Acupuncture for Digestive Disorders

Gastrointestinal problems cause symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. In people with IBS, the GI tract is not damaged, but it does not work properly. If you have one of these conditions, you may find it difficult to eat your favorite foods or participate in professional or social activities.

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a digestive disorder that causes your stomach acid to back up into your esophagus. Your doctor will diagnose with you with acid reflux disease if you experience acid reflux symptoms more than two times per week. One of the most common symptoms is heartburn, but nausea, vomiting, and frequent burping may also occur. There are several risk factors for acid reflux disease.

  • Obesity
  • Lying down after eating
  • Eating fatty foods
  • Drinking caffeinated beverages
  • Taking certain medications

Constipation

Constipation refers to difficulty having a bowel movement or reduced frequency of bowel movements. The symptoms of constipation include hard stools, straining while defecating, and incomplete evacuation of the bowels. There are many reasons you might develop constipation:

  • Use of narcotic pain medications
  • Over-consumption of dairy products
  • Not drinking enough water
  • Lack of fiber in the diet
  • Neurological conditions
  • Use of certain antacids
  • Depression

IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has four different subtypes: IBS with diarrhea, IBS with constipation, mixed IBS, and unsubtyped IBS. The symptoms of this condition include bloating, diarrhea, passing mucus, and constipation. Researchers do not know the definitive cause of IBS, but they suspect it is caused by a combination of physical and emotional problems.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that damages the small intestine. If you have celiac disease, your immune system sees gluten – a protein found in wheat – as a foreign invader. It responds by attacking the villi of your small intestine, making it difficult to absorb nutrients. In addition to abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and foul-smelling stool, celiac disease may also cause the following:

  • Fatigue
  • Joint pain
  • Seizures
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Osteoporosis
  • Numbness and tingling
  • Skin rash

Complementary Medicine

Complementary medicine refers to treatments used in addition to the lifestyle changes and medications recommended by your doctor. There are several ways to treat celiac disease with complementary and alternative measures. One of the most effective is acupuncture, or the insertion of tiny needles at certain points in the body. No one knows why acupuncture is so effective, but researchers believe it triggers the release of chemicals that promote a sense of wellbeing.

Medicinal herbs may also help you control your symptoms. It is important to consult with a trained professional before using herbs to treat IBS or celiac disease. Some herbs contain gluten, while others contain substances that might trigger digestive symptoms.

Help From Compassionate Professionals

When you come to Acupuncture Balanced Health, you will meet with providers with extensive experience using acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other complementary approaches to treated digestive disorders. Before your treatment, your acupuncturist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that will work for your individual circumstances. Schedule an appointment today to get relief from IBS, celiac disease, acid reflux, and other digestive problems.