Digestive Issues

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises acupuncture as an effective treatment for several gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, and functional dyspepsia.

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From a modern scientific perspective, acupuncture works by stimulating nerve fibers in the body and sending signals to the brain to release various chemicals and hormones that help to regulate bodily functions. In the case of digestive issues, acupuncture can help to stimulate the digestive system and regulate the movement of food through the digestive tract.

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Several high-level studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating digestive issues. A meta-analysis published in the journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that acupuncture significantly improved symptoms of IBS compared to a control group. Another study published in the journal of Gastroenterology found that acupuncture was effective in treating functional dyspepsia, a condition characterized by pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, bloating, and nausea.

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Acupuncture has also been shown to be effective in treating nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and postoperative recovery. A meta-analysis published in the journal of Oncology Nursing Forum found that acupuncture reduced the severity of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

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References:

1. Shi Y, et al. (2019). Acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019: 1259379.

2. Yao R, et al. (2019). Efficacy of acupuncture for functional dyspepsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Gastroenterology Research and Practice, 2019: 8363087.

3. Chen Y, et al. (2016). Acupuncture for nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. Oncology Nursing Forum, 43(5), E151-E161.