Lower abdominal pain is a common condition that can affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds, leading to discomfort and a decrease in overall quality of life. This type of pain can stem from a wide variety of causes, including digestive issues, reproductive health problems, or muscular strain. For those seeking alternative approaches to managing this persistent discomfort, acupuncture has gained popularity as a holistic treatment method. In Tokyo, acupuncture clinics are increasingly being sought out as an effective remedy for lower abdominal pain, offering a natural and non-invasive solution to those looking for relief. This article will explore the causes of lower abdominal pain, its symtomps and how acupuncture, a time-honored healing practice, is being utilized in Tokyo to alleviate this common ailment.
Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain
The abdomen is the area between the chest and the pelvis. It contains vital organs involved in digestion, such as the intestines and the liver. In addition, the lower portion of the abdomen includes a part of the colon and the ovary in females.
Causes
There are various causes of lower abdominal pain, or lower belly pain. The conditions range in severity, from trapped gas or constipation to appendicitis, which requires immediate medical attention.
The severity and location of the pain give healthcare providers clues about the cause of the pain. In most cases, you can manage the pain and other symptoms with medications, exercises, and dietary changes.
1. Trapped Gas
Excess gas can get stuck in your digestive tract. Trapped gas usually occurs after meals but does not always lead to lower abdominal pain. It becomes painful when the gas causes your gut to bloat and stretch. Trapped gas is released when gut bacteria in your colon break down undigested fibers.
Try eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding foods that gut bacteria use to generate gas. A healthcare provider can help you manage conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that can lead to trapped gas.
2. Constipation
Constipation occurs when stool becomes hard and difficult to pass. Dehydration, a diet low in fiber, and blockages in your gut can make you constipated. Constipation can lead to pain in the lower abdomen and feelings of fullness, even if you have not eaten any food. Over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives, dietary changes, probiotics, and enemas can relieve constipation.
3. Appendicitis
Appendicitis is a condition that develops when the appendix becomes blocked, such as by stool, and inflamed. The inflammation irritates the abdominal wall and causes severe pain. Appendicitis pain becomes sharper and more severe over a short time. It moves from your belly button to the lower right side of your belly. The pain will worsen if you press on the area, move around, take deep breaths, cough, or sneeze.
If untreated, the appendix can burst and cause a life-threatening infection. Treatments include antibiotics and appendectomy, which is the surgical removal of the appendix. The surgery is relatively safe, with few serious side effects
4. Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are crystallized minerals that form obstructions inside your kidneys. You may first feel the pain in your back. As the kidney stones try to pass through the ureter (the tube that carries urine from your kidneys to your bladder), they may get stuck. The pain can spread to your lower abdomen and groin. It might feel like a constant dull ache or a sharp pain that comes and goes in waves.
Treatment involves non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, Advil (ibuprofen), and Aleve (naproxen) to relieve pain. It’s important to increase fluid intake to help the stones pass. Flowmax (tamslosin) can help stones pass the ureter. Very large stones require surgical removal or are broken into smaller pieces using shock waves.
5. Kidney Infection
A bacterial or viral infection can cause a kidney infection. The infection starts in your bladder and spreads to your kidneys. It can cause pain in your back, side, or groin area. Other symptoms include frequent, painful urination, and bloody, foul-smelling urine. Oral or intravenous (IV) antibiotics can treat a kidney infection. Treatment sometimes requires hospitalization and rehydration with IV fluids.
6. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissues that resemble the endometrium (inner uterine lining) grow outside the uterus. These growths cause pelvic pain that you may feel on the lower right side of your abdomen. The pain recurs in cycles and may increase in intensity during periods, bowel movements, urination, or sex.
Treatments for endometriosis help manage symptoms. The first-line treatments include NSAIDs or hormonal contraceptives. You may use second-line treatments when symptoms are hard to manage. One is a medication called Danocrine (danazol), which mimics the hormone testosterone, which makes it hard for endometrial tissue to grow. A healthcare provider may also advise laparoscopy, or surgery to remove the tissue.
7. Inflammatory Bowel Disease
There are two types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Crohn’s disease causes inflammation of any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation of the large intestine or rectum. You may feel pain from IBD in your lower right abdomen. Other symptoms include diarrhea (with blood or mucus) and weight loss.
Treatments for IBD depend on the severity, how much of your gastrointestinal tract is impacted, and the severity of internal damage. Options include:
- Corticosteroids: These anti-inflammatory drugs treat moderate cases.
- Mesalamine: This medication, sold under brand names like Lialda and Canasa, reduces swelling and inflammation in mild cases.
- Remicade (infliximab): This drug suppresses the gut’s immune system, reducing moderate symptoms.
- Surgery: Removal of damaged tissue can relieve severe symptoms.
8. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause abdominal pain and changes to your bowel habits. You may have constipation, diarrhea, or both. Healthcare providers diagnose IBS if you have these symptoms and no underlying conditions. Treatment differs based on symptoms: A high-fiber diet and laxatives can relieve constipation, while physical activity can regulate gut motility if you have diarrhea.
9. Diverticular Disease
Some people develop diverticula, or small pouches on the lining of the colon. Diverticula usually do not cause any problems, but they can lead to diverticulitis if they are inflamed. Diverticulitis can also lead to diverticular disease, which causes sudden, dull lower abdominal pain. Other symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, and bloating.
You may need to follow a clear liquid diet for one to two days. A healthcare provider may recommend Tylenol (acetaminophen) to relieve pain. Some people may require antibiotics. In severe cases, surgery is necessary to remove the pouches. Surgery helps prevent peritonitis, or a life-threatening abdominal infection.
