Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Listen on YouTube Listen on Amazon Music

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

AcuExams Made Easy PDF

ST Heat Video

Podcast #27: Supporting Emotional Trauma Patients through TCM & Acupuncture

TCM treatments for Constipation PDF

Basic TCM Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis

Show Notes

Digestive issues affect a significant portion of the global population, and chronic conditions like constipation, acid reflux, and IBS can severely impact quality of life. In this podcast episode, I discussed the top 15 acupuncture points for relieving digestive symptoms, and the root causes of digestive issues according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). And of course, I shared my very personal journey of overcoming chronic constipation through acupuncture and emotional healing.

 

A Personal Journey 🏞️

My journey with digestive health began early in life. My father passed away when I was just five years old, leaving my mother to raise three kids on her own. Despite her love and care, I struggled with chronic constipation for over 30 years. My diet was high in fiber, I drank plenty of water, and I stayed active, but nothing seemed to provide lasting relief—until I discovered the root cause of my issues, with the help of Chinese medicine.

Understanding Digestion Disorders 🤔

Chronic constipation affects approximately 20% of the adult population worldwide, particularly women and older adults. Other common digestive disorders include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, peptic ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, gallstones, celiac disease, diverticulitis, and chronic diarrhea.

As acupuncturists, our goal is to treat the root cause of these disorders, not just the symptoms. It’s essential to address the underlying issues, restore balance to the digestive system, and offer diet and lifestyle recommendations.

 

TCM’s View on the Digestive System ☯️

In TCM, the digestive system is seen as a complex network involving several organs, with the spleen and stomach at the center. The spleen transforms and transports nutrients throughout the body, while the stomach breaks down food for the spleen to filter. Other key organs involved in digestion include the liver, large intestine, small intestine, and gallbladder.

The interconnectedness of these organs means that a problem in one can affect the entire digestive system. For example, stress can lead to Qi stagnation, causing conditions like chronic constipation.

 

Top 15 Acupuncture Points for Digestive Health ✨

  1. Stomach 36 (ST36)
    • Commanding point of the digestive and immune systems.
  2. Spleen 6 (SP6)
    • The crossing point of the liver, kidney, and spleen meridians.
  3. Liver 13 (LR13)
    • Front-mu point of the spleen.
  4. Liver 14 (LR14)
    • Excellent for upper digestive discomfort and liver-related issues.
  5. Ren 12 (REN12)
    • Front-mu point of the stomach and influential point of the Fu organs.
  6. Pericardium 6 (PC6)
    • Key point for heartburn, acid reflux, nausea, and anxiety-induced digestive issues.
  7. Ren 17 (REN17)
    • Located at the esophagus, great for heartburn and acid reflux.
  8. Stomach 34 (ST34)
    • Xi-cleft point of the stomach meridian, effective for acute stomach pain.
  9. Large Intestine 4 (LI4)
    • Best point for pain and long-standing large intestine issues.
  10. Stomach 25 (ST25)
    • Front-mu point of the large intestine, vital for constipation and diarrhea.
  11. Stomach 37 (ST37)
    • Lower He-sea point of the large intestine, good for excess bowel patterns.
  12. Spleen 3 (SP3)
    • Yuan-source point of the spleen, important for nutrient absorption issues.
  13. Stomach 40 (ST40)
    • Luo-connecting point, excellent for phlegm and metabolic issues.
  14. Ren 9 (REN9)
    • Part of the digestive diamond, effective for general digestive system issues.
  15. Ren 6 (REN6)
    • Another key point for the digestive diamond.

Addressing Upper Digestive Tract Issues 🔥

For upper digestive tract symptoms like GERD, acid reflux, and nausea, the following points are particularly effective:

  • Liver 14
  • Ren 12
  • Pericardium 6
  • Ren 17
  • Stomach 34

 

Addressing Lower Digestive Tract Issues 💩

For lower digestive tract issues, including diarrhea and constipation, these points are essential:

  • Stomach 25
  • Large Intestine 4
  • Stomach 37
  • Spleen 3
  • Stomach 40

The “digestive diamond” combination of Ren 9, Ren 6, and Stomach 25 is also highly effective for overall digestive health.

 

 

The Emotional Connection 🧠

Through my own experience and years of practice, I’ve learned that emotional health plays a crucial role in digestion health. Repressed emotions can manifest as chronic digestive issues. For me, working through the unresolved emotions surrounding my father’s death with a counselor was key to overcoming my chronic constipation.

The digestive system is central to our overall health, and acupuncture offers powerful tools to address various digestion disorders at their root. By integrating diet, lifestyle recommendations, and acupuncture, we can empower patients to achieve better health outcomes.

 

 

Disclaimer

The Acupro Show podcast and material shared through Acupro Academy is a subdivision of Natural Health Sense Incorporated. Designed solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The utilization of information from this podcast or any associated material is at the user’s discretion and risk. This content is not meant to replace the guidance of an acupuncturist. Nor Chinese medicine doctor, medical doctor, physician, or any qualified professional. It is not a substitute for proper diagnosis or treatment. As well as, users are strongly advised not to ignore or postpone seeking medical advice. For any existing medical condition with their healthcare professional. Regarding any health concerns.

 

Need the podcast transcript? Click here!