Healing the digestive system is one of our specialties at Harmony + Health Acupuncture. Common complaints from digestive patients include gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux, pain, fatigue, foggy brain.
Many patients have been to a GI specialist, who has run a bunch of lab and diagnostic tests, all or most of which have normal results. Yet the patient feels terrible. That is where we come in.
Chinese medicine excels at treating digestive disorders because there are many different types of imbalances in the body that can lead to digestive distress. The Chinese medicine diagnostic system which includes careful questioning about history, analysis of signs and symptoms and analysis of pulse, blood pressure and tongue will lead us to the correct diagnosis for you. A good diagnosis then leads to an acupuncture and herbal prescription that is individualized and ideal for each person.
Though each person is different and will receive a different treatment, there are some suggestions we make for all patients, especially those that suffer from digestive problems.
Healing the Digestive System 101:
- Avoid processed foods. This means foods you buy in boxes, cans, bags, with ingredient lists that include chemicals, flavorings, food additives, food dyes, natural flavorings, etc. Fast food is also highly processed.
- Avoid GMO foods. Look for the non-GMO label. GMO foods are genetically modified so that they can be sprayed with chemicals such as Roundup which contains glyphosate. Glyphosate is a toxin that alters the stomach, and most importantly changes the normal microbial balance of the gut. By the way, organic foods are by definition GMO free.
- Increase stress management. It is important to balance stress (which we all have) with non- stress activities or time. When you are stressed, the body automatically shunts circulation away from the digestive system. If this happens too much, your digestion will become suboptimal.
- Chew your food. Digestion begins in the mouth. Saliva begins the process of breaking down your food. Let this all-important process work for you by slowing down eating, and fully chewing every bite.
- Limit cold and raw foods. It is harder for the digestive system to break down cold or raw foods. Cooking begins the process of breaking the food down, which is easier on a compromised digestive system.
- Avoid ibuprofen, naproxen and other NSAID’s. These common pain-relieving drugs are very hard on the digestive system. Avoid them if you can.
If you make all the Digestive System 101 changes, you may notice an improvement in your health. If the changes are not enough for you to feel awesome, make an appointment with us for a consultation, and we will work out a customized plan so that you can feel great again.
Take care
Dr. Ann
