’t present any symptoms. However, in severe cases, the stomach will stop producing acid, which can cause digestive upsets. This condition can also impair the production of a substance called intrinsic factor, which is necessary to the absorption of vitamin B12. The most common cause of chronic gastritis is helicobacter pylori (h. Pylori) infection. It can also be caused by some autoimmune diseases, Crohn’s disease, or gastric surgeries that increase the stomach’s exposure to bile.

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD)

A peptic ulcer is an open sore or raw area in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. These ulcers form when h. pylori infections or regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin thin an area of the mucus lining in your stomach or small intestine, causing acid to eat away at the tissue underneath. There are other factors that can exacerbate your likelihood of developing an ulcer, like smoking tobacco products or consuming too much alcohol. Symptoms of peptic ulcers include bloating, excessive burping, lack of appetite or weight loss, nausea, bloody or dark stool, and vomiting.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is the redness and inflammation of the pancreas. It can be either acute, lasting for a short time before the pancreas returns to normal, or it can be chronic, which can cause permanent damage and scarring. It’s most commonly caused by alcohol abuse or when gall stones block the pancreatic duct. Other causes include trauma to the pancreas or belly, infections like hepatitis A or B, smoking cigarettes, and congenital abnormalities in the pancreas.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a general term used to describe inflammation of the liver. Viral hepatitis is the most well know cause of liver inflammation. If left untreated, hepatitis can be damaging to your liver and lead to complications like cirrhosis or cancer. Symptoms may include jaundice; abdominal pain, tenderness, or swelling; dark coloured urine; fatigue; and nausea.

Bloating

Abdominal bloating is most often the result of excess intestinal gas. If you experience bloating after eating, it is most likely a digestive issue caused by eating too quickly, a food intolerance, or other conditions that might cause gas build up. Women may also experience bloating during their period. Bloating on its own is not a serious condition, and typically resolves within a few hours. If your bloating is chronic, this may be an indication of an underlying condition.

Gall stones

The gall bladder is responsible for producing bile, which is necessary for digesting fats. Sometimes bile will harden into solid masses called gall stones. This will happen if there is too much cholesterol being secreted into the bile by your liver, or if your gall bladder isn’t emptying completely or often enough. It’s not uncommon for gall stones to cause no symptoms. However, if a gall stone lodges in a duct or causes a blockage, you may experience sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right or centre of your abdomen, back pain between your shoulders or pain in your right shoulder, and nausea or vomiting.

Whatever your health goals are, acupuncture can help you manage your symptoms and restore balance in your body, and your life. You’ll receive treatments that are tailored to your unique needs. Learn what to expect if it’s your first appointment.

Note: For an official diagnosis of any of the above conditions, you should speak with your healthcare provider.