Can we consider acupressure for gastrointestinal improvement? Directly or indirectly, a lot of us adopt specialized diets because our gastrointestinal system causes us distress. Sometimes we adopt the change because of a specific diagnosis. Sometimes it’s because we can see an observable difference in how we feel when we avoid certain foods. Sometimes, we’re at the point we’ll try anything in an attempt to get relief. And sometimes it’s a mix of all three plus some.
Being in constant pain or worry about needing to find a bathroom makes even the most routine tasks miserable, tiring, and anxiety producing. It becomes a natural reflex to stay home in order to avoid embarrassing situations. No one wants to limit themselves. But what do you do when you can’t seem to find the thing that brings relief?
I’ve lived this in varying degrees for over 20 years. I became gluten-free in 2003. Eliminating gluten helped. Eliminating dairy products helped. But it was only in the last year that I discovered eating low histamine foods would vastly improve my lingering symptoms.
As I’ve experimented with dietary changes, I’ve also explored the effects of stress and ways to rein in feelings that overwhelm my system. I have no doubt the function of my digestive system is related to the function of my emotional regulation system.
Recently, I’ve explored using acupressure to calm the vagus nerve. Mind you, I’m early in the learning process. I haven’t really found any documentation that indicates acupressure will be effective.
What I did discover were some small studies that researched the effects of acupressure on post-operative hysterectomy and colorectal cancer patients. If these studies hold true in larger numbers, it appears that adding acupressure to post-op care could result in better bowel motility and quicker, less painful recovery. That sounds positive to me.
Acupressure has also been effective in reducing post-operative nausea experienced after general anesthesia. Acupressure can also reduce vomiting when no antiemetic medication is used.
If acupressure can reduce nausea and vomiting in a post-op situation, I’m wondering whether it can work for stress or trauma related nausea and IBS. It seems possible given that the physical mechanisms involved may be the same or similar.
There are many websites and books touting acupressure as effective trauma treatment. They may all offer great tools. I do not know. I haven’t tried any of their techniques and I haven’t yet found randomized, controlled trials to confirm anecdotal improvement.
If your doctor indicates acupressure will not create complications for your existing health conditions, I see no harm in giving it a try. If it works, you don’t need anyone to prove it to you. If it doesn’t, you can stop including it in your health plan.
Minimally invasive, non-pharmaceutical interventions that result in a healthier gut will complement the dietary changes you make. This can lead to generally feeling better and having less need for isolation.
I see lots of possibilities for acupressure as a tool for gastrointestinal improvement in situations beyond post-op recovery.