Digestive Disorders


Acupuncture Can Help Improve Digestive Function
Digestion is extremely complicated and requires the coordinated effort of many different internal organs. Sometimes symptoms arise because the internal organs are out of sync, disrupting the flow of the digestive process from one phase to the next. Other times organs are under-functioning, like in chi deficiency (low metabolism), or there are accumulations of things like heat (inflammation) or damp (phlegm) that are interfering with the process. Acupuncture can help in all of these cases, harmonizing organs that are out of sync, strengthening organs that are running low, and clearing accumulations.
What I Treat
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help with a wide range of digestive issues including nausea, gas, bloating, acid reflux, heartburn, GERD, indigestion, IBS, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, morning sickness, ulcerative colitis, abdominal pain, poor absorption, Leaky Gut Syndrome, food intolerances, liver and gallbladder issues, and esophageal constriction. Generally, these types of conditions respond very well, even when they are very chronic.
Complementary, Supportive Therapies that Enhance Acupuncture
Chinese medicine is so much more than just acupuncture. I am also trained in herbal medicine, 5-element nutrition, and different types of traditional hands-on techniques. I find that these complementary therapies can help enhance the effects of acupuncture. For example, there are traditional herbal formulas for all sorts of common digestive issues that both address symptoms and normalize organ function. Chi nei tsang can be very helpful for the organs in the abdominal cavity as well. Acupuncture is the fundamental therapy upon which all of my treatments are built, but my toolbox also includes Chinese herbal medicine, 5-element nutrition, ba guan (cupping), tui na (Chinese medical massage), zhi ya (acupressure), chi nei tsang (internal organ massage), gua sha (massage with jade and horn tools), and topical herbal formulas for pain. If your condition would benefit from any of these traditional techniques they are included at no extra charge. Please click here for more information about my combination treatments.