Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is a common but very uncomfortable condition. Symptoms include, but are not limited to:
Abdominal pain
Bloating
Nausea
Belching
Acid reflux
Uncomfortable sensation of heaviness/fullness after eating
Dyspepsia is often linked to gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) and gastritis, but can occur without these conditions present. In western medicine, dyspepsia is often treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPI). However, long-term use of PPIs has been linked to gastric cell atrophy, which can cause cancer. With acupuncture, dyspepsia can be cured naturally for the greatest relief without side effects.
Acupuncture for Dyspepsia
Acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system to regulate the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which controls peristalsis (the involuntary contractions of the intestines that move material through the bowels).
By stimulating the central nervous system, acupuncture also releases endorphins and serotonin, the body's natural pain killers, to reduce pain caused by unbalanced digestion.
In clinical study, acupuncture had a total effective rate of 95.4% at treating dyspepsia. Comparatively, domperidone, a dopamine blocking drug used to promote digestion, only had an 84.1% effective rate. Side effects of domperidone include dizziness, dry mouth, stomach cramps, and itching, whereas acupuncture patients experience no negative side effects.
Diet for Dyspepsia
Dietary adjustments should also be considered to relieve dyspepsia. Ingesting very cold food and liquids can weaken your digestive system. Warm liquids relax the muscles and reduce bloating. Avoiding drinking very cold water with your meals can ease post-meal bloating and pain. An anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Paleo or other gluten-free diet, could also ease symptoms. Introducing a digestive enzyme supplement or ginger to your routine can stimulate bile production and prevent food from fermenting in the gut and causing gas and bloating. Always consult with a licensed functional medicine practitioner before making drastic dietary changes or adding a supplement.
If you suffer from indigestion and its debilitating symptoms, take the first step to natural recovery! Call us at (321) 972-2940 to schedule an initial health consultation.
Sources:
Calabro, Sara. "Stop Bloating: 11 Tips from Acupuncturists." (December 6, 2013). Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/sara-calabro/acupuncture-practice_b_4344224.html
HealthCMI. "Acupuncture Over Drugs for Indigestion." (August 12, 2017). Retrieved from http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1777-acupuncture-over-drugs-for-indigestion
HealthCMI. "Acupuncture Stops Indigestion Research." (February 10, 2012). Retrieved from http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/488-acupunctureceusstopsindigestion