Project Description

Digestive Health

Digestive Disorders

The digestive system is an integral part of the immune system and plays a significant role in a person’s sense of well-being. Scientific evidence has demonstrated that there are more serotonin receptors in the gut than in the brain. Thus, a functional digestive system is one of the crucial keys to health and happiness.

Issues with the digestive system can be detrimental to one’s sense of wellbeing. We must eat several times a day and if eating causes discomfort, our ability to fully function is severely affected.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine can safely and gently treat the following conditions:

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome

  • Constipation and/or Diarrhea

  • Indigestion and Bloating

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

  • Abdominal pain or nausea with eating

There are some digestive disorders that are chronic and may have genetic and autoimmune components. Although acupuncture and herbal medicine may not be able to cure these diseases, it can reduce inflammation and prevent flare-ups for the following:

  • Ulcerative Colitis

  • Crohn’s Disease

Our Approach

To treat digestive issues, we evaluate what you are putting in your body and how your body is able to process food.

It is important to give the body whole foods that it is able to process. A balanced diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains is recommended. We suggest limiting processed food, packaged food, coffee and alcohol as they can be very irritating to the gut lining. It is also important to limit sugar and dairy as they may exacerbate inflammation in the gut.

Some people may already be eating a healthful diet but still experience issues with digestion. In these cases, it is important to evaluate the nervous system. Our nervous system has two branches, the Sympathetic branch that governs “flight or fight,” and the Parasympathetic branch that governs “rest and digest.” If the body is in a constant state of stress, the Sympathetic branch is active. The body’s blood will be sent to the limbs and little energy will be dedicated to digestion.

We can use acupuncture to reset the nervous system and activate the Parasympathetic branch. This will send blood to the internal organs and dedicate energy to digestion. In a Parasympathetic state, peristalsis (wavelike movements in the gut) moves food through the digestive tract at an appropriate speed, allowing for better absorption and passage.

If food allergies are suspected to be the cause of discomfort, we will order a food allergy blood test.

Tips for Mindful Eating

  • Before you eat, take 3 deep breaths. Relax your belly.

  • Eat sitting down.

  • Pay attention to your food, turn off the TV, set aside your phone.

  • Notice the smells, textures, and taste.

  • Eat in an environment that is calming and soothing.

  • Allow at least 20 minutes to eat, try not to rush.

28-Day Cleanse to Reset Your Digestive System

This 28-day cleanse is gentle and sustainable. It will reduce inflammation in the gut, improve absorption and elimination, and help you feel your best. We offer an annual guided cleanse every May. Contact us to participate.

Enjoy

  • Fruits

  • Vegetables

  • Lean meats

  • Eggs

  • Nuts and seeds

  • Legumes

  • Gluten-free grains

Avoid

  • Processed food

  • Sugar

  • Dairy

  • Alcohol

  • Caffeine

  • Tobacco

  • Gluten

OUR PATIENTS SAY

I was going through a severely impaired digestive system and a bunch of food-sensitivities. I was overweight, had tried all types of medicine, and was totally miserable that I couldn’t digest anything. I tried herbs, homeopathy, ayurveda, pretty much all natural remedies but the constant bloating just got worse and worse. I felt like a walking balloon.

Meeting Neda for the first time immediately put me to ease. She has an amazing aura and radiates calm and positive energy. She’s such a beautiful human being! The first several weeks of acupuncture treatment were directed towards improving my digestion and getting my Chi flowing. Along with the acupuncture, Neda put me on an extremely strict diet with ZERO sugar (including fruit sugar. not even stevia was allowed), gluten and dairy-free. Initially it was extremely hard but Neda was firm with me. With her gentle guidance, I completely reset my tastebuds. I saw incredible difference in about 2 months with my digestion. By 3 months, I had lost 12 pounds and felt amazing! The constant bloating was gone and I felt light on my feet.

Ruchi V.

Shuqing is a very warm and patient acupuncturist. She is caring, intuitive, and genuinely interested in helping me out with a variety of issues. My husband and I love her warmth and knowledgeable approach in our individual treatments. Her work has improved our health tremendously, and we’ve given her really tough issues to treat. Our ‘regular’ doctors are often stunned by the positive outcomes.

Sasha P.

COME VISIT US

We are a team of licensed practitioners, each with slightly different specialties, so we can match you with the best practitioner for your case.