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Juntendo Clinic

515 E. Golf Rd., Suite 108

Arlington Heights, IL 60005 US

847-290-8339

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  • Acupuncture for Easing Digestion

Acupuncture for Easing Digestion

  • Created in Newsletter Library

Woman needs acupuncture for indigestion

Got Digestive Problems? Relieve Your Symptoms Naturally with Acupuncture

Are you one of the millions of Americans who struggle with chronic digestive issues? If you're tired of relying on antacids and medications to control your symptoms, acupuncture offers a better option. Treatments reduce flare-ups and help you manage heartburn, diarrhea, acid reflux, constipation, and other symptoms.

Why Digestive Problems Happen

Problems can occur at any point during the digestive process. For example, wayward stomach acid may irritate the sensitive lining of the esophagus and trigger heartburn. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Acids normally remain in the stomach, but may flow backward due to pressure on the stomach or a weak or faulty valve between the stomach and esophagus.

Diarrhea or constipation are likely to occur if food moves through your digestive system too quickly or too slowly. Digestive diseases and conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), and ulcers, trigger uncomfortable symptoms that may make you dread eating.

How Acupuncture Eases Digestive Issues

Acupuncture focuses on restoring the proper balance to your body and your digestive system. Qi, a vital life force essential for good physical and mental health, flows through your body in a series of 12 meridians. Imbalances can occur when Qi becomes blocked at any point in a meridian. Acupuncture treatment clears the blockages, relieving unpleasant symptoms and improving digestion.

Treatments target the source of your digestive issues in addition to relieving your symptoms. Unlike over-the-counter or prescription medication, acupuncture doesn't cause any unpleasant side effects, like nausea or dizziness.

Acupuncture offers a safe, effective way to treat these digestive problems:

  • Indigestion and Heartburn. Whether you have occasional or frequent indigestion or heartburn, visits to the acupuncturist can keep your symptoms under control. Acupuncture relieves nausea, belching, heartburn, nausea, and abdominal pain, according to research studies reviewed by Health CMI.
  • GERD. You may have GERD if you experience heartburn more than two times per week. GERD happens when stomach acids flow backward and irritate the lining of the esophagus. Inserting hair-thin needles in the Gongsun acupuncture point on the side of the foot may help control the amount of acid your stomach produces.
  • Nausea. Do you experience nausea after eating? Stimulating an acupuncture point on the wrist can relieve that sick feeling. Acupuncture also treats nausea caused by morning sickness, migraines, chemotherapy, and motion sickness.
  • Abdominal Pain. When your digestive system is balanced, you'll be less likely to experience abdominal pain and cramps.
  • Constipation. If you suffer from constipation, you're not alone. Forty-three percent of Americans reported experiencing constipation at least one time a month, according to information from Statista. Acupuncture can keep things flowing by improving the function of your bowel. Patients who had severe constipation had more bowel movements after 28 sessions of electroacupuncture in a research study published in Annals of Internal Medicine. Electroacupuncture involves a gentle electrical current attached to acupuncture needles that enhances the effects of treatments.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Severe abdominal pain and bouts of constipation and diarrhea make living with IBS particularly difficult. Although acupuncture treatment can't cure IBS, it can help you manage many of its unpleasant symptoms.
  • Motility Problems. When food moves through your stomach and intestines too quickly or too slowly, you're bound to experience a few digestive symptoms, including nausea, diarrhea, belching, heartburn, vomiting, and upper abdominal pain. Motility issues can be caused by problems with the nerves that control the gastrointestinal system. Acupuncture calms the nerves, helping your nervous system work more effectively.
  • Stress. During stressful periods, it's not unusual to have an upset stomach, heartburn, or diarrhea. The body's stress response activates the sympathetic nervous system, preparing you to flee or deal with a challenging situation. Unfortunately, when the sympathetic nervous system becomes more active, your digestive system slows down. Acupuncture reduces stress by releasing serotonin and endorphins, hormones that help you feel calm and relaxed. It also reduces production of the stress hormone cortisol and may even have a positive effect on the stress pathways in the brain.

Tired of living with digestive issues? Give us a call to schedule an appointment with the acupuncturist.

Sources:

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Digestive Diseases Statistics for the United States, 11/2014

Statista: Share of Selected Problems Among U.S. Adults Who Suffered at Least Once Per Month from Gastrointestinal Complaints as of February 2017, 9/3/2019

PubMed: Annals of Internal Medicine: Acupuncture for Chronic Severe Functional Constipation: A Randomized Trial, 12/6/2016

Health CMI: Acupuncture Benefits Digestion, Stops Burning Pain, 05/062018

Mayo Clinic Proceedings: 8/1/2020: Effect of Acupuncture in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

  • We May Help You With
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  • Herbal and Nutritional Therapies
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    • Acupuncture Therapy
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Testimonials

  • "Earlier this year, I woke up one day with extreme pain in my right shoulder. After a trip to the emergency room and an orthopedic surgeon appointment, it was discovered that I had calcific tendinopathy. The diagnosis was that I would need to be in a shoulder immobilizer for 3-4 months for painful rehab and months of harsh prescription medications. This is when I consulted with Dr. Kari and Kimberley. After the first treatment, I was able to remover the shoulder immobilizer. By the third treatment, I was back at full strength. I owe my ability to enjoy my summer to Juntendo Clinic and recommend Dr. Kari and Kimberly to everyone I speak with."
    C.F.
  • "I came to see Dr. Kari one year ago due to infertility. Dr. Kari used her knowledge and experience to help me have two healthy boys. I also did acupuncture throughout my pregnancy and that helped me stay energized and maintain a healthy pregnancy."
    J.H.
  • "Thank you so very much for treating my lower back pain caused by the sciatica nerve. The pain is completely gone. I would also like to thank you for being so thoughtful and concerned about my health."
    M.J.
  • "Acupuncture has helped me in many ways. No medical treatments helped me get pregnant, but acupuncture helped. Also I am more relaxed. Acupuncture brought light into my life. I got a beautiful daughter and I cannot be more thankful to Dr. Kari."
    Z.B.
  • "I believe acupuncture treatment helped me greatly to have a successful pregnancy. Especially going through a year of treatment."
    M.A.
  • "Helped with headaches, bloating, heartburn, and acupuncture has really helped with morning sickness. I started coming to the clinic in early this year. Dr. Ye has been a god send to me."
    E.P.
  • "Have a lot of confidence in Dr. Ye's knowledge and skills. Would refer others to Juntendo. Office is very clean / hygenic. Staff is professional and people oriented. Dr. Ye is very personable. I am very pleased with Juntendo."
    A.E. / Arlington Heights, IL

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