What We Treat: Digestive Disturbances

The Japanese refer to the area where digestion occurs as the hara, or the center of being. When looking at the abdominal area as our center of being we begin to understand why it is perceived as the cornerstone of good health and wellness. Proper digestion provides essential nourishment and support for our body. If our body cannot efficiently metabolize all that we give it, then thriving is hampered.

The act of transforming food and drink into energy and into the components that make up our bodies is referred to as digestion. Therefore, it should be strong and work harmoniously day and night. Some manifestations of poor digestive health, which typically respond extremely well to acupuncture, are IBS, IBD, bloating, gas, constant hunger, lack of hunger, nausea and vomiting, acid reflux, colitis, Crohn's disease, diarrhea, and constipation.

Digestion occurs in the center part of our body. Chinese medicine has found that physical disharmonies can also cause emotional disharmonies. When our middle is not functioning properly, not only do we suffer physically but we can feel off center and unbalanced emotionally.

When trying to make an important decision, our culture talks about "going with your gut." There can be good reason for this. One scientific explanation for why we may want to go with our gut feelings is because there are nerve cells in the gut that act similar to the brain. In the book, The Second Brain, Michael Gershon, MD, writes about how we have two "brains," one in the head and one in the gut. These two "brains" must work collaboratively and if they don't, there is disharmony.

Disturbances to our digestive system are not new to our culture, however, regular use of antibiotics, over farming of soil, ingestion of high fructose corn syrup and chemically processed packaged foods are new. These and other factors can radically upset the natural digestive process. Acupuncture and lifestyle changes can be very successful in the reduction and relief of gastric disharmony. In some cases, herbal remedies are a key part to success as well.

With the improvement of digestion comes the improvement of the whole body and mind. At Metro Acupuncture we believe that poor digestion can be alleviated with acupuncture, herbal medicine and positive life style changes. Please feel free to contact us about specific questions you have about how we can be of help.