Acupuncture for Indigestion: Effectiveness, Risks, and More

If you’re tired of popping antacids every time your stomach starts acting up, you’re not alone. Many people experience symptoms like bloating, lack of appetite, belching, acid reflux, or that uncomfortable feeling of fullness after meals—often lumped under the term “indigestion¹.” Western medicine typically prescribes prokinetics or proton pump inhibitors², but there’s another option that’s been gaining attention worldwide: acupuncture.

Let’s dive into how this traditional Chinese therapy may ease indigestion, what the research says, and how you might benefit.

People tortured by digestive problems are seeking help from traditional Chinese medicine physicians.

Table of Contents

What Is Indigestion?

Indigestion generally refers to functional dyspepsia, a group of symptoms including³:

Poor appetite
Upper abdominal bloating
Belching
Acid reflux
Feeling full quickly after a meal

These symptoms can come and go. While Western treatments might involve drugs that boost gastrointestinal motility or protect the stomach lining, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) often uses both herbal remedies and external treatments, such as acupuncture⁴.

How can acupuncture help with indigestion problems?

Acupuncture is a technique where thin needles are inserted into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow (or “Qi”) and restore balance⁵. In TCM, indigestion relates to imbalances in the spleen, stomach, liver, and gallbladder meridians⁶. By targeting specific acupoints associated with these meridians, acupuncture may:

Promote Faster Symptom Relief
Many practitioners note that acupuncture can work more quickly than oral medication for acute indigestion. It may help relieve discomfort in a matter of minutes or hours⁷.
Reduce Side Effects
Unlike certain drugs that can come with side effects like headaches, dizziness, or changes in gut flora, acupuncture has a relatively low risk profile when performed by a licensed professional.
Improve GI Motility and Function
Acupuncture points on the spleen and stomach meridians—like Zhongwan (CV 12), Hegu (LI 4), and Zusanli (ST 36)—have been used for centuries to stimulate digestive function, reduce bloating, and regulate stomach acid levels⁸.
Address Underlying Stress
Stress and anxiety (often linked to what TCM calls “liver Qi stagnation”) can worsen digestive issues⁹. Acupuncture is believed to help calm the nervous system and rebalance this relationship between liver and spleen-stomach, thereby easing stress-related digestion problems¹⁰.

Summary: Acupuncture uses thin needles at specific body points to balance energy flow (Qi) and may help with indigestion by targeting related meridians. It can provide quick symptom relief, has fewer side effects than medications, improves digestion, and reduces stress-related digestive issues.

patient practicing acupuncture in alternative medicine clinic — Photo by Ryutaro Tsukata on Pexels.com

Common Acupoints for Indigestion

Below are a few acupoints frequently used to tackle functional dyspepsia:

Union Valley (Hegu or LI-4) Location — (Hegu or LI-4) Location image: 中医王芹 on douyin

Zhongwan (CV 12): Found on the midline of the abdomen, above the navel. Often described as the go-to point for “all spleen-stomach troubles¹¹.”
Zusanli (ST 36): Located on the lower leg, this point is famous for boosting digestion and overall vitality—people even call it the “longevity point.”
Hegu (LI 4): Situated between the thumb and index finger. Known for its wide-ranging effects, including pain relief and stress reduction.

Depending on your TCM diagnosis, a practitioner might also include points on the liver or gallbladder meridians to address stress, emotional factors, or sluggish digestion.

What the Research Says

In recent years, a growing body of evidence has highlighted acupuncture’s potential for functional dyspepsia:

Large-Scale Multi-Center Studies
A 2020 randomized controlled trial of 278 patients with postprandial distress syndrome found that 4 weeks of acupuncture significantly eased bloating and early satiety—and these benefits lasted up to 12 weeks after treatment ended¹².
Comparisons to Western Medication
Several trials report that acupuncture can match or even surpass Western medications (like acid-suppressing drugs) in effectiveness. One study with 90 patients showed a 93.33% effectiveness rate for acupuncture, with fewer side effects than drug therapy¹³.
Safety and Patient Compliance
Research from 2020 and 2023 consistently notes fewer side effects and high patient compliance with acupuncture. Participants reported they were more inclined to continue acupuncture than medication, largely because of better tolerance and personal comfort¹⁴¹⁵.

Summary: Recent studies show acupuncture effectively reduces bloating and early fullness in functional dyspepsia, often outperforming medications with fewer side effects and higher patient satisfaction. Benefits can last weeks after treatment.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Acupuncture is generally safe, but like any treatment, it can come with minimal risks¹⁶:

Soreness or Bruising: Some people feel a slight pinch or lingering tenderness where the needles are inserted.
Rare Complications: In extremely uncommon cases, needles inserted improperly could cause nerve or organ damage.
Not for Everyone: People with pacemakers, bleeding disorders, or severe skin issues should discuss safety concerns with a medical provider.

Always ensure you’re treated by a licensed professional who uses clean, disposable needles.

Getting Started

If you are ready to use acupuncture as a solution for indigestion, you can refer to the following steps:

Consult Both Sides
If you suspect you have functional dyspepsia, it’s a good idea to get a proper evaluation from a gastroenterologist first. Then, consider consulting a TCM doctor or licensed acupuncturist who specializes in digestive issues.
Share Your Symptoms
TCM tailors treatment to your specific “pattern.” For example, some people have “spleen and stomach deficiency,” while others struggle with “liver–stomach disharmony.” Make sure to describe all your symptoms so your acupuncturist can personalize your session.
Combine Therapies
You don’t always have to choose between Western medication and acupuncture. Many people find that a combination of treatments—plus a healthy diet and stress management—works best.
Stick With It
Functional dyspepsia isn’t a one-and-done deal¹⁷. Even if you feel better quickly, multiple sessions may provide the most significant and lasting relief. Studies show ongoing benefits often persist after a series of treatments ends.

Bottom Line

Acupuncture for indigestion shows promise as a quick, low-risk way to soothe bloating, reflux, and other stomach woes. It offers a more natural alternative or complement to conventional drugs, with fewer side effects for many people. By targeting key meridians and balancing the body’s internal systems, acupuncture may provide both immediate symptom relief and longer-term digestive harmony.

If you’re looking for an approach that aligns with both ancient tradition and modern research, acupuncture could be worth a shot. Just remember to see a trained practitioner and let all your healthcare providers know about any treatments you’re using—so you get the most comprehensive, coordinated care possible.