Evaluating the Therapeutic Role of Acupuncture in Gastrointestinal Disorders

Alexandra Sack¹, Jayme Sack² and Hari Tunuguntla³*

Received:June 17, 2019;   Published: June 24, 2019

DOI: 10.32474/CTGH.2018.02.000140

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Abstract

Gastrointestinal disorders currently plague millions of Americans and place an immense physical, emotional, and financial burden on society. The conventional medicine paradigm produces modest effects but are often accompanied with adverse side effects as well as increased healthcare utilization. Thus, the demand for alternative therapies is increasing. In the event that conventional medicine offers no satisfactory solution, research provides consistent and compelling evidence for the efficacy of acupuncture as a safe and cost-effective alternative approach to alleviating symptoms associated with digestive dysfunction. This review discusses the pathophysiology of common gastrointestinal disorders and the mechanisms underpinning the regulatory effect of acupuncture. Using principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, we explain the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture and its’ ability to restore the body’s internal equilibrium and elicit a return to health. Lastly, we conclude with suggestions for optimizing long-term gastrointestinal health and disease prevention through a whole-body approach and healthy lifestyle modifications. We hope to unveil acupuncture as an effective alternative treatment for treating gastrointestinal disease.

Keywords: Acupuncture; Acupoints; QI; Gut; Yin; Yang; Eastern; Western

Abbreviations: TCM: Traditional Chinese Medicine; IBD: Inflammatory Bowel Disease; IBS: Irritable Bowel Syndrome; PCNA: Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen; GI: Gastrointestinal

Abstract| Introduction| Pathophysiology of Common Gastrointestinal Disorders| Discussion| Conclusion| References|