We hear this a lot. Complaints about gas, bloating, acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea, pain, these are the most common digestive system complaints.
Often, patients have already been to the GI doctor and have had a bunch of tests. Everything checks out, no ulcer, no cancer, no blockages, no other major disease, yet the symptoms persist.
One strategy that patients use to get relief from their symptoms is to visit the pharmacy and try some of the many over the counter medicines such as the acid reducers, the all-purpose Pepto-Bismol, there are tons more. Often, they don’t help. Or only provide short term relief.
Another approach is to start avoiding suspect foods, maybe eliminating gluten, dairy, nuts, spicy foods, whatever they suspect could be causing the problem. The results from eliminating foods can be very confusing. It is also possible to have lab testing for food sensitivity, but the results are often confusing and unreliable.
So, what does acupuncture do for digestive system problems? First, we listen to you. We understand that digestive symptom problems significantly affect your life and that you need to feel better. We know that just because your diagnostic and lab tests are normal, does not mean that you aren’t suffering. We take a through history, review all the symptoms you experience, and all the treatment approaches you have tried. We do a through Chinese Medicine evaluation including taking your pulse and looking at your tongue. We make a diagnosis. You see, from a Chinese Medicine perspective, there are many potential diagnoses for digestive problems, and it is important for us to make the correct diagnosis, so that we can provide you with a treatment plan that works.
What does a typical treatment plan for digestive complaints look like? It will be individual to you and likely will include acupuncture and a custom Chinese Herbal formula made especially for you. We may suggest some supplements if we think they are important for you and may make diet and/or other lifestyle recommendations.
We are committed to helping you regain your health. Make an appointment for a free consultation, and lets get going!!
Take Care
Ann & Emily
