Digestive Disorders

Yes. Acupuncture promotes gastrointestinal motility and regulates the autonomic nervous system, easing indigestion, abdominal pain and nausea. The WHO also recognises digestive disorders as an indication for acupuncture.

Yes. Cupping on the abdomen and back improves circulation around the stomach and intestines and relieves abdominal tension, which supports recovery of digestive function.

In reflux, what Korean medicine treatment addresses is gastric motility. We use it when a lump in the throat, belching or tightness below the breastbone persists despite medication. The approach is a formula that settles rising qi plus acupuncture on the upper abdomen, together with guidance on fasting before bed and weight management.

The thoracic and lumbar spine connect directly to the autonomic nerves that govern the stomach and intestines. Correcting the spine with Chuna therapy normalises that autonomic function and supports digestion.

Korean medicine procedures such as acupuncture, cupping and Chuna are covered by health insurance. For functional dyspepsia, herbal prescriptions can also be covered, which lowers the cost. Other herbal formulas are not covered, but private indemnity insurance may reimburse them in some cases.

Once digestive function recovers and eating habits settle, the intervals between flare-ups lengthen. The goal is to extend the symptom-free periods and recover quickly when things worsen, so we also guide regular meals and cutting down late-night eating. If there is weight loss or black stool, we confirm with endoscopy before planning.

Medication (PPIs) suppresses stomach acid but does not improve the function of the lower esophageal sphincter. Korean medicine treatment works to restore sphincter function and gastric motility at the root, which lowers the recurrence rate.

We have compiled 7 questions about functional dyspepsia — Why does it hurt when the endoscopy is clean · Does Korean medicine treatment work for functional dyspepsia · How long does treatment take

We have compiled 7 questions about irritable bowel syndrome — Can IBS be treated · Is IBS related to stress · Can both diarrhoea-type and constipation-type IBS be treated

Damjeok is a Korean medicine diagnosis describing a state in which gastrointestinal motility has dropped and undigested matter stagnates. It applies to people who are told "nothing is wrong" on endoscopy yet still feel bloated and tight below the breastbone. We judge it by abdominal palpation, checking tension and tenderness directly.

Inflammation and ulceration of the gastric mucosa, including atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia that need follow-up endoscopy.

Disrupted bowel habits. Cases alternating between constipation and diarrhoea are assessed together.

Abdominal pain, fullness and gas. In many cases no cause is found on examination.

Dilated or torn vessels around the anus. We first determine whether surgery is indicated.