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Qi Mail™
The Acupuncture Newsletter
April 2008
reness Week
Acupuncture
and Digestive Health
Over 95 million Americans suffer from digestive
disorders ranging from constipation, diarrhea and
irritable bowel syndrome to more serious conditions
such as acid reflux (GERD), ulcerative colitis and
Crohn's disease.
In fact, over 35 million physician office visits a
year are due to gastro-intestinal complaints. With
the side-effects that often accompany western
medicine and sometimes less-than-desirable results,
many patients are turning to acupuncture for help.
Reports are confirming that acupuncture and Chinese
medicine can offer relief from even the most complex
digestive problems.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive Disorders
Evidence that Chinese medicine has been used for
digestive disorders can be found in early medical
literature dating back to 3 AD, where specific
acupuncture points and herbal formulas for
borborygmus (rumbling or gurgling in the
intestines), abdominal pain and diarrhea with pain
are discussed.
According to Chinese medical theory, most digestive
disorders are due to disharmony in the spleen and
stomach. The spleen plays a central part in the
health and vitality of the body, taking a lead role
in the assimilation of nutrients and maintenance of
physical strength. It turns digested food from the
stomach into usable nutrients and qi. Many schools
of thought have been formed around this organ; the
premise being that the proper functioning of the
'middle' is the key to all aspects of vitality.
By taking into account a persons' constitution and
varied symptoms, a treatment plan is designed
specifically for the individual to bring their
"middle" back into harmony and optimize the proper
functioning of the digestive system. A variety of
techniques can be used during treatment including
acupuncture, herbal medicine, bodywork,
lifestyle/dietary recommendations and energetic
exercises to restore digestive health.
If you suffer from a digestive disorder, give us
a call. We will be able to give you more information
about treatment options to get you healthy and
symptom free!
Zusanli,
"Three Miles of the Foot"
The acupuncture point, Zusanli, also known as
Stomach 36 (St 36), is one of the most frequently
used of all acupuncture points and is certainly the
most intensively studied. The indications for use of
this acupuncture point are many, and the claimed
benefits are substantial.
 Zusanli
is a very powerful point for digestive health. This
acupuncture point adjusts the qi and blood
throughout the body and strengthens the spleen and
stomach. It is one of the major supplementation
points on the body and has the ability to treat a
wide range of conditions.
Current research has found the Zusanli can
both increase and decrease movement in the stomach,
raise and lower blood pressure and increase or
decrease the white blood cell count depending upon
whether there are too few or too many white blood
cells. Because of its ability to balance and
regulate, it is generally considered to be a point
that has a beneficial effect on the whole body.
Massaging Zusanli is often an important
exercise in Qi Gong and martial arts practices.
Regular application of moxibustion (a therapy which
involves the burning of specific herbs at
acupuncture points) to Zusanli is considered
to be a method for gaining longevity. There is an
ancient Chinese saying: “Moxa Zusanli and live to
be a hundred.”
The English translation of Zusanli is
“three miles of the foot”. The name comes from
the assertion that, even when totally exhausted,
needling Zusanli would allow one to walk a
further three miles.
Stomach 36 is located four finger breadths below the
kneecap, one finger breadth outside of the shinbone,
in the groove. The point is usually tender.
Study:
Acupuncture
For Reflux Disease
A study published in the American Journal of
Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver
indicates that stimulation of certain acupuncture
points inhibits esophageal sphincter relaxations by
as much as 40%.
Although the cause of gastro-esophageal reflux
disease, or GERD, is still unknown, there are
treatments available on the market to help with the
symptoms. However, many of the existing treatments
come with side effects and their effectiveness can
be limited.
The American Physiological Society opened
eyes by pointing to the effectiveness of electrical
acupuncture point stimulation in reducing the key
mechanism of GERD, transient lower esophageal
sphincter relaxations (TLESRs). This important
muscle allows food to pass into the stomach when
working normally. In people who have GERD, the
muscle relaxes at the wrong times, allowing stomach
acid to churn up into the esophagus and resulting in
heartburn symptoms.
By applying only mild stimulation to an acupuncture
point on the wrist known as Neiguan (Pericardium 6),
researchers were able to reduce the frequency of
TLESRs from six to 3.5 an hour in research subjects.
Sham stimulation of a hip point produced no
comparable change.
Source: American Journal of
Physiology—Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology,
2005
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7
In This Issue
IBS is a common disorder affecting 10 to 20
percent of adults at some point in their lives.
Once called “spastic colon,” it's a combination
of symptoms that may include constipation,
diarrhea, gas, bloating, fatigue and headaches
that can be worsened by certain foods, stress
and other irritants. IBS is the end result of
nervous interference with the normal function of
the lower digestive tract. The symptoms are
variable and change over time.
IBS according to Chinese Medicine
While other patterns may be present, IBS is
almost always considered a disharmony between
the liver and the spleen in Chinese medicine.
The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of
qi and blood throughout the body. This flow can
be upset by emotions or stress, causing
stagnation of qi (energy) or blood. Chinese
medicine views the spleen as being associated
with the function of digestion and transforming
food into energy (qi and blood). The spleen can
be weakened by a number of factors including
overeating unhealthy foods, overwork, too much
worry, fatigue, and lack of exercise. When the
spleen is weak and the liver is not moving
smoothly, the liver overacts on the spleen and
can manifest as symptoms of IBS.
Recommended Lifestyle Changes
• Get Acupuncture - An increasing number
of studies show that acupuncture can offer
relief from digestive disorders.
• Relieve Stress - Try Qi Gong, Tai Chi,
meditation, yoga or breathing exercises. Finding
a way to relax is key to keeping IBS symptoms
under control.
• Exercise - Physical activity helps to
maintain bowel regularity and reduce stress.
Nutrition and Supplements
• Identify trigger foods - By keeping a
symptom diary, you should be able to pinpoint
the foods that lead to your IBS symptoms. For
example, some foods that may increase gas and
bloating are beans and raw fruits and
vegetables.
• Avoid dairy foods - Eliminating milk
and milk products can be a big help for many
people.
• Don't overeat - Too much food in a
single meal can set off IBS symptoms; opt for
small, frequent meals when possible.
• Take probiotics with meals - These
products contain “friendly” bacteria that can
stabilize the digestive tract; you can find
milk-free brands (such as culturelle) in
health-food stores.
• Take peppermint oil - Enteric-coated
capsules taken 15 to 30 minutes before meals led
to significant improvement in IBS symptoms among
participants in a Chinese study. Take one or two
capsules three times a day before meals.
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