MELBOURNE FERTILITY ACUPUNCTURE & INTEGRATED HEALTH CENTRE

Digestive Health

Absorb more from your food

IBS • Constipation • Malabsorption

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How does acupuncture help gut health?

Increases blood flow

May help in reducing inflammation

Aims to influence inflammatory and immune reactions, which may contribute to reduced swelling and bloating

Balances hormones

Potentially improves movement

Focuses on the central and autonomic nervous systems, which may help in regulating gut movement

Reduce reaction to triggers

Could mitigate emotional impact

Strives to lessen the physical effects that stress and cortisol can have on the digestive system

Increases blood flow

May help in reducing inflammation

Aims to influence inflammatory and immune reactions, which may contribute to reduced swelling and bloating

Balances hormones

Potentially improves movement

Focuses on the central and autonomic nervous systems, which may help in regulating gut movement

Reduce reaction to triggers

Could mitigate emotional impact

Strives to lessen the physical effects that stress and cortisol can have on the digestive system

How does acupuncture help gut health?

Increases blood flow

Reduce inflammation

Direct response on decreasing inflammatory and immune reaction to reduce swelling and bloating

Balances hormones

Improve movement

Targets the central nervous system and autonomic nervous system to regulate the movement of the gut

Reduce reaction to triggers

Mitigates emotional impact

Reduces the physical effects of stress and cortisol on the digestive system

Increases blood flow

Reduce inflammation

Direct response on decreasing inflammatory and immune reaction to reduce swelling and bloating

Balances hormones

Improve movement

Targets the central nervous system and autonomic nervous system to regulate the movement of the gut

Reduce reaction to triggers

Mitigates emotional impact

Reduces the physical effects of stress and cortisol on the digestive system

Digestive Health We treat the cause, not just the symptoms

We treat the cause, not just the symptoms

We collaborate with you and your other healthcare providers to work towards achieving your health goals.

Our Method

We treat the cause, not just the symptoms

We collaborate with you and your other healthcare providers to work towards achieving your health goals.

Our Method
Digestive Health We treat the cause, not just the symptoms

Acupuncture may help many digestive health conditions

Explore more of the conditions we treat

Crohn’s Disease

Stomach Bloating

Bloating

Food Intolerance

GERD

IBS

Ulcerative colitis

Gastritis

Diarrhoea

Constipation

Reflux

Digestive Health Acupuncture may help many digestive health conditions

Acupuncture may help many digestive health conditions

Explore more of the conditions we treat

Crohn’s Disease

Stomach Bloating

Bloating can span a variety of sensations for different people and oftentimes doesn’t pertain to any one condition.

There is not a standard treatment for bloating in Western Medicine.

Bloating may not be relevant enough to have its own clear diagnosis or clear treatment in conventional medicine, however Chinese Medicine views bloating as a pathological change that can be rebalanced.

Chinese Medicine assists by:

  • Reducing inflammation and swelling in the gastrointestinal tract
  • Facilitating gastrointestinal function
  • Reducing hypersensitivity of the gut to emotions and food

“Acupuncture combined with CHM could greatly relieve abdominal distention/discomfort relative to control group”
     - Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

1. Yan, J., Miao, Z., Lu, J., Ge, F., Yu, L., Shang, W., Liu, L. and Sun, Z., 2019. Acupuncture plus Chinese Herbal Medicine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019, pp.1-16.

Bloating

More than 20% of the population in industrialised countries suffer from food intolerance or food allergy.

Distinguishing a particular condition or diagnosis is difficult for food intolerances.

Chinese Medicine views the body's inability to process food a dysfunction of various organs and so treatment focuses on improving your internal environment so that it can better receive food.

Chinese Medicine assists by:

  • Improving food intake
  • Suppressing intestinal sensitivity
  • Regulating gut bacteria

“These results indicated that moxibustion significantly alleviated gut hypersensitivity”
     - World Journal of Gastroenterology

1. Liu, M., Zhang, S., Gai, Y., Xie, M. and Qi, Q., 2016. Changes in the Interstitial Cells of Cajal and Immunity in Chronic Psychological Stress Rats and Therapeutic Effects of Acupuncture at the Zusanli Point (ST36). Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, pp.1-11.

2. Bao, C., Wang, C., Li, G., Yan, Y., Wang, D., Jin, X., Wu, L., Liu, H., Wang, X., Shi, Z. and Wu, H., 2019. Effect of mild moxibustion on intestinal microbiota and NLRP6 inflammasome signaling in rats with post-inflammatory irritable bowel syndrome. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 25(30), pp.4696-4714.

