“I don’t know what I should eat any more.”
“It feels like my food is just stuck in my stomach.”
“I’m having wicked heartburn.”
“I think I’m developing sensitivities or allergies to foods I used to be able to eat.”
“I have to avoid restaurants and social invitations involving food.”
“Why am I bloated all the time?”
“If I don’t poop I have an awful day.”
“I’m so tired.”
Emerging research is only beginning to scratch the surface on the importance of our digestive health and the impact that has on our physical and mental well being.
The “gut microbiome” is an ecological community of all of the bacteria that live in our digestive tract (especially the colon) that not only help us absorb nutrients from our food, but also influence our immunity, mood, and behavior.
Chinese Medicine has emphasized digestive health as a central component of resilience for thousands of years.
Using acupuncture and herbs, we can regulate the neuro/endocrine systems of the body to allow for improved digestive function.
We can drive more blood to the digestive tract so that more nutrition can be extracted from our foods.
We can help to cultivate the microbiome, and create conditions that are ideal for beneficial bacteria to thrive.
Of course, you’ll still want to eat a bunch of sauerkraut and other ferments. Of course you’ll still want to minimize junk food. Of course you’ll learn to eat in a relaxed, unhurried, enjoyable setting.
A healthy digestive system means:
- Good Appetite
- Ample Saliva
- Easy Swallowing
- Proper Stomach Movement
- Appropriate Gall Bladder and Pancreatic Enzyme Release
- Efficient Absorption of Nutrients and Fluids
- Versatile and Diverse Microbiome
- Smooth, Regular Bowel Movements
Signs of dysfunction:
- Excessive Cravings
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Bitter/Sour Taste in Mouth
- Acid Reflux, Vomiting
- Ulcers
- Belching, Hiccups
- Bloating
- Pain
- Gas
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Food Allergies
- Malabsorption
Here are a few Digestive Health case studies successfully treated with acupuncture and herbs:
Denise, the 28 year-old entrepreneur with chicken stuck in her throat (Dysphagia)
Kristen, the 22 year-old who couldn’t poop (Constipation)
Renn, the toddler who ate too much dessert (Pediatric Diarrhea)
Jeannie, the 70 year-old whose belly was too cold (Diverticulitis)
Bill, the 42 year-old executive getting killed by business lunches (Food Stagnation)
Viviana, the 40 year-old that got panic attacks from Yoga (Food Allergies with Anxiety)