Digestive Health

Center for Acupuncture & Anti-Aging Medicine Dr. Chianni Lin, DAOM Our Services Digestive Health

Center for Acupuncture & Anti-Aging Medicine

Dr. Chianni Lin, DAOM

Acupuncturist & Integrative Medicine Specialist located in Santa Monica, CA

According to a recent survey, over 70 percent of Americans are living with some form of digestive disorders and are experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, gas, and bloating. But what many people may not know is that these symptoms may indicate a more serious condition. Although over 40 million medical office visits are due to digestive and gastrointestinal complaints, many people live with the symptoms and do not get them appropriately treated by a medical professional. Research and experience has shown that Acupuncture and Eastern medicine can offer significant relief from even the most complex digestive problems. At the Center for Acupuncture & Anti-Aging Medicine in Santa Monica, Dr. Chianni Lin uses these techniques to relieve digestive problems.

Digestive Health Q&A

What is Digestive Health?

Digestive health is a field of medicine that focuses on the digestive system, which includes everything from the tongue and salivary glands to the stomach, intestines, liver and pancreas. Any medical issue, disorder, or disease that affects one or more of these organs falls under the umbrella of digestive health. Some disorders that digestive health specialists treat include the following:

  • Gastritis
  • Acid reflux (GERD)
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Ulcerative colitis

What is the Eastern Medicine Perspective on Digestive Health?

The source of health is in the digestive organs, including the Stomach, Spleen, Pancreas, and Small Intestine. This organ network is responsible for the processing of food and nutrients that form the foundation for body structures and fluids.  When functions of digestion are blocked by too much food, or weakened by poor nutrition, the rhythmic cycles of the intestines become less efficient. This decline leads to poor transformation, reduced absorption, excess gas, and the stagnation of foods. The wrong foods, as well as eating too quickly or too much, lead to digestive issues and persistent discontent. 

According to Oriental Medicine theory, most digestive disorders are due to disharmony in the spleen and stomach. The spleen plays a central part in the health and vitality of the body, taking a lead role in the assimilation of nutrients and maintenance of physical strength. It turns digested food from the stomach into usable nutrients and qi (energy). 

How are Digestive Health Issues Treated?

By taking into account a patient’s personal health and symptoms, an integrated treatment plan is designed by Dr. Chianni Lin specifically for the individual to bring their body back into harmony and optimize the proper functioning of the digestive system. A variety of techniques are used by Dr. Lin during her treatments, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, healthy lifestyle/dietary recommendations, and exercises to restore digestive health and reinforce a long-term healthy lifestyle.