Both science and Chinese Medicine acknowledge the role of our G.I. system in maintaining our health. You might have experienced the phenomena of not falling ill from a meal, while others who ate the same food, fell victim to food poisoning, resulting in vomiting and/or diarrhea. Classical Chinese Medicine texts explain the above scenario by saying “those with deficiency will fall ill.” Therefore, the people who didn’t become sick are said to have robust Qi or strong immune systems.
Through lack of sleep, stress, overwork, frequent antibiotic use, improper diet and lack of exercise we become weakened and increasingly vulnerable to illness. The use of acupuncture and moxibustion (the burning of the plant named artemesia indirectly or directly on the skin) have a proven track record to regulate digestion as well as strengthening immunity. Both the N.I.H. and W.H.O. now recognize this. Scientific studies have shown that burning rice grain-sized cones of moxa on the skin increases cellular immunity, regulates blood sugar levels, and positively impacts both red and white blood cell counts.
In my private practice I have seen great results from the exclusive use of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy. I have successfully treated nausea, GERD, bloating, abdominal/intestinal pain, Crohn’s disease, IBS, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, constipation, diarrhea and leaky gut syndrome. Recently, a male patient of age 48 was diagnosed with gluten intolerance, which caused bloating and lower abdominal pain. Following my treatment of only acupuncture and moxibustion (no herbs or enzymes) he was able to resume a regular diet of foods containing gluten, without any repercussions. My approach was to strengthen the integrity of the body rather than have him eat a very restricted diet for the rest of his life.
