Achalasia and Acupuncture

Achalasia is a rare disorder that prevents the esophagus muscle from relaxing properly. It is usually unknown what causes the esophagus muscles in some people to work incorrectly, but studies have suggested a possible genetic link.

Symptoms of achalasia often include difficulty swallowing, heartburn, chest pain and regurgitation of food. Sometimes it is mistaken for acid reflux because the two disorders have similar symptoms.

Achalasia can be very painful, and it tends to worsen progressively. Doctors have used medication to treat it with varying degrees of success. Unfortunately, the medications often cause negative side effects, and they eventually stop working in many patients. Botox injections and esophageal dilation are other methods used to treat the disorder, but most patients under medical care for this problem will eventually face surgery.

There is one alternative to unpleasant medications, risky surgery and other invasive procedures. Many patients have found relief through acupuncture.

Acupuncture is a therapy based on traditional Chinese medicine. The goal of acupuncture is to restore and balance the energy of the body, which is known as chi. A qualified acupuncturist manipulates the body’s chi by inserting extremely thin needles into various parts of the skin to unlock the flow of energy. The acupuncturist carefully chooses the areas of insertion because they correspond to certain organs of the body.

Most patients who undergo acupuncture report a feeling of light pressure that is sometimes accompanied by minor itching or numbness. Acupuncture can help calm the esophagus muscles and offer a good deal of relief when administered by a knowledgeable, licensed practitioner, and may be a recommended form of supplemental treatment to your existing medical treatment for achalasia or esophageal reflux. However, it is important to discuss your symptoms with your physician prior to beginning any sort of secondary treatment.