Conditions treated include: 

• Gastrointestinal infections such as virus infections from rotavirus
• Bacterial infections from salmonella, shigella or escherichia coli
• Inflammatory diseases such as chronic gastritis, atrophic gastritis, chronic enteritis, and gastroenteritis
• Peptic ulcers such as duodenal ulcer and gastric ulcer
• Circulation problems in the gastrointestinal system such as gastrointestinal tract bleeding and intestinal cramps
• Gastrointestinal masses such as stomach cancer, tumors of the small intestine, or colon cancer (adjunct treatment support)
• Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
• Other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), GERD (acid reflux), constipation, diarrhea, etc.

Many other health concerns are also effectively treated, so please discuss your condition with Karen to determine the best course of treatment.

 How Can Acupuncture Help?

Acid Reflux, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES: a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach) does not close properly and stomach contents leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus (the muscular membranous tube for the passage of food from the throat to the stomach).

When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn. The fluid may even be tasted in the back of the mouth, and this is called acid indigestion. Occasional heartburn is common but does not necessarily mean one has GERD. Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week may be considered GERD, and it can eventually lead to more serious health problems.

Unfortunately no one knows why people get GERD. A hiatal hernia may contribute and other factors such as stress, alcohol use, excess weight, pregnancy, smoking and certain foods can be associated with reflux events.

Acupuncture can help with GERD by stimulating certain acupuncture points to reduce transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations and regulate gastric secretions, gastric motility, hormone, and neuropeptide release and metabolism.

Acupuncture can be safely used in conjunction with conventional treatments such as medication to help you better manage the symptoms overall.

References:

• National Institutes of Health (NIH) - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
• NIH Consensus Study on Acupuncture, Alt. Tx.: 4:1:22. Jan. '98.

IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder characterized most commonly by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress, but it does not permanently harm the intestines and does not lead to a serious disease, such as cancer. Most people can control their symptoms with diet, stress management, and prescribed medications. For some people, however, IBS can be disabling. They may be unable to work, attend social events, or even travel short distances.

As many as 20 percent of the adult population have symptoms of IBS; making it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors. It occurs more often in women than in men, and it begins before the age of 35 in about 50 percent of people.

Researchers have yet to discover any specific cause for IBS. One theory is that people who suffer from IBS have a colon that is particularly sensitive and reactive to certain foods and stress. The immune system, which fights infection, may also be involved.

Both the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Panel and the World Health Organization (WHO), using different criteria, have identified many conditions as appropriate for acupuncture treatments, including several that are directly related with IBS such as abdominal pain, muscle cramping, constipation, and diarrhea.  In addition, acupuncture has also been found effective as a means of stress reduction, and at addressing related problems that often triggers IBS symptoms.

From an Eastern Medicine perspective, the cause of IBS can vary greatly from person to person. The Stomach and the Intestines are usually the main organ systems affected. Causative factors can be emotional stress, improper diet, and constitutional Spleen/Stomach deficiency. Over time, these factors can cause mild to severe dysfunction of the Spleen, Stomach, Intestines, Liver, and the Kidney systems causing various IBS symptoms.

Its many manifestations require very different treatment approaches. Acupuncture, herbal therapy, or a combination treatment can help by regulating gastric secretions, gastric motility, hormone, and neuropeptide release and metabolism.

References:

• National Institutes of Health (NIH) - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
• Acupuncture. National Institutes of Health. Consensus Statement 1997 Nov 3-5; 15(5):1-34.
• World Health Organization. Viewpoint on Acupuncture. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization, 1979.
• NIH Consensus Study on Acupuncture, Alt. Tx.: 4:1:22. Jan. '98.

Gastritis

Gastritis is not a single disease, but several different conditions that all have inflammation of the stomach lining. Gastritis can be caused by drinking too much alcohol, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or infection with bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Sometimes gastritis develops after major surgery, traumatic injury, burns, or severe infections. Certain diseases, such as pernicious anemia, autoimmune disorders, and chronic bile reflux, can cause gastritis as well.

The most common symptoms are abdominal upset or pain. Other symptoms are belching, abdominal bloating, nausea, and vomiting or a feeling of fullness or of burning in the upper abdomen. Blood in your vomit or black stools may be a sign of bleeding in the stomach, which may indicate a serious problem requiring immediate medical attention.

From an Eastern Medicine perspective, gastritis is closely related with the dysfunction or imbalance of the Stomach, Liver, Spleen, or a combination of these systems. Acupuncture treatment will vary from individual to individual depending on the differential diagnosis and can help with the symptoms and progress of gastritis by regulating gastric secretions, gastric motility, hormone, and neuropeptide release and metabolism.

References:

• National Institutes of Health (NIH) - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
• NIH Consensus Study on Acupuncture, Alt. Tx.: 4:1:22. Jan. '98. 

We are proud to carry Standard Process & Mediherb Products

My treatment process does not include drugs or unnatural hormones but does include gentle healing arts and lifestyle changes as may be appropriate.

 If you are looking for a safe, effective and drug-free treatment that is conducted in a peaceful and respectful manner; where the time is taken to fully listen to you and your concerns, then contact Karen

  Call Today!

 281-222-9588 

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