How Acupuncture Treats Many Common Digestive Problems

It is estimated that around 40 percent of adults worldwide have functional gastrointestinal disorders. Digestive issues can be more than just annoying. A digestive problem can affect your quality of life. Left unaddressed, it can adversely impact your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, it can lead to depression, and can really dictate how you live your life.

Causes and Symptoms of Digestive Problems

Digestive problems can be caused by poor eating habits, gallstones, peptic ulcers, reflux, ulcerative colitis – a condition characterized by inflammation of the large intestine, and hemorrhoids. It can even be caused by stress and lifestyle choices. Some common symptoms of digestive problems include constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and pain in the belly.

Can Acupuncture Help with Digestive Problems?

Acupuncture is an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupuncturists insert thin needles into the body at different locations and depths to heal energy blocks. When performed by an expert, acupuncture is safe. Any pain or discomfort after acupuncture treatment in Santa Rosa usually goes away within 24-48 hours. Acupuncture takes a holistic treatment approach that considers the whole person – body, mind, spirit, and emotions.

As more and more people look for alternative and natural ways to manage their digestive problems, acupuncture has become the go-to solution for many sufferers.

Here are some ways acupuncture can help treat digestive problems.

Helps Tame the Fight-or-Flight Response

The fight-or-flight response is a reaction that happens when the body believes it is under threat.  This could be caused by stress, anxiety, illness, and so on. When this response occurs, the body suppresses digestion and reroutes all of its energy to protect itself from the threat.

Studies show that acupuncture can help stabilize the body and tame the fight-or-flight response.  It stimulates specific points in the body to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. When activated, the parasympathetic nervous system promotes relaxation, reducing the intensity of the fight-or-flight response.

Activates the Rest-and-Digest Response 

Acupuncture stimulates the Vagus Nerve to activate the rest-and-digest response. In this relaxed state, blood flows freely to the digestive tract, the body secretes more digestive enzymes, intestinal motility improves, and sphincters in the digestive tract relax. These positive developments improve digestion and absorption.

Stimulates Peristalsis

Many studies have shown that acupuncture can stimulate peristalsis – the wave-like movement of the muscles lining the gastrointestinal tract that moves food through your digestive system. By stimulating this movement, acupuncture helps treat constipation and other problems associated with digestive disorders. It also reduces pain and inflammation to regulate the production of stomach acid.

Reduces Stress

Stress is a common cause of digestive disorders. Acupuncture helps reduce stress by balancing the Vagus Nerve. Put simply, reduced stress equals improved digestion.

At Acupuncture Mama, we use acupuncture to treat a number of digestive disorders. Our acupuncturists have in-depth knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques. Our unparalleled ability to develop customized treatment solutions sets us apart from our peers. To learn more and book an appointment, call 707-303-7200.