Resources

Digestion is a complex task performed by the body. Acupuncture can help simplify. It begins in the mouth and finishes when the ingested food leaves the body through the rectum. For all we have learned over the years regarding digestion, it continues to show importance in whole body health. In the last 10 years, modern medicine confirmed our gastrointestinal tract is our second brain. This discovery is drastically changing the way the body and its many functions are viewed, because everything we put in our mouths can potentially have life-altering effects on the mind, as well as the body.

Surveys estimate nearly 70 million people in the United States are affected by some sort of digestive disorder. This could be anything from acid reflux to pancreatitis. For many, these disorders are extremely debilitating. But for every person dealing with a debilitating digestive disorder, there are thousands more that just assume everything they are experiencing is “normal.”

Dr. Courtney Connell at Well Balanced, specializes in digestive symptoms and disease and is the primary practitioner for such ailments. His training in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) includes acupuncture and Chinese herbs. In addition, Dr. Courtney is a Functional Medicine practitioner, combining modern medicine blood work analysis and nutrition training to his integrated treatments. 

TCM is just one of the many ways people can deal with their digestive disorders. TCM is a very old medical system that utilizes many different modalities to treat imbalances in the body. Acupuncture is just one of the modalities that can be used. More and more studies about the effectiveness of acupuncture are being performed every day, many of which hold great promise for those who suffer from digestive issues.

Acupuncture helps with digestion because it treats the person holistically, meaning all parts are considered when treatment is rendered. There is no compartmentalizing as in Western medicine. So, a person being treated by Dr. Courtney will not only notice changes in their digestive issues, but they may also notice changes in their mental clarity and health as well. With the mind and body connection, these treatments bridge the gap and combine both aspects.

Symptoms and Disease Associated with Digestion that are treated by Dr. Courtney include:

• Autoimmune Disease
  • Chron’s
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Celiac
  • Diabetes 1
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Lupus
  • Psoriasis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Many More…
• Ulcers
• Indigestion
• Mental clarity
  • Mood swings
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

Studies have shown acupuncture can stimulate peristalsis in the intestinal tract. This is very helpful for people who deal with chronic constipation. In as few as one to two treatments, a person suffering from chronic constipation may find relief.

Nausea and vomiting are another frequent problem associated with digestion. Acupuncture and even acupressure are wonderful tools for calming the upset stomach. One acupressure point on the underside of the forearm has been studied extensively just for this function. In most cases, the nausea and vomiting are greatly decreased or stopped altogether.

Bloating is another common problem associated with the digestive tract. This can be caused by eating too much food or improper digestion. Acupuncture treatments help the digestive process of breaking down foods without the excess gas that frequently causes bloating.

Diarrhea isn’t just a problem that occurs when somebody is suffering from the stomach flu. In fact, it is much more common than many people think. Acupuncture treatments can help resolve diarrhea by clearing either excess heat or excess dampness from the digestive tract, while also strengthening it.

If you are curious about how Dr. Courtney can use acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine to help you with your digestive issues, ask us! We are happy to guide you along your healing journey.