Acupuncture is an ancient healing technique that may provide relief for various gastrointestinal issues. This article explores how acupuncture can help improve gut health and digestive function.
Acupuncture for Digestive Symptoms
Acupuncture involves stimulating specific points on the body by inserting very thin needles into the skin. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that this helps regulate the flow of Qi (vital energy) along meridian pathways to restore balance and well-being [1].
Modern research suggests acupuncture impacts the autonomic nervous system, which controls gut function [2]. Studies indicate acupuncture may improve symptoms of conditions like:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Dyspepsia
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Gas and bloating
Both individual acupuncture points and full-body acupuncture treatments may provide relief by relaxing and regulating intestinal muscle contractions and secretions [3].
Mechanisms of Action
Acupuncture is believed to influence digestion through several mechanisms, including [4]:
- Increasing blood flow and oxygen supply to the intestines
- Reducing inflammation in the digestive tract
- Modulating gut-brain signals to improve motility
- Activating natural painkillers like endorphins
- Lowering stress hormones involved in GI symptoms
This helps restore normal function in the enteric nervous system that controls digestion and intestinal muscle activity.
Acupuncture Points for Digestion
Some of the most common acupuncture points used for digestive health include:
- ST25 (Tianshu) – front midline point, soothes intestines
- ST36 (Zusanli) – lower leg point, promotes healthy digestion
- ST37 (Shangjuxu) – lower leg point, regulates intestinal function
- ST39 (Xiajuxu) – lower leg point, relieves abdominal pain and bloating
- PC6 (Neiguan) – inner wrist point, reduces nausea and vomiting
Acupuncturists may also target points along the stomach, spleen, liver, and large intestine meridians depending on your symptoms.
What to Expect During Treatment
- Acupuncture sessions last about 30 minutes and involve lying still as 5-20 hair-thin needles are inserted at specific points on the body.
- Points on the abdomen, legs, feet, hands and ears related to digestion are commonly used.
- You may feel a mild aching, tingling, warmth, or heaviness around the insertion sites.
- Needles remain in place for 10-30 minutes while you relax. Your acupuncturist may apply manual stimulation.
- You can resume normal activities after needles are removed. Drink plenty of water following treatment.
- Most people experience gradual improvement in digestive symptoms over the course of 6-12 acupuncture sessions.
Is Acupuncture Right for You?
Talk to your healthcare provider before trying acupuncture if you have any medical conditions, take blood thinners, or have a pacemaker or other implanted device. While generally very safe when performed correctly, there is a small risk of minor bleeding or bruising at needle sites.
Research suggests acupuncture can be a beneficial complementary treatment approach along with conventional care and lifestyle measures like probiotics and dietary changes [5]. Acupuncture offers a way to help restore normal GI function and reduce uncomfortable symptoms naturally.
References
[1] Acupuncture: What You Need To Know. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-what-you-need-to-know
[2] Acupuncture for gastrointestinal disorders: myth or magic. National Institutes of Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1773431/
[3] Acupuncture and Digestion. BadGut. https://badgut.org/information-centre/a-z-digestive-topics/acupuncture-and-digestion/
[4] Here’s How Acupuncture Can Improve Your Gut Health. Eat This Not That. https://www.eatthis.com/acupuncture-for-gut-health/
[5] Acupuncture for gastrointestinal disorders: An overview of systematic reviews. PLoS One. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5427521/
