Digestive Health

People visit AcuMedic with many digestive concerns, including bloating, reflux, stomach discomfort, constipation, diarrhoea and changes in bowel habits. Some also have a diagnosis such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

During your appointment, your practitioner will ask about your symptoms, how long you’ve had them and anything that seems to make them better or worse. They’ll also ask about your general health before explaining whether acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine or another approach may suit you.

No. You can book an appointment without knowing exactly what’s causing your symptoms.

If you’ve already had tests, investigations or a diagnosis, bring any useful information with you. However, if your symptoms need medical assessment first, your practitioner will explain this and advise you accordingly.

Digestive symptoms can occur alongside changes in other areas of your health. For that reason, your practitioner may ask about your sleep, energy levels, stress, appetite, menstrual cycle and other symptoms, even when they don’t seem related to your digestion.

These questions are part of a Chinese medicine assessment. They help your practitioner look at the wider pattern of symptoms instead of focusing on one digestive symptom in isolation.

Yes. Many people find that their digestion changes during stressful or emotionally demanding periods.

You don’t need to work out whether stress is the main cause before your appointment. Tell your practitioner what you’ve noticed, including when your symptoms improve or become worse. They’ll take this information into account during your assessment.

Not always. Your practitioner may recommend dietary changes if they seem relevant to your symptoms, but Chinese medicine doesn’t prescribe one standard diet for everyone with digestive problems.

Any suggestions will take your symptoms, usual eating habits and personal circumstances into account, with a clear reason for any changes that are recommended.

Sometimes, yes. Taking prescribed medication doesn’t automatically prevent you from having acupuncture or using Chinese herbal medicine.

Tell your practitioner about all medicines and supplements you take, including anything bought from a pharmacy or health shop. This information helps them make appropriate recommendations. Keep taking prescribed medication unless the healthcare professional responsible for your care tells you to stop or change it.

That depends on more than the name of the condition. Your practitioner will consider your symptoms, medical history and wider Chinese medicine assessment before recommending treatment.

Chinese medicine can also be used alongside conventional medical care where appropriate. If it doesn’t seem suitable for you, we’ll explain why and suggest the next step instead.

Chinese medicine doesn’t assume that the same symptoms always need the same treatment. Your practitioner will look at the pattern that emerges during your consultation and assessment, then choose the approach that best fits your needs.

As a result, two people with similar symptoms may receive different acupuncture points, herbal formulas or treatment plans. Your practitioner will talk you through their recommendation and explain the reasoning behind it.

It depends on what your practitioner finds during your assessment. They may recommend acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine or a combination of the two.

You won’t automatically receive both. If herbal medicine is recommended, your practitioner will explain why, and you can decide whether you want to take the prescription. Herbal medicine is charged separately.

There isn’t a fixed number of appointments that suits everyone. A recent health concern may need a different approach from something you’ve been experiencing for several years.

Your practitioner will consider what you want help with, how long you’ve had the symptoms and how you respond to treatment. After your assessment, they can suggest an initial plan and review your progress as you go. You won’t be asked to commit to a long course before you know how you respond.

Yes. We’re happy to work alongside the medical care you’re already receiving, so you don’t have to choose between the two.

Tell your practitioner about any medication, supplements or other treatments you’re having. This information helps them make appropriate recommendations.

Keep taking prescribed medication as directed. Don’t stop or change it unless the healthcare professional responsible for your care advises you to do so.

Possibly. Where relevant, your practitioner may suggest practical changes to your diet, sleep, exercise or daily routine.

There isn’t one standard Chinese medicine diet or lifestyle plan for everyone. Any advice will be shaped around your health, circumstances and what is realistic for you.

You don’t need to decide that before booking. During your consultation, your practitioner will ask what you’d like help with, review your health history and assess whether Chinese medicine is appropriate.

If another type of care would suit you better, we’ll tell you.

No. You can book a consultation without a formal medical diagnosis.

If you have test results, medical letters or other health information, bring them with you. They can give your practitioner useful background alongside their own assessment.

Yes. The conditions listed on our website are examples of concerns people commonly bring to us. They aren’t a complete list of everything our practitioners can assess.

If you’re unsure whether we can help, use our Free Health Advice service before booking. Tell us a little about what’s going on, and we’ll help you decide on the most appropriate next step.

Your practitioner will begin by asking what has brought you in and taking a detailed health history. They may also ask about your sleep, digestion, energy and lifestyle, even when those details don’t seem connected to your main concern.

A traditional Chinese medicine assessment may include looking at your tongue and checking your pulse. Your practitioner will then explain their assessment, recommend an approach and explain why they recommend it.

If treatment is appropriate, it can often start during the same appointment.

Not always. Treatment can often begin at the first appointment, but your consultation comes first.

If your practitioner thinks another type of care would be more appropriate, they’ll explain that rather than recommending treatment simply because you’ve booked an appointment.

The length depends on the appointment you choose. An acupuncture appointment with a consultation usually takes around 60 minutes. A consultation without acupuncture generally lasts around 20 to 40 minutes.

If you’re unsure which appointment to book, our team can help.

Yes. Your consultation takes place in private, so you have space to discuss your health and concerns openly with your practitioner.

We treat the information you share confidentially and handle it according to our privacy and clinical record-keeping procedures.