At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we are committed to providing a holistic, non-surgical approach to pain management and health improvement. While we primarily focus on musculoskeletal problems, our practice recognizes the interconnectedness of the body’s systems and offers complementary treatment options, like acupuncture, that work to alleviate a broad range of ailments, including digestive dysfunction.Â
Acupuncture: An Ancient and Modern Medical Marvel
Acupuncture, an art and science that originated in ancient China, has been administered as a medical treatment for thousands of years. It involves the insertion of hairline-thin needles into specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points.
The basic premise of acupuncture is that it helps to restore the free flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”) — the vital energy that circulates through the body’s pathways, known as meridians. According to traditional Chinese medicine, disruptions in the flow of Qi can lead to illness and pain, including digestive issues.
In recent decades, Western medicine has come to accept acupuncture as a viable treatment for pain relief and many other conditions. The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognizes acupuncture as a worthwhile therapeutic method for certain conditions, and acupuncture treatments are often covered by Medicare and other health insurance. This acceptance is based on a growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating acupuncture’s positive impact on the nervous system, the circulatory system, and the immune system.
An Acupuncture Treatment Described
Acupuncture sessions at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine take place in a calm and comforting environment. Your treatment begins with a detailed assessment of your health history and current symptoms. Our licensed acupuncturist then selects specific acupuncture points to target depending on your specific needs.
You will be asked to lie down on a treatment table and relax. One of our highly trained acupuncturists will gently insert hairline-thin sterile needles into the designated acupuncture points. The needles are typically left in place for 20 to 30 minutes while you rest. Patients normally feel a sense of deep relaxation during treatment; some doze off.
Digestive Disorders That May Be Helped by Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used to treat a wide range of digestive disorders, and frequently provides welcome relief to patients who have been struggling for years with digestive issues that haven’t been helped by other therapeutic methods. Digestive disorders that may benefit from acupuncture include:
Crohn’s disease: Acupuncture can alleviate the bloating, cramping, and stomach pain of Crohn’s disease.
Gastritis and Inflammation: Acupuncture can reduce inflammation and promote healing in the stomach lining.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acupuncture can help reduce the frequency and intensity of acid reflux episodes.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation can be alleviated with acupuncture.
Nausea and Vomiting: Acupuncture can be especially effective for nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy or the morning sickness common in early pregnancy.
Peptic Ulcers: Acupuncture may promote healing of the ulcerated areas and reduce pain and discomfort.
Ulcerative colitis (UC): Acupuncture can help relieve the UC inflammation and reduce symptoms of diarrhea (sometimes bloody), bowel urgency, and tenesmus (feeling the need to have a bowel movement without being able to), bloating, and cramping.
All of these digestive issues are difficult to bear, interfering with productivity and quality of life. Acupuncture can be helpful in relieving the misery associated with these dysfunctions by promoting relaxation, having a positive effect on gastrointestinal motility, and stimulating the body’s production of endorphins that block the perception of pain and increase feelings of well-being.
Benefits Acupuncture Provides for Patients With Digestive Disorders
Acupuncture is more than just a means of relieving pain — it’s a comprehensive therapy that influences various physiological systems. Acupuncture can improve digestive disorders because it works throughout the body to:
- Increase circulation, enhancing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells in the digestive tract, accelerating healing.
- Reduce inflammation, a common culprit in many digestive disorders.
- Provide pain relief by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which can alleviate abdominal pain and discomfort.
- Regulate digestive function by promoting balance in the intestinal tract to regulate bowel movements and acid and gas production.
- Reduce stress that often exacerbates digestive problems by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
- Speed the relay of electromagnetic signals, releasing immune system cells and promoting healing.
Troubled by Digestive Issues? Acupuncture May Be the Answer
The doctors at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine went into the field of pain management out of a profound commitment to relieving suffering. We know how dreadful living with a serious digestive issue can be and are eager to help you get your life back in balance. Acupuncture is a painless, holistic treatment with no serious side effects that has offered millions of patients a path toward health. Contact us today to discuss whether acupuncture administered by our highly skilled professionals is the right treatment for you.