Hiatal Hernia

Acupuncture for Hiatal Hernia

    Acupuncture for hiatal Hernia

    Reputable Acupuncture Clinic Located in New York, NY

    A hiatal hernia is a condition in which a portion of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like heartburn, acid reflux, GERD, and chest pain. Conventional treatments focus on managing symptoms of acid reflux with antacids which have serious side effects and are not recommended for long term use. At Gotham Holistic Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine, we offer custom tailored treatments for hiatal hernias which include acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and lifestyle and nutritional recommendations. Our treatments are goal oriented and focus on providing short term relief of symptoms and long term relief by addressing the underlying causes.

    What Is a Hiatal Hernia?

    A hiatal hernia occurs when the opening in the diaphragm (hiatus) that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen becomes enlarged, allowing a part of the stomach to upward through this opening. This displacement can disrupt the natural function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). A small hiatal hernia usually does not cause any symptoms, but a larger hernia may lead to acid reflux and discomfort. A very large hiatal hernia may require surgery, but most cases can be treated successfully with more conservative measures such as acupuncture.


    Some of the symptoms of a hiatal hernia include:

    Burning sensation in chest and/or in the throat

    Difficulty swallowing

    Symptoms worsened by laying down

    Regurgitation of food or liquids into the mouth

    Chest or abdominal pain

    Nausea

    The Basics of Acupuncture

    Acupuncture comes from the tradition of Chinese medicine and involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Chinese medicine takes a holistic approach and considers not just the primary complaint, but also takes into account many aspects of health including seemingly unrelated areas like sleep, stress, and any other body pain. This holistic approach aims to provide relief for the primary complaint as well as improve overall health and wellbeing. Treatments may include a variety of modalities in addition to acupuncture such as internal and external Chinese herbs, cupping, gua sha, and moxa.

    How Can Chinese Medicine Help Relieve a Hiatal Hernia?

    Chinese medicine can help relieve a hiatal hernia by:

    Treating the diaphragm: The diaphragm is a large muscle which plays and important roll in breathing. It may become restricted in areas, or weak. Acupuncture can help to release tight areas, adhesions and trigger points and also help to strengthen and restore optimal function of the diaphragm. Electro-acupuncture, gua sha, and massage may be used as well.

    Minimize flare ups and aggravating factors: Through an in depth conversation, we work with our patients to identify any triggers for flare-ups so that we can treat them. Minimizing flare ups may include lifestyle and nutritional changes and almost always involves regulating the nervous system for stress management and anxiety relief.

    Regulate digestion: Acupuncture and Chinese herbs work together to address digestive complaints and reduce acid reflux symptoms. Improving digestion helps with immediate relief as well as long term relief from symptoms of a hiatal hernia. Lifestyle and dietary recommendations may also be made.

    Pain relief: Acupuncture triggers the release of powerful natural painkillers (endogenous opioids) which may help relieve any chest or abdominal pain.

    What To Expect During Acupuncture Treatment

    All new patients at Gotham Holistic Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine will start with a New Patient Consultation. During the consultation you’ll meet with our lead acupuncturist to go over your health history, current complaints, and health goals. The acupuncturist will also ask questions about your health which may seem unrelated to your primary complaint, but which provide essential information for a holistic approach. Based on the information gathered, a treatment plan will be provided. Treatments involve the insertion of sterile, single-use, ultrafine needles at strategically selected points. You may experience sensations like tingling or warmth around the insertion points. Gentle electrical stimulation may be applied to some points (electro-acupuncture) which may feel like tapping, tingling or buzzing. It is essential that sessions are comfortable, so open communication is encouraged. Most patients find the sessions to be very relaxing and fall asleep during treatment. Acupuncture is often considered as part of a larger treatment plan. Depending on the severity of your hiatal hernia and your body's response to treatment, you may require multiple sessions. The frequency of sessions will be determined in consultation with your acupuncturist.

    Discover The Benefits of Acupuncture at Gotham Holistic Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine

    Acupuncture offers a holistic and integrative approach to managing a hiatal hernia without harmful drugs. By addressing issues with the diaphragm, reducing stress and other exacerbating factors, improving digestion, and supporting the body's natural healing processes, acupuncture can be a valuable addition to your hiatal hernia management plan. If you're considering acupuncture as part of your treatment, schedule your New Patient Consultation today to learn more about how we can help.

    For more information about acupuncture for hiatal hernia, call us at (646) 255-1332 or book a consultation.

    WHY CHOOSE US?

    Cutting-Edge Acupuncture

    Licensed Acupuncturist

    Powerful Holistic Treatments

    Personalized Treatment Plans

    What our satisfied Patients have to say

    "I've been going to see Dr. Kristin for quite some time now due to back/neck issues I've been dealing with for years, and I must say - it really does work wonders! From my first consultation to every appointment in between, Dr. Kristin has been kind and always attentive to what aches and pains I have. She makes sure to target the areas that are hurting you, and constantly checks in on you / with you to make sure you are comfortable. I mean really, what more could you ask for?!"

    - Nicole D.

    "I've been going to Gotham Holistic and seeing Kristin Cheng, LAc for 3 years now, I highly recommend going to see her. She was highly attentive to me, my needs, and my comfort level. Quickly, I was put at ease by her attentive nature and able to be present when I did my first acupuncture consultation to the present day. I go here because Kristin Cheng is immensely skilled and so down to earth that I can digest her deep knowledge to make better health choices in my life."

    - Jovon O.

    "Kristin at Gotham Holistic is a wonderful professional who is focused on helping you manage pain and getting your body to work best for you.  She is personally invested in your health and well-being and committed to working with you to get your body to where you'd like it to be.  She is full of knowledge and looks to empower you to help your body heal. As a lifelong athlete I am so grateful I have found Kristin to help me work through injuries and keep my body in top shape to continue to train at a high level."

    - Lisa L.

    Share by: