It is estimated that nearly 70 million people in the United States are affected by some sort of digestive disorder. 

The good news for sufferers: Acupuncture can help.

Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that can help with a variety of digestive disorders. This ancient treatment is an excellent way to get your digestive system back in balance and support your body’s natural healing abilities. Acupuncture can be an effective method of treating indigestion, constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), GERD, diarrhea, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and other digestive issues. Read on to learn more about the benefits of acupuncture for digestive issues!

GERD

Acupuncture for digestive issues is an alternative medicine technique that focuses on the root cause of your problem rather than simply treating the symptoms. Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes the importance of gut health, and acupuncture targets specific acupuncture points to help balance digestion and alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal irritation. Studies have found acupuncture may be am effective treatment for GERD and other digestive issues as it may help prevent inflammation, modulate gut-brain communication, and support a healthy microbiome. 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome is a very common digestive disorder of the intestines. It affects nearly 20% of Americans. IBS is characterized by a variety of digestive symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, irregular bowel movements, and gas. Preliminary research has found positive results, including that acupuncture may help with abdominal bloating and other symptoms of IBS. In addition to acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine is another potent option to manage IBS symptoms. 

Indigestion

Although it has been practiced in China for centuries, the use of acupuncture has become increasingly popular in the west as the positive effects of this ancient treatment are catching on. When it comes to digestive issues like indigestion, acupuncture works by helping the body regulate stomach acid, as well as balancing the gut-brain axis. One promising recent study found that 83% of participants receiving acupuncture for four weeks noted signification improvements in indigestion and bloating. Chinese herbal supplements make for a great complementary treatment to acupuncture, particularly licorice and ginger which have been used for centuries to improve digestion.

Constipation

Research has found that acupuncture can stimulate peristalsis in the intestinal tract, which is very helpful for people who struggling with chronic constipation. Relief from chronic constipation can often be felt in as little as one or two acupuncture treatments. 

If you are struggling with digestive issues and are curious about how acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can help you, you’ve come to the right place! Book your Vero Beach acupuncture appointment today!