Research shows that a healthy gut biome is of fundamental importance in maintaining an active and healthy life. A healthy gut biome is one of the most important predictors of someone’s health. Daily stressors that damage healthy gut bacteria include chemicals in our food and water, antibiotics, alcohol, lack of sleep, poor diet, insufficient fiber intake, and genetic predisposition.
When the body does not have enough healthy gut bacteria, issues like malabsorption, skin rashes, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), reflux, inflammatory bowel disease, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, bloating, diverticulitis, leaky gut syndrome, and even serious issues like rheumatoid arthritis or autoimmune disorders. The gut is a primary building block for health.
Psychological factors also cause GI related issues because of the gut/brain axis. Not only can thoughts and emotions impact gut symptoms, but gut symptoms can also impact mental well-being. Many people don’t realize the gut produces 85% of serotonin, a mood-affecting natural chemical. Gut inflammation often prevents serotonin absorption. When someone comes in to see me for depression or anxiety, treating their gut will be a part of our treatment plan.
Right now, in the US:
- 25 – 45 million Americans struggle with IBS symptoms.
- 2.4 million Americans have Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
- 10 – 20 percent of adults have constipation.
- Diarrhea accounts for 179 million outpatient visits each year.
- Depression and anxiety are increasing.
Acupuncture can be effective in treating these GI issues. Treatment protocols often include acupoints from the small intestine, large intestine, stomach, and spleen meridians, which impact a healthy gut biome in Chinese Medicine.
Depending on the severity of symptoms, I often combine acupuncture with Chinese herbs and other supplements to heal the microbiome with speed and efficiency.
Schedule your appointment today
If you’re ready to schedule an appointment, you can call Marnie @ 503-282-5666 or click the LINK.
And if you have any questions about how acupuncture might help you, click the button below and Marnie will get back to you as soon as possible.