TCM role in gastrointestinal health management:
A hyperactive nervous system refers to a state where the body is at the fight or flight response caused by an elevation and secretion of stress hormones. This inevitably prevent the digestive function from performing at its best, which results in a decline in nutrient absorption and changes to the appearance and frequency of a normal bowel movement.
Many research papers have identified the role of TCM treatment in regulating gut microbiome, and to better enhance brain-gut signaling and connection by treating digestive imbalances through regulating endocrine and nervous system[1-3].
Certain acupoints in studies[1-2] such as Nei Guan (PC6), He Gu (LI4), Zu San Li (ST36) have shown to increase metabolism, reduce gastric acid secretion, and to regulate small and large intestinal function to specially improve digestive function.
Healthy gastrointestinal function includes:
2. Regular and smooth bowel movement, once a day, well-formed
3. Supports healthy bacteria growth in your intestines
4. Contributes to a strong immune system
5. Reduces stress and lift your mood naturally
Our Aim:
At EMW Physiotherapy and TCM – Gut and Moxa Centre, we aim to achieve a healthy gastrointestinal function which is necessary for efficient digestion, providing essential nutrient uptake for the body and gradually strengthen your immunity.
EMW Gut & Moxa approach in gastrointestinal health management:
You will receive an in-house individualized assessment on your health constitution by our certified TCM Physicians through using TCM diagnostic approach.
For patients with gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and/or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you will be introduced to gut health management acupuncture with pure essential oils and TCM herbal prescriptions to relieve your discomfort symptoms on a preferred 1-2sessions per week during your acute phase.
If your constitution belongs to excess dampness and stagnated energy, acupuncture and moxibustion treatment will be recommended to you.
For constitution maintenance, it is recommended to receive regular acupuncture treatment sessions on a biweekly or monthly basis to manage and reduce relapse frequency of GERD/IBS discomforts.
Common gastrointestinal discomforts:
- Abdominal bloating, cramps and/or pain
- Gastric acid reflux
- Frequent burps or flatulence
- Nauseous
- Constipated or diarrhea
- Unintentional weight gain/loss
- Ultimately leading to feelings of fatigue/frustration
Moxibustion is the burning of dried mugwort leaves (Artemisia vulgaris) directly or near the surface of human skin. It is a heat therapy with deeper penetration with medicinal value to remove dampness and stagnated energy hence achieving smooth energy circulation and heighten immunity for your body.
We have incorporated this ancient healing technique with modernized equipment to ensure the safety of our patients while we proceed with acupuncture and moxibustion treatment at EMW.
Our TCM Physicians
Principal Physician
Edmund Pang
Senior TCM Physician
Jasmine Xie
Lau Ee Wen
References
1. Acupuncture and regulation of gastrointestinal function. Hui Li, Tian He, Qian Xu, Zhe Li, Yan Liu, Fang Li, Bo-Feng Yang, and Cun-Zhi Liu. World J Gastroenterol. 2015 Jul 21; 21(27): 8304–8313.
2. Effect of Siguan Acupuncture on Gastrointestinal Motility: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Crossover Trial. Kyung-Min Shin, Ji-Eun Park, Sanghun Lee, Sun-Mi Choi, Yo-Chan Ahn, Jin-Woo Lee, Jin-Hee Kim, Chang-Gue Son, “Effect of Siguan Acupuncture on Gastrointestinal Motility: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Crossover Trial”, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2013, Article ID 918392, 7 pages, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/918392
3. Therapeutic roles of acupuncture in functional gastrointestinal disorders. Ouyang, H. and Chen, J.D.Z. (2004), Therapeutic roles of acupuncture in functional gastrointestinal disorders. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 20: 831-841. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2036.2004.02196.x