Digestion and metabolism
A healthy gut is the foundation to good health. Address your digestive issues – heartburn, nausea, bloating and IBS, boost your metabolism – and improve your overall health as a result.
Chinese medicine has long understood the critical role of gut health in overall well-being, including mental health. Recent discoveries about the gut-brain axis and microbiome align with Chinese medicine principles. Explore integrative Chinese medicine in Melbourne for a natural, holistic approach to addressing digestive health.
Supporting digestive health
Being able to digest food and absorb nutrients is crucial for overall well-being. Digestive issues can lead to tiredness, low iron levels, hormonal imbalances, skin conditions, mood issues, and weakened immunity.
Common issues we see in clinic include:
- Chronic constipation and diarrhoea
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Indigestion, heartburn, and gastritis
- Nausea
- Bloating and food intolerances
- Sluggish metabolism
- Blood sugar imbalance
Acupuncture for digestion
The “gut-brain axis” is a two-way communication system between the gut and the central nervous system. This means we can influence gut health through the nervous system and vice versa. With acupuncture, we can optimize this connection for better digestion and overall well-being.
Chinese herbs for gut health
Herbal medicine has a long and rich history in addressing digestive issues. Recent studies suggest that Chinese herbs may benefit digestive health by regulating the gut microbiome and the balance of “good” bacteria in the digestive tract.
Chinese herbs are most effective when individually prescribed to address both your symptoms and their underlying cause, for relief and enhanced overall well-being.
Experience relief and get to the root of your digestive issues with a personalised treatment plan, typically including acupuncture, herbal medicine, supplements, nutrition, and lifestyle upgrades for long-term, sustainable improvement.
Dietary Therapy
Food is medicine, and Chinese Medicine recognises the vital role of food in achieving good health. What we eat not only provides nourishment, vitamins and minerals, but it also interacts with the microbes and cells within our bodies.
This interplay between the microbiome, gut, brain, and immune systems, the ‘energetics of food’, informs the dietary recommendations in your treatment plan. We consider the flavour and thermal nature of foods and their effects on the body, along with their nutritional content. For example, a hearty beef stew is “nourishing”, while steamed greens are more “cleansing”. A curry with ginger and chilli is “heating”, whereas a cucumber salad is “cooling”. There is no one-size-fits-all diet; instead; foods are selected based on their effects on your constitution and condition, supporting your digestion and overall health.
Using an integrative approach, we identify potential allergens, dietary triggers, and nutrient imbalances that may exacerbate your symptoms. We focus on healing your gut for greater digestive resilience and overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Chinese medicine has been focusing on gut health for a very long time, giving us an evidence-based, systematic framework to diagnose and treat digestive conditions, while focusing on the health of the whole body. Most conditions respond well to this approach.
Everyone is unique, and you are welcome to get in touch to find out how we can help in your particular situation.
(As an AHPRA-registered health professional, I am limited in the claims I can make online about the efficacy and results I get for my patients, and can’t publish testimonials.)
I take an integrative approach, combining the best of Chinese medicine with Western medical science. It’s important to identify any potential allergens or dietary triggers that may be exacerbate your symptoms, and focus on healing your gut for greater digestive resilience and overall health.
If your digestion is very sensitive, we will probably start with a very low dose of any herbal medicine, and adjust according to how your body responds.
You can still get treatment if you’re taking other medications.
Seeing an experienced Chinese medicine doctor with an integrative approach means that any medications you are taking will be factored into your treatment plan and options.
Certain herbs and supplements may be avoided with particular medications, but most can still be safely taken. Always notify your practitioner if you begin taking a new medication.
Acupuncture treatments will also take all these factors into account.
We generally expect to see noticeable improvements within the first two to three treatments, and will assess progress and make any necessary adjustments at each visit. As Chinese medicine addresses the underlying cause you can expect to feel “better in yourself” – calmer and more energized – as your condition also improves.
Of course it depends on the severity, duration and nature of your health issue – acute issues can resolve after one or two treatments, while more chronic health conditions can require a longer course of treatment. Taking prescribed herbal medicine, supplements, and following nutrition and lifestyle advice will help you reach your health goals faster.