Constipation, Diarrhea, Reflux, Bloating and Pain. These are all symptoms of digestive disorders. According to a study in 2021 nearly 40% of adults suffer with a digestive disorder. Considering it is essential we eat to survive that is a high percentage of people suffering daily.
Digestive disorders can stem from food intolerences, systemic inflammation, stress and anxiety and disrupted gut bacteria. Conditions such as IBS may swing between diarrhea and constipation and, issues such as bloating may be more related to hormones. As each person is different it is important to try and understand and address the underlying cause .
Western medicine options may result in strong drugs with side effects or indeed little to no effect on the symptoms leaving sufferers despondent and looking for alternative solutions. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine along with diet, lifestyle and even CBT are some of the proven solutions that may provide symptom relief and long term changes to the digestive system.
Here are some of the ways that acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help:
Diarrhea
- Reducing hypersensitivity of the gut
- Decreasing inflammatory processes
- Inhibiting hyperactive intestinal movement
Constipation
- Improving intestinal transit time
- Moistening intestinal lining
- Increase intestinal movement
- Promoting intestinal movement
- Regulating body fluids
- Stimulating the parasympathetic nerve to restore defecation senses
Reflux/GERD
- Improving movement of the oesophagus muscle
- Promoting the emptying of the stomach
- Facilitating repair of the oesophagus membrane
At ben & biao we use our skill and knowledge to address symptoms and underlying causes.
We will work with you to provide evidence based solutions. Book with one of our Chinese Medicine practitioners today to find out how we can help or see our case studies for real examples
- Simren, M., et al (2021). Worldwide Prevalence and Burden of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Results of Rome Foundation Global Study, Gastroenterology, 2021; 160:99-114
- Zhu, L., Ma, Y., Ye, S., & Shu, Z. (2018). Acupuncture for Diarrhoea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Network Meta-Analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary And Alternative Medicine, 2018, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/2890465
- Chao, G., 2014. Effectiveness of acupuncture to treat irritable bowel syndrome: A meta-analysis. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 20(7), p.1871.
- Yan, J., Miao, Z., Lu, J., Ge, F., Yu, L., Shang, W., Liu, L. and Sun, Z., 2019. Acupuncture plus Chinese Herbal Medicine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019, pp.1-16.
- Tao, B., Chao, S., Cuihong, Z. and Guangying, H., 2016. Acupuncture for the treatment of functional constipation. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 36(5), pp.578-587
- Zhai, J., Mu, W., Si, J., Li, Y., Zhao, C., Shang, H., Li, H. and Tian, G., 2018. Acupuncture for constipation in patients with stroke: protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open, 8(3), p.e020400.
- Zhang, C., Guo, L., Guo, X., Guo, X. and Li, G., 2012. Clinical curative effect of electroacupuncture combined with Zhizhukuanzhong Capsules for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 32(3), pp.364-371.
- Li, D., Zhu, L., & Liu, D. (2019). Acupuncture for refractory gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. BMJ Open, 9(8), e030713. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030713