Gut Health Is Whole-Body Health: How Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Support Your Microbiome

Chinese Medicine and acupuncture have long been used to treat the root causes of indigestion, constipation, bloating, and other digestive issues. Practitioners of Chinese Medicine understand that digestion and overall gut health impact not only how your body breaks down and transforms food, but also play a fundamental role in overall health and wellness. Modern medical research is beginning to uncover the connections that ancient Chinese Medicine has recognized for millennia: that digestion and the gut are intrinsically linked to mental health, brain function, immune response, and aging.

The “gut” has been called the body’s second brain, or in scientific terms, the enteric nervous system. This part of the peripheral nervous system contains more than 100 million nerve cells that form the lining of the esophagus, rectum, and everything in between. Within the gut are trillions of bacteria that create a dynamic, diverse, and remarkable ecosystem called the gut microbiome. When in balance, the microbiome does much of the heavy lifting in digestion and is associated with reduced inflammation as well as improved brain and immune function.

A balanced gut contains diverse and plentiful bacteria. This balance keeps harmful bacteria—like C. diff (Clostridioides difficile)—in check. In fact, most people are carriers of C. diff bacteria. The health and diversity of other gut bacteria prevent C. diff from overpopulating and causing symptoms such as diarrhea and fever. C. diff is often triggered by antibiotic use, which damages the gut microbiome and makes us more susceptible to harmful bacteria—bacteria that are then often treated with even more antibiotics. Recurrence of C. diff after a course of antibiotics occurs in nearly 30 percent of cases. Research shows that one of the most effective treatments for antibiotic-resistant C. diff is fecal microbiota transplant, in which a fecal sample—rich in a wide variety of gut bacteria—is transferred into the affected person. A balanced gut is a powerhouse of immune function.

In addition to gastrointestinal disorders, modern science is uncovering the link between the gut and the brain via the “microbiota-gut-brain axis.”

Disruptions in the gut microbiome (dysbiosis) are associated with increased rates of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions.

Researchers are also finding connections between reduced microbiome diversity and cognitive diseases common in aging populations, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. There is growing daily evidence that the trillions of bacteria within our bodies play an integral role in our overall health and that disturbances in this delicate balance can lead to serious health consequences.

Fortunately, there are many ways to support a healthy, diverse, and balanced gut microbiome:

Eat the Rainbow

A diverse diet of whole plant foods leads to a diverse gut microbiome. In addition to providing essential nutrients, plants (and only plants!) offer the fibers that nourish beneficial gut bacteria. A greater variety of plants equals a greater variety of gut bacteria. If you’d like to dive deeper into this topic, I recommend the book Fiber Fueled by Dr. Will Bulsiewicz. Eating the rainbow can be a fun and engaging activity for kids, too!

Move Your Body

Daily movement and physical activity boost circulation, reduce stress, and stimulate the digestive tract.

Take Time to Breathe and Calm Your Nervous System

Activate your parasympathetic nervous system (also known as “rest and digest”) through breathing exercises. Our bodies can’t digest food and heal tissue while they’re in “fight or flight” mode. Make space in your daily routine for practices like deep breathing, mindfulness, or gentle stretching.

Play Outside and in the Dirt

Get some fresh air and get your hands dirty! Gardening is a fun and rewarding way to expose yourself to nature’s beneficial bacteria.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of digestive issues. Bloating, diarrhea, acid reflux, and fatigue are common complaints when patients begin acupuncture. Moving and nourishing qi and blood through acupuncture can lead to reduced stress and inflammation. Studies have shown that acupuncture can improve gut motility and increase levels of beneficial gut bacteria. Time and again, research confirms that acupuncture supports the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

The gut plays a crucial role in the body’s overall health and wellness. If you’re experiencing suboptimal digestion, fatigue, stress, or other chronic conditions, you may benefit greatly from supporting your gut health through empowered lifestyle choices.

At IVY Integrative, you can work with one practitioner or build your own team of holistic practitioners! Reach your optimum health in-person or online. Check out our Get Started page to learn how to work with us!

Your Acupuncturist,

Ashley Paraiso LAc, DiplOM 

References:

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2. Van Nood E, Vrieze A, Nieuwdorp M, et al. Duodenal infusion of donor feces for recurrent Clostridium difficile. N Engl J Med. 2013;368(5):407–415. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1205037.

3. Xiong RG, Li J, Cheng J, Zhou DD, Wu SX, Huang SY, Saimaiti A, Yang ZJ, Gan RY, Li HB. The Role of Gut Microbiota in Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mental Disorders as Well as the Protective Effects of Dietary Components. Nutrients. 2023 Jul 23;15(14):3258. doi: 10.3390/nu15143258. PMID: 37513676; PMCID: PMC10384867. Vogt NM, Kerby RL, Dill-McFarland KA, Harding SJ, Merluzzi AP, Johnson SC, Carlsson CM, Asthana S, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Bendlin BB, Rey FE. Gut microbiome alterations in Alzheimer's disease. Sci Rep. 2017 Oct 19;7(1):13537. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-13601-y. PMID: 29051531; PMCID: PMC5648830. 

4. Yin J, Chen JD. Gastrointestinal motility disorders and acupuncture. Auton Neurosci. 2010 Oct 28;157(1-2):31-7. doi: 10.1016/j.autneu.2010.03.007. Epub 2010 Apr 3. PMID: 20363196; PMCID: PMC2906692. 

5. Yan XY, Yao JP, Li YQ, Xiao XJ, Yang WQ, Chen SJ, Tang TC, Yang YQ, Qu L, Hou YJ, Chen M, Li Y. Effects of acupuncture on gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in patients with functional constipation: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Front Pharmacol. 2023 Sep 1;14:1223742. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1223742. PMID: 37719865; PMCID: PMC10502303.

Disclaimer:

This information is generalized and intended for educational purposes only. Due to potential individual contraindications, please see your primary care provider before implementing any strategies in these posts.