DIGESTION DISORDER

Acupuncture is highly effective in treating digestive disorders by regulating the gut-brain connection, reducing inflammation, and improving overall digestive function. It helps balance stomach, spleen, and liver energy (Qi), which are essential for healthy digestion in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

How Acupuncture Helps Digestion Disorders

1. Regulates Digestive Function

• Stimulates the vagus nerve, enhancing gut motility and secretion of digestive enzymes.
  
  

• Balances stomach acid levels, preventing acid reflux and indigestion.
  
  

• Improves intestinal peristalsis, reducing bloating and constipation.
  
  

2. Reduces Inflammation & Gut Sensitivity

• Helps manage irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
  
  

• Lowers levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reducing gut irritation.
  
  

• Restores gut lining integrity to help with leaky gut syndrome.
  
  

3. Relieves Bloating, Gas & Abdominal Pain

• Improves blood circulation to the digestive organs, reducing bloating.
  
  

• Regulates the liver and spleen meridians, easing abdominal tension and pain.
  
  

• Helps release trapped gas and improves digestion of heavy foods.
  
  

4. Treats Constipation & Diarrhea

• For constipation: Stimulates bowel movements by increasing peristalsis and hydrating the intestines.
  
  

• For diarrhea: Regulates excessive gut contractions and strengthens digestive energy.
  
  

5. Manages Acid Reflux & GERD

• Regulates the lower esophageal sphincter, preventing acid from flowing back up.
  
  

• Reduces stress-related reflux, calming the nervous system.
  
  

6. Supports Gut-Brain Health & Reduces Stress

• Lowers cortisol and stress hormones, which can cause digestive upset.
  
  

• Enhances the function of the gut microbiome, improving digestion and immunity.
  
  

• Addresses emotional eating patterns linked to digestive distress.
  
  

Common Digestive Disorders Treated with Acupuncture

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  
  

• Acid Reflux / GERD
  
  

• Constipation & Diarrhea
  
  

• Gastritis & Stomach Ulcers
  
  

• Bloating & Gas
  
  

• Crohn’s Disease & Ulcerative Colitis
  
  

• Leaky Gut Syndrome
  
  

Best Acupuncture Points for Digestion

1. Stomach 36 (ST36) – Zu San Li → Boosts digestion, relieves bloating, improves metabolism.
   
   

2. Spleen 6 (SP6) – San Yin Jiao → Supports gut health, reduces inflammation.
   
   

3. Conception Vessel 12 (CV12) – Zhong Wan → Regulates stomach acid, helps with bloating & nausea.
   
   

4. Large Intestine 4 (LI4) – He Gu → Reduces stress-related digestive issues.
   
   

5. Liver 3 (LV3) – Tai Chong → Supports liver function, easing digestion and reducing stress.
   
   

Acupuncture Treatment Plan for Digestive Disorders

• Acute conditions: 2-3 sessions per week for 4-6 weeks.
  
  

• Chronic conditions: Weekly treatments for maintenance.
  
  

• Combine with herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and stress management for optimal results.