Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for Treatment of Digestive Disorders
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Digestive Disorders are conditions involving the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract includes the esophagus, liver, stomach, small and large intestines, gallbladder, and pancreas.
The most common symptoms of digestive disorders include: bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, pain, nausea and vomiting, bleeding, and swallowing problems.
For over 2,000 years, Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have been used extensively and effectively to heal a wide variety of digestive disorders.
What digestive diseases do acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treat?
Conditions that are frequently and successfully treated with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine include:
· vomiting disorder
· gastritis
· delayed digestion (gastroparesis)
· GERD/heartburn
· IBS
· SIBO
· colitis
· gastric and duodenal ulcers
· pancreatitis
· H pylori infection
· gallstones
· cholecystitis
· anal fissure
· hemorrhoids
· proctitis
· Crohn’s disease
· ulcerative colitis
· diverticulitis
How does acupuncture treat digestive problems?
Application of acupuncture at specific points on the body benefits and heals digestive disorders by increasing blood flow to the digestive tract and by stimulating the vagus nerve/ parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).
The PNS heavily influences the body’s ability to “rest & digest”. Stimulating the PNS/vagus nerve with acupuncture treatment increases intestinal motility, relaxes the digestive tract, and supports the function of each of the digestive organs: stomach, pancreas, liver/gallbladder, small and large intestine.
Where are acupuncture needles placed for digestive problems?
According to Chinese medicine theory, acupuncture points are mostly located on body lines called meridians. There are 12 primary acupuncture meridians that flow from the hands and feet to the head, chest, abdomen, and back. In general, any sort of digestive problem is the result of blockage in the flow of qi and blood though a meridian (usually due to pathogenic factors such as wind, cold, dampness, dryness, and heat).
The meridians of Yang Ming (Stomach & Large Intestine), Tai Yin (Spleen and Lung), and Shao Yang (Gallbladder and Triple Warmer) are most frequently treated in digestive disorders. Points on the hands, feet, and abdomen are chosen according to the individual’s specific diagnostic “pattern of disharmony”. In addition, other needles may be placed in the ears or other complementary techniques such as moxibustion or cupping employed according to individual treatment considerations.
Can Chinese herbal medicine help digestion?
Yes! Chinese herbal medicine is extremely effective to restore normal healthy functioning of the entire digestive system. Written during the Han Dynasty (circa 200 B.C.E), the Shanghan Zabing Lun describes dozens of herbal formulas that treat nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, abdominal bloating, stomach and abdominal pain, indigestion, excessive gassiness, stones and obstruction in the Liver and Gallbladder, diarrhea, constipation, GI bleeding, ulcers, autoimmune conditions, bacterial infection, and hemorrhoids.
A few examples of herbal formulas that address digestive problems and related symptoms include:
· Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
· Si Ni San
· Da Jian Zhong Tang
· Li Zhong Wan
· Yi Yi Fu Zi Bai Jiang San
· Da Cheng Qi Tang
· Da Chai Hu Tang
· Huang Tu Tang
· Huang Lian Tang
· Zhi Shi Xie Bai Gui Zhi Tang
· Gui Zhi Ren Shen Tang
· Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang
· Tao Hua Tang
To name a few…
The key to choosing the correct herbs and herbal formula to effectively treat digestive disorders is establishing a proper classical Chinese medicine diagnosis. Correct diagnosis is essential to writing an effective herbal prescription. Classically trained herbalists form a Chinese medicine herbal formula diagnosis by utilizing thorough medical history and review of symptoms, forming a differential diagnosis, and performing physical examinations including pulse diagnosis, abdominal palpation (hara diagnosis), and inspecting the tongue.
How long do acupuncture and herbs take to work for digestive disorders?
The short answer is, it depends. A course of treatment can be a few days, a few weeks, or a few months depending on the severity and chronicity of one’s condition. Treatment outcomes also depend on how frequently one receives treatment and whether they are using other therapeutic methods such as acupuncture and herbal medicine together, or just a single method.
If you would like to know more about how acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help your specific case, I offer a FREE 15 minute phone consultation to discuss your health situation and treatment options.
If you or someone you know suffers from digestive problems, I look forward to the opportunity to share the healing benefits of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine with you soon!
Sincerely,
Joe Recsnik L.Ac, DCCM
Licensed Chinese herbalist, acupuncturist, lead herbal pharmacist,
& Founder of POPULUSS Classical Eastern Healing