3. Yan, J., Miao, Z., Lu, J., Ge, F., Yu, L., Shang, W., Liu, L. and Sun, Z., 2019. Acupuncture plus Chinese Herbal Medicine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019, pp.1-16.

Food Intolerance

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is where the digestive contents leak backwards into the esophagus.

Long term injury to the lining of the esophagus paired with related reflux drug use can induce more complicated adverse effects.

There is also a high rate of recurrence after withdrawal of reflux medications.

Chinese Medicine provides an effective and safe treatment approach to GERD.

Chinese Medicine assists by:

  • Decreasing the duration of acid exposure to the esophagus
  • Modulating the effect on the esophagus’s senses
  • Regulating esophageal movement

“A meta-analysis including 12 studies has shown that acupuncture is effective in improving global symptoms and quality of life, reducing recurrence rate and without adverse events”(1)
     - Biomedical Journal Open

1. Li, D., Zhu, L. and Liu, D., 2019. Acupuncture for refractory gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. BMJ Open, 9(8), p.e030713.

2. Yin, J. and Chen, J., 2010. Gastrointestinal motility disorders and acupuncture. Autonomic Neuroscience, 157(1-2), pp.31-37.

3. DICKMAN, R., SCHIFF, E., HOLLAND, A., WRIGHT, C., SARELA, S., HAN, B. and FASS, R., 2007. Clinical trial: acupuncture vs. doubling the proton pump inhibitor dose in refractory heartburn. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 26(10), pp.1333-1344.

GERD

IBS has a broad definition and is likely to represent multiple different conditions with varying contributing mechanisms.

These include food intolerance, stress and anxiety, systemic inflammation and disrupted gut bacteria.

IBS leads to significant impairment to quality of life. There are still no universally accepted treatments for IBS.

Chinese Medicine looks beyond the manifesting symptoms and targets the root cause.

Chinese Medicine assists by:

  • Reducing hypersensitivity of the gut
  • Decreasing inflammatory processes
  • Inhibiting hyperactive intestinal movement

“The effect of acupuncture treatment on diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome was better than that of the assessed drugs, with close to no side effects”
     - Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

1. Zhu, L., Ma, Y., Ye, S., & Shu, Z. (2018). Acupuncture for Diarrhoea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Network Meta-Analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary And Alternative Medicine, 2018, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/2890465

2. Chao, G., 2014. Effectiveness of acupuncture to treat irritable bowel syndrome: A meta-analysis. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 20(7), p.1871.

3. Yan, J., Miao, Z., Lu, J., Ge, F., Yu, L., Shang, W., Liu, L. and Sun, Z., 2019. Acupuncture plus Chinese Herbal Medicine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019, pp.1-16.

4. C. Ford, A., E. Lacy, B. and J. Talley, N., 2017. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The New England Journal of Medicine,

IBS

Ulcerative colitis

Gastritis is commonly a long term illness with repeated attacks.

It causes changes in the intestinal environment and increases the risk of developing into gastric cancer.

The quality of life is severely affected in those with gastritis.

Chinese Medicine assists by:

  • Regulating the nervous system to regulate the functions of the gastrointestinal tract
  • Improving gastric lining thickness
  • Controlling gastric acid secretion

“Acupuncture and moxibustion have definite therapeutic effects for chronic atrophic gastritis, especially in improving the symptoms”(3)
     - Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine

1. Liu, C., Chen, J., Chang, X., He, Q., Shen, J., Lian, L., Wang, Y., Zhang, Y., Ma, F., Huang, H. and Yang, Z., 2017. Comparative metabolomics study on therapeutic mechanism of electro-acupuncture and moxibustion on rats with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). Scientific Reports, 7(1).

2. Li, Y., Zhang, Y., Meng, H., Liao, M., Su, Z., Zhai, M., Jiang, L., Li, P. and Ding, X., 2019. Efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy for chronic atrophic gastritis. Medicine, 98(35), p.e17003.

3. Gao, X., Yuan, J., Li, H. and Ren, S., 2007. Clinical research on acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine,.

Gastritis

Diarrhoea is distinguished by a change of bowel habits with or without recurrent abdominal pain and discomfort.

The conventional treatments for diarrhea are focused on symptom management.

Chinese Medicine is a non-pharmacological approach in the treatment of diarrhoea.

