Bloating

Struggling with bloating is never nice, not only does it invite discomfort but it is a sign of imbalances in the body. Bloating occurs when gas builds up in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to a swollen stomach, pain, gas, diarrhea and sometimes nausea. People who commonly struggle from bloating are usually found to have associated feelings of anxiety and depression, which can trigger the reemergence of bloating leading to a vicious cycle. Some of the common causes of bloating are found below:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

  • 1. Inflammatory bowel disease, Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s Disease
  • 2. Gastritis, stomach ulcers, inflammation of the stomach
  • 3. Food intolerance, gluten intolerance, celiac disease
  • 4. PMS, menstruation
  • 5. Stress, anxiety, depression
  • 6. Pregnancy
  • 7. Constipation
  • 8. Liver disease
  • 9. Abdominal adhesions, or scar tissue from surgeries

Additionally, eating too quickly, consuming fiber rich foods, and drinking carbonated beverages can also cause bloating.

How Does Acupuncture Help With Bloating

Acupuncture helps to improve your digestive functions. It is believed to be effective for people who experience gas, bloating and other digestive issues. Acupuncture works on meridians such as the stomach, spleen, large intestine, small intestine, and liverto improve the digestive function. And therefore helps relieve symptoms like: bloating, vomiting, nausea, ingestion, and stomach aches.

There are few acupuncture points that you can massage to relieve the tummy distension.

Acupuncture helps to improve your digestive functions. It is believed to be effective for people who experience gas, bloating and other digestive issues. Acupuncture works on meridians such as the stomach, spleen, large intestine, small intestine, and liverto improve the digestive function. And therefore helps relieve symptoms like: bloating, vomiting, nausea, ingestion, and stomach aches.

  • 1.Zu San Li (ST36) it is located around 4 fingers width beneath the kneecap
  • 2.Tianshu (ST25) is in the middle of the tummy, around 3 fingers width beside the umbilicus.
  • 3. He gu (LI4) is on the dorsum of the hand, in between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones of the radial side.
  • 4. Tai chong (LR3) is on the top of foot, in between the tendon of 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones

Tips to reduce bloating:

  • 1. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly: If the food is not broken down adequately in the mouth, the stomach produces more acid to digest the food, which leads to bloating.
  • 2. Avoid consuming cold foods and carbonated beverages: Cold food and beverages irritates the smooth muscles in the stomach, intestines and uterus.
  • 3. Avoid or reduce eating wind-producing foods: Like beans, peas, dairy product, soy beans, onions, sweet potatoes, nuts, and fruits.
  • 4. Drink ginger tea: It soothes the stomach and GI tract, enhances production of digestive enzymes that break down food, and relieves cramping.

If you would like to discuss how acupuncture can help you improve your digestive functions and reduce bloating, get in touch with our team at Aster Chinese Medicine today on 0458 186 888.