Acupuncture for Digestion & Gut Health

Discover how acupuncture can improve and even heal digestive issues by influencing the body’s energy flow and blood flow.
Learn more

Gut health is not just popping a probiotic pill.

Do you suffer from:

  • Crohn’s 
  • Collitis 
  • IBS 
  • Celiac’s Disease 
  • Acid reflux 
  • GERD 
  • Bloating and Gas 

Do you also suffer from:

  • Migraines or headaches 
  • Fatigue 
  • Sleep issues 
  • Brain Fog 
  • Joint Pain 
  • Eczema

All of these issues are related to your gut health. 

Perhaps you have heard about the importance of gut healing, but you are unsure where to begin other than purchasing a probiotic supplement. So let’s break it down. 

HOW WE CAN HELP

Acupuncture for Digestion & Gut Health in Toronto and the GTA

Digestion begins long before food reaches the gut

Just the act of smelling and anticipating a meal activates the vagus nerve, signaling your body to release digestive juices and enzymes. From there, food is broken down through chewing, stomach acid, and intestinal enzymes until nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine and the remaining material reaches the colon, where beneficial microbes support overall health, immunity, and metabolism.

But, what happens when things go wrong?

The digestive system is like an assembly line. If something goes wrong in the stomach it will affect your small and large intestines.

However, the issues don’t stop there. Problems in the digestive system can affect the whole body, either because nutrients are not being properly absorbed or because increased intestinal permeability is triggering systemic inflammation. 

Let me explain further…

When the gut is inflamed, the tight junctions that make up the lining of the intestine can begin to come apart allowing undigested food particles and pathogens to enter the bloodstream triggering an inflammatory response. 

This can cause a lot of issues in the body if it’s combined with dysbiosis. 

So what is dysbiosis?

Dysbiosis is when there is an imbalance of harmful or pathogenic microbes in the gut in ratio to the beneficial microbes. 

So what’s the solution? 

  1. Remove the harmful microbes in the gut 
  2. Replenish the good microbes
  3. Reduce inflammation 
  4. Heal the gut lining
How acupuncture promotes digestion and natural gut healing

Through the insertion of needles, acupuncture can improve and even heal digestive issues by influencing the body’s energy flow and blood flow (qi and blood); here’s how:

Pain and dysfunction are the result of reduced or restricted energy flows in the body. 

When needles are inserted into specific points, especially in the Stomach and Spleen meridians, energy flow is restored and digestive function is improved.

Acupuncture can help with a wide range of digestive complaints, including:

  • Fatigue
  • Acid reflux
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Non-stop hunger
  • Poor appetite
  • Abdominal pain & bloating
  • Stress-related nausea
  • IBS (irritable bowel syndrome/disorder)

Related to the digestive process is the elimination process, with which acupuncture is effective for:

  • Relieving the pain of Colitis
  • Anal fissures
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Constipation / diarrhea

As we like to reiterate, with acupuncture it is common that the needle does not get inserted near the point of pain!

For example, hemorrhoid needles are inserted in the forearm.

Did you know?

Acupuncture is covered under most health insurance plans.
Be sure to check your insurance plan before booking an appointment as acupuncture is often covered.

Ready to Get Started?

Click to book your acupuncture for gut healing session. 

Have questions? Arrange for a No-cost 10-minute Discovery Call and speak directly with Eileen to learn more.

BOOK A FREE CALL

Nutrition for Digestion & Gut Health in Toronto and the GTA
The Essential Balance Gut Healing Protocol

Our unique gut healing was developed by founder Eileen Fauster 17 years ago and has been used successfully by hundreds of clients with various health concerns. The protocol is based on both the 4-R’s of gut healing and the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine with a focus on simplicity!

The 4-R concept of gut healing was put forth by functional medicine doctor Jeffery  Bland, Ph.D and it is widely used in functional medicine and holistic nutrition.

 The 4 R’s of gut healing are: 

  1. Remove foods that are irritating the gut and any additional chronic infections such as candida, parasites, SIBO, H. pylori. 
  2. Replace any enzymes or nutrients that are missing 
  3. Reinoculate or replenish the good bacteria. It’s not just about taking a probiotic it’s about cultivating an environment where the good microbes thrive
  4. Repair the gut lining. The tight junctions in epithelial cells of the gut lining can come apart due to damage causing “leaky gut” and systemic inflammation. The gut lining will need to be repaired. 

In Traditional Chinese medicine as well as other types of traditional medicine, there is a concept of digestive fire. The purpose of the stomach is to transform this digestive fire into energy or Qi and then it is the spleen that will transport this energy or Qi throughout the body. 

If our digestive fire is weak or if the energy cannot be transported properly, it can deplete our vital life force. This is why digestive health is so important in TCM. It is also why The Essential Balance Gut Healing Protocol includes many warming and nourishing foods inspired by TCM principles.  Before beginning our protocol, you will receive a TCM assessment so you can eat foods tailored to your specific constitution. 

Keep it Simple!

