Food is something that we enjoy and at the same time, also nourishes us. When your digestion is imbalanced, you may feel physical pain as well as some anxiety about it. The worry about whether a certain food will trigger your pain, whether there will be a lavatory nearby or worries like whether it’s “safe” for you to catch public transport. Without a well-functioning digestive system, your body cannot get the nutrients it needs and you will function sluggishly, often feeling tired and heavy.

Digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can significantly impact one’s quality of life. While conventional treatments such as medication and surgery are often effective, some people seek alternative therapies like Chinese medicine to improve their digestive health.

Chinese medicine, which includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy, has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions, including digestive issues. Let’s take a closer look at how Chinese medicine can help improve digestive conditions and what the research says.

Chinese Medicine for Digestive Health: What the Studies Say

Several studies have investigated the effectiveness of acupuncture and herbal medicine for digestive conditions. A review of 25 randomized controlled trials found that acupuncture was effective for reducing IBS symptoms, such as abdominal pain and bloating (source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3689182/).

Another study compared acupuncture to a medication commonly used for acid reflux and found that both treatments were equally effective for reducing symptoms (source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25637159).

Herbal medicine has also been shown to improve digestive conditions. A study of 116 people with IBD found that a Chinese herbal formula was effective for inducing and maintaining remission (source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5560567/).

Chinese Medicine Dietary Therapy for Digestive Health

In addition to acupuncture and herbal medicine, Chinese medicine dietary therapy can also be helpful for improving digestive conditions. According to Chinese medicine, certain foods can help balance the body’s energy and promote healing.

For example, Chinese medicine dietary therapy recommends consuming warming foods, such as ginger and cinnamon, to improve digestion and reduce symptoms of coldness, such as bloating and diarrhea. On the other hand, cooling foods, such as cucumber and watermelon, are recommended for reducing symptoms of heat, such as heartburn and constipation.

In addition to specific foods, Chinese medicine dietary therapy emphasizes mindful eating practices, such as chewing food thoroughly and eating slowly, to improve digestion.

Is Chinese Medicine Safe for Digestive Conditions?

While Chinese medicine is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed practitioner, there are some risks to consider. For example, acupuncture can cause bruising, bleeding, and infection if not performed correctly. Herbal medicine can also interact with medications and cause side effects if not used appropriately.

It’s important to consult with a registered Chinese medicine practitioner, such as those from Health in Flow Chinese Medicine, based in Melbourne CBD, and to inform them of any medical conditions or medications you are taking before starting treatment.

Digestive conditions which Chinese medicine may help you with include conditions such as:

• bloating
• sensitive digestion
• stomach pain
• diarrhoea or constipation
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)/heartburn/acid reflux
• peptic ulcer disease (oesophageal/stomach/duodenal ulcers)
• ulcerative colitis
• Crohn’s disease
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• weight loss

Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy, can be a safe and effective alternative therapy for improving digestive conditions. Many people have reported significant symptom improvement after Chinese medicine treatments. If you are considering Chinese medicine for digestive health, please feel free to get in touch with us.

Image by stefamerpik on Freepik