Digestion & Immunity
Digestion is such a basic bodily function that you can take it for granted, until it starts awkwardly wreaking havoc on your plans. More than almost anything else, poor digestion and immunity can affect your quality of life, making it almost impossible to keep going like you’re used to.
Unexpected urgency that has you running to the bathroom while you’re out shopping. Humiliating belching and passing gas in the middle of a work meeting. Being unable to have a meal out with friends because you react to so many foods. Painful stomach burning that makes it hard to sleep. Embarrassing bloating and distension that gets so bad your clothes no longer fit.
And on top of it all there is so much shame around poor digestion. It’s such a taboo topic that you no longer know what’s normal and what’s not, what you can talk about and what you need to keep inside. And when your doctor dismisses your constipation or GERD with a quick prescription, or just tells you to stop eating the foods that bother you, frustration settles in. Don’t they know what’s going on in your body? Can’t they actually fix it instead of covering up the problems with a pill?
We’ve experienced these same frustrations, and have found acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and abdominal massage to be the missing link. This powerful trio of natural treatments gets to the root of your issues so that you can stop being afraid of your digestion, and go back to living your life.
Conditions
IBS
Constipation
Diarrhea
GERD
Allergies
Chronic Infections
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Yes—acupuncture has been shown to help IBS symptoms beyond placebo in some studies, particularly for pain, bloating, and bowel regulation.
It works by regulating the gut–brain axis, improving motility, and calming the nervous system—all key drivers in IBS. Research in World Journal of Gastroenterology notes that acupuncture can “significantly improve global IBS symptoms,” while a Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews review found benefits comparable to standard care, especially when individualized.
While results vary, many patients experience meaningful relief—especially when IBS is linked to stress or nervous system dysregulation.
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Yes—abdominal massage can support digestion, particularly for bloating, constipation, and sluggish gut motility.
It works by stimulating peristalsis (the movement of the intestines), improving circulation, and reducing tension in the abdominal wall. Research in International Journal of Nursing Studies found abdominal massage “significantly improved bowel function in patients with constipation,” and other studies suggest it can reduce discomfort and bloating.
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Yes—Chinese herbal medicine is generally safe for digestive issues when prescribed by a trained practitioner and tailored to your specific pattern.
Formulas are designed to regulate digestion, reduce inflammation, and restore balance, rather than suppress symptoms, and are adjusted based on your response. Research in Journal of Ethnopharmacology notes that many traditional formulas have “gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and motility-regulating effects.”
Safety depends on proper diagnosis and quality sourcing, which is why working with an experienced herbalist like Dr. Elizabeth is key.
Digestion & Immunity Articles
Our most requested massage option is the Integrative Massage. Combining multiple techniques to meet you where you are session to session. Each visit looks different: some more clinical, others lean towards relation and nurturing, but always exactly what you need in the moment. Get all the details of Janice’s most popular massage right here.