Abdominal pain refers to discomfort felt between the chest and the pelvis. It may arise from abdominal muscles, or digestive, urinary or reproductive organs.
Common causes of abdominal pain are indigestion or gastritis, duodenal ulcers, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gall bladder stones, kidney stones, menstrual cramps, infections and inflammation.
Acupuncture helps regulate Qi and blood flow, reduce inflammation, relax muscle spasms, modulate pain pathways and balance the autonomic nervous system.
Acupuncture is beneficial in varied kinds of abdominal pain:
IBS and functional pain – it regulates bowel movements, reduces bloating and improves stress tolerance.
Gastritis – reduces upper abdomen burning and improves stomach motility.
Constipation – stimulates bowel movements.
Painful periods- relieves lower abdominal cramps.
Post-operative pain – reduces the requirement of painkillers.
Constipation
Constipation is defined as fewer than three bowel movements per week; hard, dry or lumpy stools; straining during defecation; the feeling of incomplete evacuation; abdominal bloating or discomfort.
Common causes of constipation are a low fibre diet, inadequate water intake, sedentary lifestyle, stress and emotional factors, hormonal imbalance, pelvic floor tightness and prolonged laxative use.
Acupuncture plays an important role in the treatment of constipation. It regulates and improves movements, balances the autonomic nervous system, relaxes the pelvic floor muscles, reduces stress and anxiety, improves blood circulation to the intestines and reduces dependence on laxatives.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is the passage of three or more loose or watery stools per day. Depending on the duration, it may be classified as:
Acute: lasting a few hours to several days; usually infectious.
Persistent: Lasts two to four weeks.
Chronic: More than four weeks.
Diarrhoea with blood and mucus is dysentery.
Common causes of diarrhoea are viral infections (e.g. rotavirus), bacterial infections (e.g. cholera), food poisoning, antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, lactose intolerance, stress and anxiety related diarrhoea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Acupuncture is particularly beneficial in chronic diarrhoea, IBS-related diarrhoea, stress-induced bowel dysfunction and post-infectious bowel irregularity. It is a supportive therapy and not replacement for emergency care. It regulates intestinal motility, modulates the autonomic nervous system, reduces stress response, supports immune regulation and improves the gut-brain axis balance.
Gastritis (Stomach Pain)
Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining (gastric mucosa), which may be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long-standing).
Common causes of gastritis are helicobacter pylori infection, excess use of NSAIDs (painkillers), alcohol consumption, severe stress (including illness or surgery), autoimmune conditions and bile reflux.
Gastritis may present with burning or gnawing epigastric (upper abdomen) pain, bloating, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite and belching. In severe cases there may be vomiting of blood or black stools, which is a medical emergency.
Acupuncture regulates gastric acid secretion, improves gastric motility, reduces stress and anxiety and provides pain relief through endorphin release.
Hiccups
Hiccups are sudden, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm followed by rapid closure of the vocal cords, producing the characteristic ‘hic’ sound.
Common causes of hiccups are overeating, spicy food, carbonated drinks, sudden temperature changes, emotional stress and gastric distension.
Sometimes hiccups can be persistent – lasting more than 48 hours and intractable – lasting more than a month. Possible causes include GERD, liver disease, CNS disorders, post-surgical irritation and metabolic imbalance.
Acupuncture regulates vagus nerve activity, relaxes the diaphragm spasm, improves gastric motility, reduces triggers and modulates the autonomic nervous system.
