Acupuncture and Chinese medicine for the Gut-Brain Axis : Healing the Mind and Gut

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The Gut-Brain Axis Modulation of Acupuncture: Healing the Mind and Gut

The gut-brain axis (GBA) is a two-way communication network between the brain and the gut. This connection allows the brain to influence intestinal functions and the gut to affect mood, cognition, and mental health. This communication involves neural, endocrine, immune, and metabolic pathways. The gut microbiota also plays a crucial role in this axis, leading to the concept of the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Brain to Gut

The brain significantly influences gut motility, secretions, and immune function. This is primarily facilitated by the autonomic nervous system and the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The Vagus Nerve is a critical link between the brain and the gut's enteric nervous system.

This connection explains why stress signals from the brain can directly impact gut function, leading to symptoms like "butterflies in the stomach" or other digestive problems. Furthermore, the brain signals the gut to prepare for food intake, and in turn, the gut signals the brain about fullness.

Gut to Brain

The gut communicates with the brain through several pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormones, immune cells, and microbial metabolites. The billions of microorganisms in your gut are key players in this communication, as they produce signaling molecules that influence brain function.

The Enteric Nervous System (ENS), often called the "second brain," is a neuronal network within the gut wall that regulates digestion and communicates with the brain. Furthermore, specialized cells in the gut lining called Neuropod Cells connect with neurons, including the vagus nerve, to send signals to the brain in response to stimuli like food or bacteria.

The gut also produces hormones such as ghrelin (hunger) and leptin (satiety), which affect appetite and food intake, with these signals then relayed to the brain. Your gut microbiota can produce neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin, which play a role in mood and behavior. Additionally, the gut's immune cells interact with the nervous system, influencing brain functions, mood, and cognitive processes. Finally, the gut microbiome produces metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that can cross the blood-brain barrier and positively affect brain health.

Impact on Health

Mental Health

The gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in influencing anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. Research indicates that changes in the gut microbiome can affect brain function and behavior. Consuming fermented foods may reduce stress, and probiotics have shown similar efficacy to conventional medications in alleviating anxiety and depression.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

It's common for individuals with functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), to also experience higher rates of anxiety and depression. This highlights a strong connection between gut health and mental well-being, even when there are no visible structural abnormalities in the digestive tract.

Neurological Disorders

Emerging research suggests a link between the gut-brain axis and neurodegenerative diseases. An imbalance in gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis, is believed to contribute to the development and progression of conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, autism spectrum disorder, and multiple sclerosis.

Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recognized the strong connection between emotions and digestive health thousands of years ago. TCM theory explains that food and drinks are converted into essential nutrients like blood and bodily fluids, and also contribute to our vital energy, known as "Qi." Cells use nutrients to create visible materials, and these nutrients are also essential for mitochondrial function.

TCM also views the digestive system as crucial for processing emotions (the "Gut to Brain" connection), and conversely, unbalanced emotions and stress can weaken the digestive system (the "Brain to Gut" connection).

Acupuncture may influence the brain-gut axis in several ways:

Modulating Gut Microbiota: Acupuncture may change the gut microbiota's composition and function, which can impact brain function and mood.

Regulating Neurotransmitters: It may modulate neurotransmitter levels, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in mood regulation.

Influencing Immune Responses: Acupuncture may reduce inflammation and modulate immune responses in both the gut and brain, potentially improving mental health.

Modulating the HPA Axis: By helping regulate the HPA axis, involved in the body's stress response, acupuncture may reduce stress and anxiety.

Diet

Diet therapy is a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). We believe that food has distinct energetic properties, such as warming or cooling, and directly influences the various organs and systems within the body.

Modern health challenges are often linked to diets high in sugar and ultra-processed foods, as well as foods grown in depleted soil and exposed to pesticides. These contemporary issues differ significantly from the health concerns prevalent in ancient China.Therefore, it is crucial to adapt our dietary approach to address these modern changes.

Frequent blood glucose spikes can negatively affect cellular function. In TCM, sugar is seen as a "damp-forming" food that can weaken digestive organs. Since food is vital for building and maintaining our bodies and supporting metabolism, a diet that stabilizes glucose levels throughout the day is key to overall health.

About the Author

Youngmi Choi

Ripple Acupuncture | Newcastle | New Lambton

As an AHPRA-registered acupuncturist with 15 years of nursing experience, I offer safe, effective, and holistic care. My special interests include pain management, psycho-emotional well-being, digestive balance, and women’s health & fertility. My approach is outcome-focused, and clients receive a clear care plan with personalized lifestyle advice.

If you have any questions about your digestive or mental health conditions, please make an online booking, submit an online enquiry or call me on 0402 474 884. 

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Reference

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