ACUPUNCTURE FOR GUT HEALTH AND DIGESTION
SUPPORTING YOUR DIGESTION & GUT HEALTH WITH TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM)
In TCM, digestion is viewed as a vital process involving not just the physical breakdown of food but also the transformation of food into the Qi, Blood, and Fluids essential for health. The Spleen and Stomach are considered the primary organs responsible for digestion. They are crucial in extracting nutrients from food, distributing energy throughout the body, and maintaining overall vitalityincluding a healthy gut microbiome.
Chinese Medical theory describes the digestive process as a harmonious interplay of Yin and Yang.
The Stomach, associated with Yang energy, is responsible for receiving and ripening food, while the Spleen, linked to Yin, is responsible for transforming and transporting nutrients. When these organs function optimally, along with the Kidneys, Liver and Lungs, they ensure the smooth flow of Qi and blood, supporting various physiological processes. However, when imbalances arise - whether due to diet, stress, or lifestyle - digestive issues can manifest, leading to discomfort and a decline in overall health.
At Vessel Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, we believe in the power of holistic healing. Our practice is rooted in the wisdom & traditions of Chinese Medicine, and we focus on nurturing the body’s natural intelligence to support optimal health and well-being.
In Chinese Medicine, some common signs that your digestive system is struggling include not feeling hungry, bloating and fatigue after eating, foggy-headedness and difficulty concentrating, feeling heavy in the limbs and generally feeling fatigued. It’s common also to experience reflux or heartburn, burping, wind or changeable bowel habits.
At Vessel Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, we recognise that every person’s experience of health is unique, and we tailor your acupuncture treatments to meet your needs.
After your first appointment, you will receive a comprehensive treatment plan outlining the frequency of treatments and the duration of time we expect to need to see lasting changes. You can read more about how we approach treatment plans here.
TCM TIPS TO IMPROVE DIGESTION
Very little is as fundamental to health and longevity as diet & digestion. Chinese medicine places a great deal of importance on not only what to eat but also how to eat.
Your areas of focus for improving digestion might include:
Maintain a routine
Develop regular eating patterns, maintain the time of your meals and the quantity of food, and avoid skipping meals.
Eat warm, cooked foods you have made yourself
Avoid raw, cold foods and cold drinks. Prioritising home-cooked meals means you know exactly what you are eating.
Reduce inflammation
Chronic inflammation can contribute to uncomfortable digestive symptoms. Eliminating processed foods and incorporating anti-inflammatory whole foods into your diet can be helpful.
Support your gut microbiome
A healthy gut microbiome is essential for overall well-being. Consuming fibre-rich foods and probiotics and avoiding irritants can promote digestive health.
Lifestyle modifications
A healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, limited alcohol, and quality sleep, can significantly improve digestive symptoms and overall quality of life.
Mindful eating
Focus on and enjoy your meals! Eat away from distraction & stress, chew slowly & thoroughly.
When the Spleen and Stomach function harmoniously, they create a nurturing environment for vitality, supporting not just digestion but the overall well-being of the body. They invite us to reflect on how we can cultivate balance in our lives—connecting our internal needs with those of the world around us. Ultimately, the Earth element teaches us that life flourishes in its fullest expression from a centred and nourished foundation.
A Natural, Holistic Approach
Disturbances and discomfort in your digestive system can interrupt daily life and feel overwhelming, but with support, you can experience relief and improve your digestion.
Let us help you navigate your pathway to digestive ease and vitality naturally with acupuncture and holistic care. Schedule your consultation today.
HOW ACUPUNCTURE SUPPORTS YOUR DIGESTION AND GUT HEALTH
Enhancing gut health:
Studies show that acupuncture can significantly improve symptoms and promote a healthier gut microbiome. For instance, a study involving Crohn's disease patients demonstrated that acupuncture helped reduce inflammation and increased the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria, highlighting its potential to support gut health (1).
Regulating gastrointestinal motility:
Acupuncture has a unique ability to adapt its effects based on the body's needs. Research indicates that it may enhance gastric motility in individuals with low motility (constipation) while inhibiting excessive motility in those with heightened activity (diarrhea) (2). This regulatory capacity is crucial for achieving digestive harmony and can be especially beneficial for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Modulating Inflammatory Responses:
A systematic review and meta-analysis of acupuncture's impact on inflammatory markers in IBD patients revealed promising results. Acupuncture lowered levels of pro-inflammatory markers while increasing anti-inflammatory markers (3). These findings suggest that acupuncture may regulate inflammation, providing a complementary approach to traditional treatments.
Supporting the Brain-Gut Axis:
The gut-brain axis connection is essential in understanding how stress and emotional well-being impact digestive health. Acupuncture has been shown to modulate neural activity, helping to alleviate stress-induced digestive issues (4). By fostering a healthy brain-gut axis, we aim to promote overall wellness in our patients.
Combining acupuncture, herbal medicine and dietary therapy works best to ease the symptoms of a range of digestive disorders including:
Crohn’s Disease
Ulcerative Colitis
GERD
Gastritis
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Chronic constipation
Diarrhoea
Disordered eating
Food Intolerances
Dietary therapy plays a big part in Chinese Medicine and encompasses more than what we eat, but also, how and when we eat.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT VESSEL ACUPUNCTURE
At Vessel, we take an integrative, patient-centred approach to your care. Your first visit will include a thorough consultation to discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and health history. Based on this, we create a tailored treatment plan designed specifically for you.
YOUR TREATMENT PLAN
Acupuncture for digestion & gut health is most effective with regular sessions. Depending on your symptoms and health goals, we will likely recommend starting weekly treatments. As your body adjusts, we reassess and adjust the frequency of treatments. Most people experience gradual improvements in symptoms after a few sessions, but lasting change often comes with sustained treatment.
We also incorporate lifestyle recommendations, Chinese herbal medicine, and nutritional guidance to support your digestive health.
Please note that research into Acupuncture is growing exponentially, but more research is needed in all of these areas to make any true claims about treatment. Our article here explains the evidence base of Acupuncture.
References:
(1) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10115435/
(2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30535303/
(3) https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(22)00030-X/fulltext
(4) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4507100/