由 home-healthhaven 
Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach can’t empty properly because it’s partially paralyzed. This usually happens due to damage to the nerve that controls this action and can be triggered by various factors, including diabetes, smoking, eating disorders, and autonomic neuropathy. The symptoms can be pretty unpleasant and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, palpitations, abdominal pain, bloating, low appetite, and reflux.
### Treatment for Gastroparesis
Treating gastroparesis typically involves a low-fiber diet, Botox injections, gastric neuro-stimulators, or taking certain medications. However, there’s also some evidence suggesting that acupuncture might be an effective alternative. Several studies have shown promising results where acupuncture helped reduce symptoms like nausea and vomiting, as well as pain and bloating.
One study, presented at the American College of Gastroenterology’s 77th Annual Scientific Meeting, found that electrical stimulation at acupuncture points could alleviate symptoms by 20 to 40% in all patients who participated in the research. Though it didn’t completely eliminate their issues, it did make it easier for them to eat and drink.
In another study, researchers compared acupuncture to Reglan, a medication often used for gastroparesis. They measured gastric juice volume and found that 29 of the acupuncture patients had no gastric juices afterward, while only 10 of the Reglan group had similar results. This suggests that acupuncture was more effective than the drug for these patients.
It’s important to remember, however, that acupuncture might not work for everyone. Most studies have focused on patients with diabetic gastroparesis, so if you have a different type, the results might not be the same. These studies also had small sample sizes and didn’t compare multiple treatments for individuals. Nonetheless, acupuncture could be worth trying, especially if you don’t have diabetes. Just make sure to consult your doctor before stopping any prescribed medications or starting new treatments.
Talk to your doctor to ensure it’s safe for you to try acupuncture. You might need a few sessions to notice any changes, so consider booking several appointments before deciding if it helps. While acupuncture might not completely cure your symptoms, it could make you feel better. People respond differently, so while it might work well for some, it might not work at all for others. If you’re struggling with gastroparesis, giving acupuncture a shot could be worthwhile to see if it offers any relief.