Chinese Medicine assists by:

  • Reducing the severity, frequency, recurrence and discomfort of episodes
  • Targeting the nervous system to regulate intestinal movement
  • Regulating intestinal movement

“The antidiarrheal effect has been connected to the regulation of the excitation of sympathetic nerves”
     - Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

1. Chao, G., 2014. Effectiveness of acupuncture to treat irritable bowel syndrome: A meta-analysis. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 20(7), p.1871.

2. Qin, Z., Li, B., Wu, J., Tian, J., Xie, S., Mao, Z., Zhou, J., Kim, T. and Liu, Z., 2017. Acupuncture for chronic diarrhea in adults. Medicine, 96(4), p.e5952.

3. Yan, J., Miao, Z., Lu, J., Ge, F., Yu, L., Shang, W., Liu, L. and Sun, Z., 2019. Acupuncture plus Chinese Herbal Medicine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019, pp.1-16.

Diarrhoea

Stool softeners, laxatives and other drugs along with lifestyle or dietary modifications are common treatments for constipation.

Conventional treatments may be associated with unwanted side effects, such as bloating, dehydration, a high recurrence rate after ceasing drugs.

Whether constipation is due to neurological disease from injury to the nervous system, thyroid conditions, cancer, surgery, stroke, medication side effects or just lifestyle factors, Chinese Medicine can improve the passage of stools.

Chinese Medicine assists by:

  • Improving intestinal transit time
  • Moistening intestinal lining
    Increase intestinal movement
  • Reducing reliance on laxatives and medications
  • Promoting intestinal movement
  • Regulating body fluids
  • Stimulating the parasympathetic nerve to restore defecation senses

“Compared with medication, especially with Western medication, acupuncture yielded better outcomes in patients with functional constipation”
     - Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine

1. Tao, B., Chao, S., Cuihong, Z. and Guangying, H., 2016. Acupuncture for the treatment of functional constipation. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 36(5), pp.578-587.

2. Zhai, J., Mu, W., Si, J., Li, Y., Zhao, C., Shang, H., Li, H. and Tian, G., 2018. Acupuncture for constipation in patients with stroke: protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open, 8(3), p.e020400.

Constipation

Reflux can significantly affect quality of life, including sleep and work.

A large proportion of people cannot get symptomatic relief with conventional PPI drugs.

Chinese Medicine forms an important therapeutic approach to reflux.

Chinese Medicine assists by:

  • Improving movement of the esophagus muscle
  • Promoting the emptying of the stomach
  • Facilitating repair of the oesophagus membrane

“Acupuncture is beneficial to esophageal membrane repair”
     - Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine

1. Zhang, C., Guo, L., Guo, X., Guo, X. and Li, G., 2012. Clinical curative effect of electroacupuncture combined with Zhizhukuanzhong Capsules for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 32(3), pp.364-371.

2. Li, D., Zhu, L., & Liu, D. (2019). Acupuncture for refractory gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. BMJ Open, 9(8), e030713. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030713

Reflux
Digestive Health Acupuncture may help many digestive health conditions
Digestive Health Gut health is the most important system for your continued health

Gut health is the most important system for your continued health ​

Improving gut health may also have a positive influence on other aspects of your health, although individual results vary

Your first visit is a 60 minute initial consultation, acupuncture teatment, & personalised herbal formula.

First Visit
Digestive Health Gut health is the most important system for your continued health

Gut health is considered by many experts to be a key factor in overall well-being

Improving gut health may also have a positive influence on other aspects of your health, although individual results vary

Your first visit is a 60 minute initial consultation, acupuncture teatment, & personalised herbal formula.

First Visit
Digestive Health Gut health is the most important system for your continued health

Gut health is the most important system for your continued health

Once gut health recovers, other seemingly unrelated symptoms & systems can recover

Your first visit is a 60 minute initial consultation, acupuncture teatment, & personalised herbal formula.

First Visit

Our Team

We are a passionate team of licensed Acupuncturists, Herbalists & Chiropractors

We also run SustainHealth Academy, which brings in top minds in Chinese medicine from around the world to Australia to teach.

Meet our team

Exploring Digestive Health through the lens of Chinese medicine

Congee

Congee: What Everyone Ought to Know

The Impact of Raw vs Cooked Food on Your Energy

Novak Djokovic’s Chinese Medicine Diet for Success

Stomach Bloating: Treatments with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Treating Ulcerative Colitis With Chinese Medicine

Treating Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis With Chinese Medicine

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