Dyspepsia (from the Greek δυσ- dys- and πέψις pepsis “digestion”), also known as upset stomach or indigestion, refers to a condition of impaired digestion. It is a medical condition characterized by chronic or recurrent pain in the upper abdomen, upper abdominal fullness and feeling full earlier than expected when eating. It can be accompanied by bloating, belching, nausea, orheartburn. Dyspepsia is a common problem, and is frequently associated with, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or gastritis. In a small minority it may be the first symptom of peptic ulcer disease (an ulcer of the stomach or duodenum) and occasionally cancer. Hence, unexplained newly onset dyspepsia in people over 55 or the presence of other alarming symptoms may require further investigations.

Functional dyspepsia is dyspepsia “without evidence of an organic disease that is likely to explain the symptoms”. Functional dyspepsia is estimated to affect about 15% of the general population in western countries.

Hypertension with Acupuncture?

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) utilizes acupuncture for the treatment of indigestion. Acupuncture tonifies imbalances and is effective in the treatment of many gastrointestinal conditions. Some causes of indigestion such as hiatus hernia and stress are especially amenable to acupuncture treatment. Patients often experience long-term relief of their symptoms with acupuncture, as well as improved energy, digestion and decreased stress. Acupuncture can also be used in conjunction with conventional therapies without negative interactions.

Acupuncture therapy helps human body’s metabolism, regulate digestive processes, increase gastrointestinal muscle contraction and relaxation, and reduce gastric acid secretion. For patients with indigestion, acupuncture restores stomach acidity to normal levels and regulates small and large intestine function. Changes in lifestyle factors and diet modification are often integrated into the acupuncture course of treatment in order to correct dietary imbalances and regulate digestion.