What sets our protocol apart from others is that we don’t believe in taking too many supplements. Our protocol includes only a few key supplements; instead we focus on whole foods for a sustainable healthy diet. 

Customized Protocol for Maximum Compliance

It’s hard to stick to a protocol if it doesn’t fit with your lifestyle. We have helped many clients with different dietary needs from those with allergies, Celiac's disease, or those following vegan or ketogenic diets. We’ve even helped some picky kids. We also complete the protocol ourselves once a year. Every time we go through the protocol, we come up with new recipes, meal ideas and hacks. So whatever challenges you face on the protocol, there is a good chance we’ve  been through it ourselves and we can help guide you through!

The Essential Balance Gut Healing Protocol Outline

Step 1: Prepare

Pre-Protocol Assessment
We will provide you with strategies on how to ease into the gut healing protocol diet. This is optional but recommended, although some are eager to jump right in. Approx. 2 weeks*

Step 2: Reset

The Gut Healing Protocol
We remove irritating foods and gut infections, eliminating items like sugar and alcohol. This is the most restrictive phase. We provide lots of support during this time! Approx. 30 days*

Step 3: Rebuild

Restore Gut Lining & Microbes
Certain foods can be added back in moderation. We continue to work on healing the gut lining and replenishing good gut microbes. Approx. 2 weeks*

Step 4: Maintain

Balanced, Anti-Inflammatory Living
You continue on with a well-balanced anti-inflammatory diet, including foods you enjoy without harming your gut. For life!
*Timing and costs may vary depending on your specific needs, we will work with you to create an individualized plan.

Nutrition Consulting

Click to book your nutrition session for digestion and gut healing. 

Have questions? Book a Free 10-minute Discovery Call with Kirsten or Eileen and get your questions answered!

BOOK A FREE CAll

Your Questions Answered

1How can acupuncture help with digestion and gut health?

Acupuncture supports digestive health through several mechanisms:

  • Stimulates the nervous system, specifically the vagus nerve, which plays a central role in controlling digestion.
  • Restores autonomic balance, reducing the stress response that can impede digestive function.
  • Reduces inflammation in the digestive tract, which can ease pain and symptoms of conditions like IBS and acid reflux.
  • Enhances peristalsis in the small and large intestines, strengthening digestion and elimination.
  • Improves the brain–gut connection, particularly supporting small intestine function.
2Can the Essential Balance Gut Healing Protocol help with inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s and Colitis?
Our gut healing protocol can help those to improve symptoms and reduce inflammatory markers in those with Crohn’s and Colitis
3Do I need a formal diagnosis before starting a gut healing plan?
The Essential Balance Gut Healing Protocol can help those with day-to-day digestive complaints like bloating and gas in which case a diagnosis is not required. However, anyone experiencing severe abdominal pains, chronic diarrhea or blood in stools should seek medical attention.
4How long will it take to get relief from symptoms after acupuncture treatments?
Everyone’s health situation is unique and accordingly, everyone’s response timeframe is different. Some people notice the first signs of relief as they leave their first session, while others require a few sessions before sustained improvement is attained. We always recommend a minimum of 4 weekly sessions and then less often thereafter, as per the client’s response to treatment.
5Will I need to cut out certain foods entirely during the Gut Healing Protocol?
Certain foods are removed during the gut healing protocol such as sugar and alcohol and any foods that a person is intolerant to such as dairy. The idea is to give the digestive tract a much needed “break” in order to heal. However, don’t worry it’s not forever unless you have allergies or food intolerances.
6How long is the Gut Healing Protocol?
Our typical Gut Healing Protocol is 30 days, during which time certain foods are removed. However, certain individuals may need an extended protocol.
7Will I need to fast or restrict portions on the Gut Healing Protocol?
No, there is no fasting or portion restriction during the Gut Healing Protocol
8I have food allergies or dietary restrictions can I still complete the Gut Healing Protocol?
Yes, we can tailor our protocol to your specific needs. Many of our clients have allergies or are vegan/vegetarian, ketogenic, paleo etc.
9How often will I need acupuncture treatments for best results?
We recommend 4 weekly sessions to start, after which time the client’s response to treatment will determine if biweekly would be sufficient.
10I am on medication, can I still complete the Gut Healing Protocol?
Yes, we will just need a list of the medications you are taking in order to check for any contraindications with herbal supplements and you will need to speak to your doctor.
11Do you do food sensitivity tests or GI Map tests?
We do not offer any tests but have tests we can recommend if necessary. We can also help you review your test results
12My child is having a lot of gut issues? Can they complete this protocol?
Yes we have a modified protocol for children with gut issues and we can guide them through the protocol if they are open to it.
13I have a histamine intolerance. Can The Essential Balance Gut Healing Protocol help with that?
Yes, many gut infections, such as candida, can contribute to histamine intolerance. Our gut healing protocol along with an anti-histamine diet can help reduce histamine related symptoms. See our blog related to histamine intolerance: Is Histamine Intolerance Real?

Schedule a FREE 10-minute Discovery Call

Let's Talk!