If you’re struggling with bloating, stomach pain, irregular bowel movements, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), you’re not alone. Digestive issues are common, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with discomfort. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture offer a natural and holistic way to support your digestive health.
How Does TCM View Digestion?
In TCM, the body is like a garden—it thrives when everything is balanced and well-nourished. When digestion is out of sync, it’s often due to imbalances in key organ systems, including the Spleen, Liver, and Kidneys. Let’s take a closer look at how these systems influence your gut health.
The Spleen – Your Digestion’s Powerhouse
In TCM, the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion, breaking down food and converting it into energy (Qi). When the Spleen is weak, you might experience:
- Poor appetite
- Bloating, especially after eating
- Loose stools
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Irregular menstrual cycles (for women)
A weak Spleen can also lead to “Dampness” in the body—a condition where excess moisture accumulates, causing sluggish digestion, heaviness, and even headaches.
Holistic Fix: Acupuncture strengthens Spleen Qi, while herbs like Dang Shen and dietary adjustments (e.g., warm, cooked foods) reduce dampness accumulation.
Liver Imbalance – The Stress Connection
The Liver in TCM is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy) in the body. Stress, poor diet, or emotional tension can cause Liver Qi to stagnate, leading to:
- Bloating and excessive gas
- Alternating diarrhoea and constipation
- Stomach cramps
- Headaches
- Irritability
When Liver Qi overflows, it can “attack” the Spleen, making digestive symptoms worse. This is why stress management is crucial for gut health!
TCM Solution: Acupuncture calms Liver Qi stagnation, while herbs like Xiao Yao San ease stress-induced digestive flare-ups.
Kidney-Yang Deficiency – The Hidden Culprit
Your Kidneys provide warmth and energy to the digestive system. When Kidney-Yang is deficient, symptoms can include:
- Early-morning diarrhoea
- Cold hands and feet
- Lower back pain
- Fatigue
- Low libido
This deficiency is common in people with long-term digestive issues and can contribute to IBS, colitis, and Crohn’s disease.
Treatment: Moxibustion (heat therapy) and herbal formula like Si Shen Tang reignite Kidney-Yang to stabilise digestion.
How Can Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Help?
Acupuncture points for irritable bowel syndrome IBS
At Almond Wellness Centre, Melbourne’s Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Clinics, we take a holistic approach to your health. Instead of just treating symptoms, we focus on restoring balance within your body. Our approach includes:
✅ Acupuncture – Helps regulate digestion, reduce bloating, and relieve stress.
✅ Chinese Herbal Medicine – Custom herbal formulas support gut health and strengthen weak organ systems.
✅ Dietary Guidance – Recommendations based on TCM principles to improve digestion and reduce inflammation.
✅ Lifestyle Adjustments – Stress management techniques, breathing exercises, and movement to promote gut harmony.
FAQ
Q: How many acupuncture sessions do I need for IBS relief?
A: The number of sessions varies depending on the severity of symptoms, but many patients notice improvements within 4–6 treatments.
Q: Can acupuncture help with bloating and gas?
A: Yes! Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can regulate digestion, reduce bloating, and improve gut motility.
Q: Are there specific foods to avoid with IBS in TCM?
A: Yes. We often recommend avoiding dairy gluten, greasy foods, raw cold foods, and excessive sugar to prevent dampness accumulation.
Q: Can Chinese medicine help if my IBS is stress-related?
A: Absolutely. Acupuncture is known to calm the nervous system, regulate stress hormones, and support Liver function to ease stress-induced IBS symptoms.
What to Expect During Your Visit
When you come in for a consultation, we’ll assess your symptoms, lifestyle, and overall health. We’ll look at factors like:
- Your digestion and bowel movements
- Energy levels and stress levels
- Diet and eating habits
- Sleep quality
- Pulse and tongue diagnosis (key TCM diagnostic tools)
From there, we create a personalized treatment plan to help you feel better naturally.
Why Choose Us?
At Almond Wellness Centre, our experienced Chinese medicine practitioners provide compassionate, personalized care. With clinics in Coburg and Ringwood, we help patients across Melbourne achieve better digestive health through acupuncture and herbal medicine.
If you’re dealing with IBS, bloating, or other gut issues, acupuncture and TCM could be the natural solution you’ve been looking for.
📞 Contact Us or call 03 8802 1519 to book your appointment today!
Research on Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for IBS
Several studies support the effectiveness of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for digestive health:
- Acupuncture plus Chinese Herbal Medicine for IBS (2019)
- Effectiveness of Acupuncture for IBS (2014)
- Chinese Herbal Medicine for IBS (2016)
- Herbal Medicines for IBS Management (2016)
Looking for a natural approach to digestive health? Book an appointment today!