The ancient healing practice of acupuncture has been shown to help promote balance in the gut-brain axis. Gut health has long been a focus within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and is a central pillar of optimal health through its thousands of years of theories and frameworks.

Maintaining a healthy gut can impact digestive function, immune function, and mental health, and even help reduce the risk of developing chronic disease. TCM has long-drawn relationships between the gut and the health of the entire body.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the science behind acupuncture and its effects on gut health, backed by both traditional and modern research.

Whether you’re dealing with IBS, bloating, constipation, or mental health struggles, acupuncture might be the holistic piece of the wellness puzzle you’ve been searching for.

Introduction to Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the most ancient healing modalities still used widely throughout the world. It is one of the main interventions under the umbrella of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) along with Chinese herbal medicine, moxibustion (mugwort therapy), Chinese diet therapy, tuina (medical massage), qi gong (breathwork), and tai chi (movement).

Today, the practice is informed by both traditional and contemporary systems of diagnosis and treatment. It works to promote balance in the language of TCM, which centers around theories such as the five elements, yin and yang, and the meridians.

But it also promotes balance in the language of conventional medicine by modulating the nervous system, reducing inflammation, and enhancing the body's natural healing processes.

This dual approach allows acupuncture to address the root causes of various health issues, including those related to gut health. Digestive function, energy, and resilience are central concepts within the TCM theoretical frameworks.

To learn more about acupuncture and gut health separately, check out these Top 8 Acupuncture FAQ’s and Gut Health 101.

Acupuncture and Gut Health

Now with a basic understanding of acupuncture and TCM, let’s explore how it can be used to treat common gut-related concerns! By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture can improve digestive function, reduce stress-related gut symptoms, and even help restore the natural balance of the gut microbiome.

How Acupuncture Affects Digestive Function:

The sensations and effects of acupuncture can influence the functioning of various organs and systems. When it comes to the gut, acupuncture can enhance function in the following ways:

• Stimulates the vagus nerve, a primary nerve of the gut-brain axis
• Increases motility or movement of food and waste through the digestive tracts
• Regulates stomach acid production, supporting treatment of acid reflux and gastritis
• Increases blood flow to the digestive organs, enhancing nutrient absorption
• Modulates the immune system response, reduces inflammation

This holistic approach addresses the root causes of digestive issues and has the potential to help provide long-term relief for gut health concerns.

Acupuncture, Stress, and the Gut

The gut and brain are closely connected through the gut-brain axis. This is a two-way road that links the central nervous system (CNS) of the brain and the enteric nervous system (ENS) of the gut. Acupuncture plays a vital role in regulating this axis by reducing stress hormones like cortisol and alleviating stress-induced digestive issues.

By activating the “rest and digest” nervous system (parasympathetic nervous system), acupuncture helps the body enter a state of relaxation, which is the basis for optimal digestion.

Acupuncture also alleviates anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate digestive problems. By improving mood and reducing anxiety, acupuncture indirectly benefits gut health, promoting a balanced and harmonious digestive system.

Common Acupuncture Points and Techniques for Gut Health

My patients are often amazed when they come in for treatment of their gut-related complaints, and I propose the needling of their legs and hands. Let’s briefly explore some of the most common acupuncture points used for common gut-related issues:

1. Stomach 36 (Zusanli), located on the leg, strengthens the stomach and spleen, improves digestion, and boosts energy levels.
2. Ren 12 (Zhongwan), found on the midline of the abdomen, regulates stomach function, relieves bloating, and improves digestion.
3. Large Intestine 4 (Hegu), situated on the hand, helps relieve constipation, regulate bowel movements, and reduce abdominal pain.
4. Liver 3 (Taichong), located on the foot, alleviates stress, improving digestion and reducing IBS symptoms.
5. Spleen 6 (Sanyinjiao), found on the lower leg, supports the spleen and stomach, improves digestion, and alleviates bloating.

Aside from acupuncture alone, there are other techniques that a licensed acupuncturist might use when addressing your overall health and gut concerns:

• Electroacupuncture applies a small electrical current to needles, enhancing stimulation.
• Moxibustion uses burning mugwort herb (moxa) near or on acupuncture points to promote circulation and healing.
• Cupping uses suction cups on the skin to improve blood flow and promote relaxation, which is particularly beneficial for stress-related digestive issues.

By utilizing these points and techniques, TCM provides a holistic approach to improving gut health, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of digestive issues. This comprehensive method ensures a balanced and harmonious digestive system, leading to long-term health benefits.

Research and Evidence-Based Benefits of Acupuncture for Gut Health

Let’s explore some of the contemporary benefits of using acupuncture to support gut health. I will mostly focus on disorders that affect the digestive tract but will also include some that represent the gut-brain connection.

• Constipation - Remember, our bowel movement regularity is an excellent macroscopic indicator of your body’s ability to detox.
• Microbiome balance - Acupuncture has a favorable effect on promoting balance within the human microbiome.
• Acid reflux - Acupuncture helps to improve the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a key structure involved in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - Acupuncture helps to address imbalances within the nervous system and microbiome associated with IBS.
• Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) such as functional dyspepsia (stomach dysfunction) - Also called disorders of the gut-brain interaction (DGBIs), acupuncture can help manage these conditions.
• Crohn's disease - Acupuncture can help treat symptoms and microbiome imbalances in patients with Crohn’s disease.
• Chronic abdominal pain - Acupuncture can help treat symptoms shared between many GI conditions, including IBS and irritable bowel disease (IBD).
• Cognitive impairment - Age-related cognitive changes may have a gut and microbiome component, one of the mechanisms that acupuncture acts to support treatment.
• Fatigue related to breast cancer treatment - Acupuncture can help manage fatigue through gut-mediated mechanisms associated with breast cancer treatment.

Practical Tips for Acupuncture and Gut Health

These simple yet effective tips can help you enhance your gut health through a holistic approach, integrating acupuncture with supportive lifestyle and dietary practices.

1. Find a licensed acupuncturist around you - Check professional websites like your state acupuncture board or the NCCAOM’s “Find a Practitioner" resource for a qualified professional in your area.
2. Chinese digestive herbs and gut health supplements like our Horizon - Incorporating digestive herbs and supplements can help provide a well-rounded treatment for gut-related concerns.
3. Chinese diet therapy - Consider seeking help from a licensed acupuncturist for tips such as eating warm, cooked foods and avoiding cold, raw foods.
4. Frequency and duration of treatments - Treatment recommendations vary based on your individual intake, but I typically recommend a series of 1-2 treatments per week for 3-4 weeks before reassessing. Most studies last for 6-12 weeks, with 1-2 treatments per week for reference.
5. Incorporate other nervous system regulation techniques - Regulating the nervous system with active techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and exercise will help to maximize the effectiveness of acupuncture.

Conclusion

Acupuncture can be a powerful, holistic way to support gut health by promoting balance in the gut-brain axis and addressing various digestive issues. Through its ancient and contemporary techniques, acupuncture can enhance digestive function, reduce stress, and support overall well-being.

Whether you're struggling with IBS, acid reflux, or simply looking to optimize your gut health, acupuncture can be a valuable piece of your wellness puzzle. By integrating acupuncture with supportive lifestyle practices and seeking the help of a licensed practitioner, you can achieve lasting improvements in your digestive health.

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