Digestive & GI Acupuncture Treatment

Digestive discomfort can affect every part of your daily life – from how you eat and sleep to how much energy you have, how clearly you think, and how comfortable you feel in your own body. Whether symptoms are mild, unpredictable, or constantly flaring, GI issues often create a sense of frustration and exhaustion when you don’t know what’s triggering them or how to calm them.

At New Dawn Acupuncture, we help patients understand the underlying causes of their gastrointestinal symptoms and create a clear path toward relief using acupuncture, herbs, and supportive lifestyle guidance. If you’re ready for a more comprehensive approach to digestive health, call (202) 538-3995 to book today.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Functional Digestive Disorders

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a motility disorder that can cause abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or alternating patterns of both. Some patients notice mucus in the stool or feel they haven’t fully emptied their bowels after a bowel movement. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, IBS is often influenced by emotions, stress, diet, medications, toxins, and food sensitivities – all of which can irritate the digestive system.

Gastroenteritis, Enteritis, and Acute Digestive Illness

Diarrhea, dysentery, gastroenteritis, and enteritis typically stem from bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, or from ingesting toxins or certain medications. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, foul-smelling or burning diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and sometimes blood or mucus in the stool. These conditions can weaken the digestive tract and the immune system, making recovery feel slow or incomplete without appropriate support.

Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are chronic inflammatory bowel diseases that have no single known cause. Contributing factors may include immune dysregulation, bacteria or viruses, chemical exposures, medications, or emotional stress. Both conditions often begin with persistent diarrhea – frequently containing blood or mucus – along with cramping, pain, and ongoing inflammation that affects daily life.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis occurs when small pockets in the wall of the large intestine become inflamed, infected, or develop abscesses. Without proper treatment, these infections can become serious and may lead to complications such as sepsis. Early support can significantly improve recovery and prevent repeated flare-ups.

Peptic Ulcers, Gastritis, and Acid Reflux

Peptic ulcers, gastritis, heartburn, acid reflux, and related symptoms can arise from H. pylori overgrowth, high stress levels, smoking, alcohol use, spicy or processed foods, or medications such as NSAIDs. These irritants damage the protective mucosal lining and make it harder for the digestive tract – including the stomach and esophagus – to heal. Symptoms may include indigestion, nausea, belching, bloating, and vomiting.

How Acupuncture Helps Gastrointestinal Disorders

Acupuncture helps reduce inflammation (“heat”) and resolve mucus or congestion (“damp”) in the digestive tract. It supports healthier motility, calms spasms, eases pain, and strengthens the organs responsible for transforming and transporting food. But treatment isn’t just about acupuncture – it’s about creating a comprehensive healing environment.

Lifestyle changes, dietary tweaks, herbs, and thoughtful Western medical care all play important roles. Bacterial or parasitic infections should be treated with appropriate medications, while acupuncture and herbal medicine help repair tissues, regulate digestion, and reduce chronic inflammation. This integrative approach gives patients the best chance at lasting relief.

A Personalized, Whole-Body Approach

Digestive conditions can be complex, which is why we take time to understand your symptoms, triggers, and health history. We design treatment plans that fit your daily life, support your body’s natural healing ability, and help you feel comfortable and confident again – one step at a time.

Source:

Clinical Manual of Oriental Medicine, An Integrative Approach, 3rd edition, Lotus Institute of Integrative Medicine.