According to the time-honored Traditional Chinese Medicine teachings, the life force or Qi is responsible for overall health. Qi flows throughout 361 acupuncture points connected by 12 primary channels or meridians. Any disruption of Qi can cause pain, discomfort, and diseases. These beliefs led to the development of acupuncture as an effective way of restoring balance and stimulating the flow of Qi. Moreover, these insights led to the discovery of abdominal acupuncture, which, by embracing the fusion between tradition and innovation, offers a new way to achieve overall wellness.
In this blog post, we’ll uncover the myriad benefits, potential advantages, and principles of abdominal acupuncture, so join us as we shed light on how it can enhance your well-being.
What is Abdominal Acupuncture?
Abdominal acupuncture is a modern technique of acupuncture involving the insertion of needles in specific points according to the abdominal meridian system (AMS). It was first developed in the 1990s by blending Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles with new concepts devised by Dr. Zhiyun Bo. According to Dr. Bo, around the umbilicus (belly button), there’s a holographic reflex zone that represents the whole body and is located at the superficial layer of the abdominal wall. The shape of this zone is similar to a tortoise, thus earning the name “The Miraculous Tortoise.”
Moreover, abdominal acupuncture is considered a safer form of acupuncture, as the needles are inserted much shallower, rendering the whole procedure more comfortable.
What is it used for?
Abdominal acupuncture can be an effective treatment for a wide range of ailments, including:
— Osteo-muscular-articular disorders. These include fibromyalgia, tendinitis, knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, stiff neck, lumbar pain with sciatica, cervical spondylotic syndrome, etc.
— Women’s health. Abdominal acupuncture can be helpful for a variety of women’s health conditions, such as infertility, irregular and painful menstruation, cysts, menopause depressive disorder, etc.
— Neurological disturbances. Disturbances of the nervous system, such as headaches, neuritis, dizziness, anxiety, and depression, can be treated with abdominal acupuncture.
— Allergies. Abdominal acupuncture can provide short-term relief and help manage skin, animal, and seasonal allergy symptoms.
— Digestive disorders. Due to the proximity, abdominal acupuncture can help treat symptoms of digestive disorders like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), bloating, indigestion, and more.
— Cerebrovascular disorders. Abdominal acupuncture can treat thrombosis, hemiplegia, cerebral arteriosclerosis, hysteria, etc.
— Ocular disturbances. It can also treat ocular disturbances such as optic atrophy, cataracts, glaucoma, atrophy and retrobulbar neuritis, and degeneration of the retina.
— Weight loss. Abdominal acupuncture can also be helpful for weight loss and obesity-type PCOS.
Abdominal Acupuncture Points
During the abdominal acupuncture session, the practitioner will use a variety of acupoints located in the abdomen, mainly points on the Ren, Kidney, and Stomach meridians. Some of them are:
— Yin Jiao or CV 7: Found one cun below CV 8; its application can influence symptoms of irregular menstruation, panic attacks, abdominal pain, bloating, hernia, etc.
— Shenque or CV 8: Located in the middle of the abdomen, in the center of the umbilicus, this acupoint regulates the body’s Qi and addresses health issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, dysentery, stroke, gastritis, urinary retention, etc.
— Shui Fen or CV 9: Found one cun above CV 8, this acupoint can be helpful for weight loss, poor digestion, urinary issues, and reproductive health.
— Xiawan or CV 10: Situated two cun above CV 8, it can be helpful for bloating, digestive disorders, and emotional balance.
— Huaroumen or ST 24: Located one cun above the navel and two cun lateral to CV 9; this acupoint can be helpful for symptoms of mania, anxiety, depression, vomiting, epigastric pain, etc.
— Tianshu or ST 25: Found two cun lateral to CV 8, its application can help with symptoms of diarrhea, constipation, irregular and painful menstruation, fibroids or cysts, and fertility issues.
Benefits of Abdominal Acupuncture
Abdominal acupuncture exhibits a wide range of benefits, including:
— Pain Relief. Acupuncture treatment is often associated with pain relief. Pain relief benefits have also been documented in abdominal acupuncture treatment for conditions such as neck, shoulder, and back pain, knee pain, osteoarthritis, headaches, and preventing migraines. These pain relief effects come due to the release of endorphins.
— Reduced Inflammation. Abdominal acupuncture can help reduce inflammation by releasing cortisol and hormones like glucocorticoids that play a role in inflammation and by activating neurotransmitters that affect the inflammatory process.
— Increased Energy. Restoring the free flow of Qi throughout the body results in harmony and balance, leading to an increase in energy levels.
— Holistic Approach. Abdominal acupuncture addresses both physical and mental health issues, thus promoting overall well-being and vitality.
However, the advantages of abdominal acupuncture go beyond its benefits for the body. Some other advantages are:
— The needles are inserted superficially.
— There are fewer needle sensations, making the procedure less painful.
— It can treat many health concerns at once.
— It can give quick results.
Abdominal Acupuncture Contradictions
Despite being a safe procedure, abdominal acupuncture has potential contradictions for pregnant patients, those suffering from a malignant celiac tumor, diabetes, and epilepsy, patients taking immunosuppressants or anticoagulants, and those at risk of lymphoedema.
Therefore, we suggest you discuss your medical history with your primary care provider before undergoing this treatment.
Wrapping up
Seamlessly weaving ancient wisdom with contemporary understanding makes abdominal acupuncture a modern marvel for treating various conditions such as inflammation, digestion disorders, musculoskeletal issues, anxiety, stress, depression, symptoms of PCOS, fibromyalgia, and many more. Furthermore, it is a safe and careful technique due to the shallow insertion of needles and a pathway to holistic healing.
If you’re interested in experiencing the benefits of incorporating acupuncture into your life, we warmly invite you to check out our Holistic Wellness Center based in Columbus, OH.