Gastrointestinal Issues
Gastrointestinal health affects the entire body inside out, from the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems to the skin. The GI tract not only digests and absorbs nutrients; it is also the seat of our immune system.
In TCM, digestive health is closely linked to the spleen and stomach, which are responsible for transforming food into energy and transporting nutrients throughout the body. Whole Systems Traditional Chinese Medicine (WS-TCM) is uniquely effective in treating gastrointestinal issues because it addresses the complex gut-brain axis—a network that links the endocrine, immune, and autonomic nervous systems. These connections influence the emotional and physical pattern that manifests in your body. That pattern varies from person to person, requiring an individualized approach to bring balance back to the mind and body through acupuncture, herbs, diet, and lifestyle counseling. Our practitioners have 50+ years of collective clinical experience, and our experience in gastrointestinal health includes treatment for:
Abdominal pain
Heartburn and acid reflux
Nausea
Diarrhea and constipation
as well as constipation in babies, opioid-induced constipation, and other serious conditions such as Crohn’s disease and diverticulitis.
Give Your Gut the Attention it Deserves
WS-TCM attends to diet, nutrition, lifestyle, and stress on a person-by-person basis. Once we assess and determine your individual pattern, a diagnosis emerges. We then structure an appropriate plan to treat your pattern and alleviate your symptoms. This 3-month program may consist of:
Individualized Treatment
24 Acupuncture Treatments
6 Customized Chinese Herbal Formulas
Gua-Sha, Tui Na, Cupping & Ear Seeds
Information & Education
Alongside TCM therapies, restoration of proper digestion may require diet and lifestyle modifications, such as stress management, regular exercise, and healthy sleep patterns.
How do we Treat Gastrointestinal Issues?
We use several TCM techniques to treat gastrointestinal issues. We start by learning about you - your health history, eating/lifestyle habits, stress levels, age, and anything else that might help us design the most optimal plan for you. At Garden Acupuncture, we address the root cause, or underlying factors that may be contributing to your GI concerns. Examples include stress, emotional tension, and hormonal imbalances.
One of the main treatments we use is acupuncture. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points throughout the body to stimulate the flow of Qi (AKA vital energy) and blood, which promotes balance throughout the body and helps to alleviate symptoms. Acupoints located on the limbs and abdomen, as well as organs associated with your specific needs, will be targeted. Stimulating these points can help regulate overall digestive functioning, reduce inflammation, relieve discomfort, and more.
Another mode of treatment we use involves Chinese herbs. If part of your treatment plan, we will prescribe you customized herbal formulas that will be tailored to your individual GI issues. These herbal remedies are natural and are typically a combination of plant-based ingredients (Chinese herbs) that are known for having properties that aid the digestive system. Ginger, licorice, peppermint, and rhubarb are a few Chinese herbs used in some of our formulas. They are also great standalone herbs that you could incorporate into your lifestyle/dietary habits. The herbal formulas we create for you work synergistically to strengthen your spleen and stomach. In doing so, they help to regulate bowel movements, improve overall digestion, and soothe any gastrointestinal inflammation. Additionally, we may include herbs with antibacterial and antiviral properties to address possible infections or imbalances in gut flora (gut bacteria/microbiome).
Dietary therapy is an integral modality used by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. To treat GI concerns, we focus on maintaining a balanced diet to support all aspects of digestive function. First, it is important to highlight that you should always strive to consume foods that are in season. We recommend consuming warm, cooked foods because they tend to be easier to digest. Examples include soups, stews, and steamed vegetables. Avoid raw, cold, greasy, and spicy foods. Avoiding these, as well as overeating in general, can prevent GI disturbances and promote optimal function of the digestive system. We will provide you guidance on specific foods and herbs to include or exclude from your diet based on your individual needs and seasonal patterns.
Lastly, we recommend considering lifestyle modifications. This might mean that you will have to finally curb some of those bad habits you’ve compiled over the years. Incorporating healthy practices such as mind-body techniques, stress reduction techniques, and regular physical activity can greatly improve your GI health. Mind-body practices such as Qi Gong, Tai Chi, meditation, and deep breathing are great for reducing stress, releasing emotional tension, and helping to relax the body. Regular physical activity and adequate (AND quality) sleep are also essential for maintaining healthy digestion and supporting GI function as well as overall well-being.
Unlock Your Potential for Wellness with Exclusive Acupuncture Solutions in Brooklyn. Meet unmatched acupuncture expertise with 40+ years of experience. Start investing in your health with elite healing solutions and experience “the best acupuncture in NYC”. Book today!
— Chaya M., Brooklyn
