Many people use acupuncture to relieve the symptoms of a hiatal hernia. Acupuncture is the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body where there are natural energy pathways. This article aims to provide information about what causes a hiatal hernia, how it affects your stomach, and how acupuncture can help you.
What is a Hiatal Hernia?
A hiatal hernia is a condition in which a portion of the stomach (the upper stomach) protrudes through the opening between the lower stomach and small intestine (the jejunum). This can cause severe pain when eating or drinking and can obstruct food or fluid passing through the body.
What Causes a Hiatal Hernia?
The condition is most common in adults over age 50 but can also occur in young adults. Causes include obesity, pregnancy, childbirth, and cancer. If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty swallowing, please seek medical attention. However, acupuncture can be a useful supplementary therapy if your primary treatment plan fails to provide relief.
Can Acupuncture Help a Hiatal Hernia?
The question surfacing: can acupuncture help a hiatal hernia? Yes, acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for several health issues, including hiatal hernia. For example, a study published in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine found that acupuncture improved symptoms of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and motility problems associated with Hiatal Hernia patients.
Acupuncture uses very thin needles to stimulate specific points on the body. This can help to improve blood flow and digestion. In addition, acupuncture has been shown to help relieve symptoms of a hiatal hernia, including pain, discomfort, and respiratory issues.
When Should You Use Acupuncture to Treat a Hiatal Hernia?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine typically used to relieve symptoms such as pain, tightness, and inflammation. In addition, acupuncture can be used to treat a hiatal hernia in cases where conventional medical treatments have not been effective. In some cases, acupuncture may be recommended as early as six weeks after hernia diagnosis.
How to Get Started with Acupuncture for a Hiatal Hernia
First, talk with your doctor about whether acupuncture is right for you. Acupuncture can be helpful for many conditions, but it isn’t always recommended for hiatal hernias if you’re interested in pursuing acupuncture for this condition.
Secondly, once you’ve found a provider, schedule a consultation. Your practitioner will assess your condition and decide which type of acupuncture suits you. Acupuncture is typically administered using disposable needles. However, other insertion methods may be used depending on the type of hernia and the needle insertion location.
Lastly, make an appointment for your first acupuncture session after your consultation. During this session, you will undergo a series of treatment sessions. Each session lasts 45 minutes and is performed over four to five days. During each session, your provider inserts fine needles into the muscle tissue surrounding the hiatal hernia.
Exercises to Reverse a Hiatal Hernia
The first thing you should do in the morning is to drink a cup of warm water (not tea or juice, just warm water!)
Next, while still standing, extend your arms straight out in front of you while still standing, bending your elbows until your hands are touching your chest. You should get a jolt if you stand as high as you can on your toes before letting go. About ten consecutive drops down. Then, pant quickly for about 10 to 15 seconds while standing with your arms raised.
There you go!
How does it function? The weight of the water and its warmth helps to calm the stomach. The diaphragm is stretched, and the hiatus is made more accessible by raising your arms and bending your elbows. The sudden descent pulls the stomach out of the hiatus, and panting tightens the diaphragm and aids in the closure of the hiatus.
The Benefits of Acupuncture for a Hiatal Hernia
There is a lot of debate surrounding the use of acupuncture for hiatal hernia. However, many studies suggest that acupuncture can be very beneficial in treating this problem. Acupuncture stimulates the flow of qi or energy through the body. This can help to relieve pain and improve overall symptoms. Additionally, acupuncture may help reduce the hernia’s size and improve bowel function. There are many different types of acupuncture, and each may have different benefits for a hiatal hernia. If you are considering treatment for this condition, it is important to speak with a doctor about your options.
The Drawbacks of Acupuncture for a Hiatal Hernia
There are many potential drawbacks associated with acupuncture for a hiatal hernia, including the risk of infection and the possibility of adverse side effects. However, these risks are minimal. In addition, because acupuncture is not a medically accepted treatment for hiatal hernia, it may not be covered by your insurance.
How Much Does It Cost?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as prices for acupuncture vary depending on the clinic and practitioner. However, on average, a consultation with a licensed acupuncturist will run between $50 and $100, and an appointment lasting 60 minutes or less will typically cost around $65. More involved treatments, such as sessions lasting more than 60 minutes or multiple visits over a period of several weeks, can cost more.
Conclusion
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that has been used for centuries in Asia to treat a variety of illnesses. Recently, it has gained popularity as an effective treatment for several medical conditions, including hiatal hernia. While there is limited research on the subject, preliminary evidence suggests that acupuncture may be beneficial in relieving symptoms associated with hiatal hernia.
Whether you want to try acupuncture for your hiatal hernia, talk to your doctor first to see if it’s appropriate for you and if any previous prescriptions or treatments should be evaluated before you start.
Curious About Acupuncture for Hiatal Hernia?
At Mind & Soul, we support treating your body as a whole. We want to approach your treatment holistically so that you can function at your best. Interested in a blended approach of Western and traditional medicine? We can accommodate your needs with a flexible combination of acupuncture for your physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. If you are interested in learning more about what acupuncture may be able to do for your hiatal hernia, you can schedule a consultation with us online or call us at (305) 456-1014.