Acupuncture is known for pain relief but what many people don’t know is that Acupuncture can be very effective for all different kinds of digestive complaints from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) to GERD to Constipation or Diarrhea to Inflammatory Bowel Disease and even Gastroparesis.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
I have helped many people over decades achieve moderate to significant relief from IBS, including IBS-D and IBS-C. Relief can include much less abdominal pain and discomfort, more normalized bowel movements, and reduced bloating.
There is usually a stress component with IBS that acupuncture also addresses. People report that their bowel symptoms improve, they do not react as strongly to environmental stress, and they feel more emotionally balanced.
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or chronic heartburn, can also be treated with acupuncture unless there is a significant structural issue, such as a hiatal hernia. Patients may experience significantly reduced acid reflux.
I have found that GERD often has a stress component, particularly emotional frustration, which may also improve with acupuncture treatment.
Constipation
Acupuncture can help relieve both infrequent bowel movements and difficulty with evacuation. Bloating may also be reduced, and stool health may improve based on the Bristol Stool Chart.
Hemorrhoids may also improve because the bowels are moving more easily and frequently.
Diarrhea
Acupuncture can help relieve chronic diarrhea, whether stools are loose or watery. It may also help reduce undigested food in the stool by supporting the health and function of the entire digestive system.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Acupuncture may help lower inflammation throughout the digestive system. Chinese medicine classifies inflammation as heat, and acupuncture treatments are used to help clear that heat from the digestive system.
People with inflammatory bowel disease may report less frequent flare-ups that are less intense and do not last as long.
Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is a stomach disorder involving reduced motility, which prevents the stomach from emptying as it should. It can cause pain and nausea immediately after eating.
Modern medicine can be limited in the treatments it offers for this condition. I have seen acupuncture provide significant improvement for many people who have come to me with gastroparesis.
Chronic Nausea
Acupuncture can provide relief from nausea, whether it is chronic or caused by motion sickness.
So if you suffer with digestive problems in the Philadelphia Center City Area and have not found relief, consider trying Acupuncture. Results can often be seen in just a few treatments and the results can be substantial.
Initial Consultation
In the Initial Visit and Treatment, a Health History Questionnaire is filled out. This includes all past illnesses and symptoms as well as current. An evaluation of current Vitamins, Herbs, Supplements, Diet and Lifestyle recommendations is given. The Pulse and Tongue are read which is an important aspect of Chinese Diagnosis.
What You Can Expect
Results can often be seen with one treatment but three or more treatments are advised to determine the effectiveness. Any changes within 1 to 3 days after a treatment can be directly attributed to Acupuncture provided there have been no other types of treatment.