Indigestion may be caused by a variety of factors, but most commonly results from eating too much, eating during stressful situations and a high-fat diet. A symptom rather than a disease, indigestion may also be caused by underlying imbalances within the body. It is estimated that approximately 62 million Americans experience digestive disorders on a regular basis.

 

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) utilizes acupuncture and moxibustion (burning mugwort or other medicinal herbs on selected acupuncture points) for the treatment of indigestion. Moxibustion acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, tonifies imbalances and is effective in the treatment of many gastrointestinal conditions. Some causes of indigestion such as hiatus hernia and stress are especially amenable to acupuncture treatment. Patients often experience long-term relief of their symptoms with acupuncture, as well as improved energy, digestion and decreased stress. Acupuncture can also be used in conjunction with conventional therapies without negative interactions.

 

Acupuncture therapy for indigestion selects certain points on the body that speed up metabolism, regulate digestive processes, increase gastrointestinal muscle contraction and relaxation, and reduce gastric acid secretion. For patients with indigestion, acupuncture restores stomach acidity to normal levels and regulates small and large intestine function. Changes in lifestyle factors and diet modification are often integrated into the acupuncture course of treatment in order to correct dietary imbalances and regulate digestion.

 

In conjunction with Chinese herbal medicine and stress reduction techniques, acupuncture is beneficial in treating general gastrointestinal symptoms, nourishes related organs and contributes to medication-free digestive system health maintenance. The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as an effective treatment for digestive imbalance. For more information about acupuncture for the treatment of indigestion as well as other digestive disorders