By Nikki Vanecek
November 18, 2020
We often ask our patients how is you digestion? The typical response in “fine” so we try to clarify what we mean by how is your digestion. Is it fast (runny, soft, diarrhea) slow ( constipation, deer poop) or regular? Your digestion plays a major role in your mood, immune system, energy levels, skin conditions, brain clarity and much more. Your digestion is the most important body function next to heart beating and breathing. Your digestion is your “second” brain! Did you know that 70% of you immune system is in your gut?! Yep, that is correct, if your digestion system is running to fast or slow your immune system function is weak. As we heading into winter and concerns of COVID keeping your digestion and immune system balance needs to be top priority. There are a few keys things you can do to make sure that you are absorbing your food and nutrients. In addition to digesting foods and liquids and moving them to the small intestine for extraction and assimilation, the meridian that govern digestion also has an important energetic job. When digestion is balanced it extracts energy from foods and fluids to transport that energy to the lungs. COVID is major concern this winter and keep your digestion and lungs healthy is more important then ever! Did you also know that your gut is your second brain? When you feel excited you get butterflies or when you are nervous, you what to throw up! This is because of the gut brain connection. If you are anxious or worrying about life your digestion will be affected. You may notice bloating, gas, constipation, loose stool and many more symptoms like these are likely your digestion is being affected by your emotions. The meridian is associated with digestion in Chinese medicine governs with our ability to assimilate new ideas, absorb information, as well as honoring and nurturing the self. Many gastrointestinal problems can be attributed to disharmony in the Yang Ming and Tai Yin meridians that cause symptoms such as indigestion, nausea, burping, bloating, constipation, abdominal pain and loose bowel movements. In TCM, these issues are traditionally treated with acupuncture and herbal medicine. Acupuncture will balance the Yang Ming and Tai Yin meridians and your herbal formula’s will keep the digestive fire burning. These additional suggestions from Traditional Chinese Medical Theory
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine
Eat warm foods – check out the winter recipe
Exercise helps with digestive “movement”
Get sound restful sleep to keep you cortisol levels balance
For more self-care tip check out our Facebook and Instagram post. A few times a day we post acupressure points, recipe, and much more.
We Got You! here at EastWest Acupuncture!