10. Adhesions
Adhesions are scar tissue that forms inside your abdomen. They form between two organs or an organ and the abdominal wall, typically after abdominal surgery. Adhesions can also form if you have a condition like Crohn’s disease or endometriosis. They usually do not cause symptoms. Twisted adhesions, or ones that pull on the lining of your abdomen can cause pain, bloating, constipation, and vomiting.
Treatment is only necessary if adhesions cause pain and other symptoms. Surgery or IV fluids that flush out obstructions.
11. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction is the abnormal activity of your pelvis muscles. When the muscles are overactive or underactive, you can have pain in your lower abdomen and pelvic region. You may also have trouble with bladder or bowel control and sexual function.
There are many treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction, including:
- Biofeedback and physical therapy: These methods help improve pelvic floor function.
- Dietary changes: Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, acidic foods, and spicy foods can manage bladder-related symptoms.
- Medications: Topical estrogen treats vaginal and bladder symptoms. Drugs like Toviaz (fesoterodine) treat overactive bladder.
- Pelvic floor (Kegel) and core exercises: These exercises help strengthen your muscles, which reduces pain and other symptoms.
12. Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that form on or outside your uterus. They often do not cause symptoms. Some people can have pelvic and back pain, uterine bleeding, and bowel and bladder problems. Treatment can include NSAIDs, hormonal contraceptives, and hormones to reduce pain. In severe cases, treatment may involve surgery to remove uterine fibroids. A hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus, is necessary in some cases.
13. Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis (IC) causes pain above your pubic region, near your bladder. Some people might also feel pain in their lower back. Inflammation of the bladder or misfiring of nerves may cause IC. You may also have a frequent urge to urinate and pain or discomfort during urination or sex.
There’s no cure for IC. Treatment helps manage symptoms through the use of bladder re-training, dietary changes, electrical nerve stimulation, pelvic floor exercises, and stress reduction. In severe cases, drugs or surgery can relieve pain and restore bladder control.
Treatments
Treatment for lower abdominal pain will depend on the underlying cause. You can treat some causes, like trapped gas or constipation, with home remedies. A healthcare provider can diagnose more severe causes, such as appendicitis, endometriosis, or IBD, and recommend the best treatment plan for you.
Home Remedies
Home remedies for non-emergency causes of lower abdominal pain include:1
- Avoid gas-producing foods, such as beans, cruciferous vegetables, and dairy products
- Consume smaller, more frequent meals rather than three large ones
- Drink plenty of clear fluids, such as water
- Eat bland foods, such as crackers or rice, if you have diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
- Ensure you get plenty of fiber, such as from fruits and vegetables
- Stay physically active
When To Seek Care
Lower abdominal pain is typically not a medical emergency. Consider non-emergency medical care if you have lower abdominal pain and symptoms like:1
- Bloating for more than two days
- Burning pain during urination
- Diarrhea that lasts five or more days
- A fever
- Low appetite or unexplained weight loss
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain or discomfort that lasts longer than one week
- Pain that does not improve within 48 hours or worsens
- Prolonged vaginal bleeding
Abdominal Acupuncture in Tokyo
According to the time-honored Traditional Oriental Medicine teachings, the life force or vital energy is responsible for overall health. Vital energy flows throughout 361 acupuncture points connected by 12 primary channels or meridians. Any disruption of vital energy can cause pain, discomfort, and diseases. These beliefs led to the development of acupuncture as an effective way of restoring balance and stimulating the flow of vital energy. Moreover, these insights led to the discovery of abdominal acupuncture, which, by embracing the fusion between tradition and innovation, offers a new way to achieve overall wellness.
In this blog post, we’ll uncover the myriad benefits, potential advantages, and principles of abdominal acupuncture, so join us as we shed light on how it can enhance your well-being.
What is Abdominal Acupuncture?
Abdominal acupuncture is a modern technique of acupuncture involving the insertion of needles in specific points according to the abdominal meridian system (AMS). It was first developed in the 1990s by blending Traditional Oriental Medicine (TOM) principles with new concepts devised by Dr. Zhiyun Bo. According to Dr. Bo, around the umbilicus (belly button), there’s a holographic reflex zone that represents the whole body and is located at the superficial layer of the abdominal wall. The shape of this zone is similar to a tortoise, thus earning the name “The Miraculous Tortoise.”
Moreover, abdominal acupuncture is considered a safer form of acupuncture, as the needles are inserted much shallower, rendering the whole procedure more comfortable.
What is it used for?
Abdominal acupuncture can be an effective treatment for a wide range of ailments, including:
- Osteo-muscular-articular disorders. These include fibromyalgia, tendinitis, knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, stiff neck, lumbar pain with sciatica, cervical spondylotic syndrome, etc.
- Women’s health. Abdominal acupuncture can be helpful for a variety of women’s health conditions, such as infertility, irregular and painful menstruation, cysts, menopause depressive disorder, etc.
- Neurological disturbances. Disturbances of the nervous system, such as headaches, neuritis, dizziness, anxiety, and depression, can be treated with abdominal acupuncture.
- Allergies. Abdominal acupuncture can provide short-term relief and help manage skin, animal, and seasonal allergy symptoms.
- Digestive disorders. Due to the proximity, abdominal acupuncture can help treat symptoms of digestive disorders like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), bloating, indigestion, and more.
- Cerebrovascular disorders. Abdominal acupuncture can treat thrombosis, hemiplegia, cerebral arteriosclerosis, hysteria, etc.
- Ocular disturbances. It can also treat ocular disturbances such as optic atrophy, cataracts, glaucoma, atrophy and retrobulbar neuritis, and degeneration of the retina.
- Weight loss. Abdominal acupuncture can also be helpful for weight loss and obesity-type PCOS.
Abdominal Acupuncture Points
During the abdominal acupuncture session, the practitioner will use a variety of acupoints located in the abdomen, mainly points on the Ren, Kidney, and Stomach meridians. Some of them are:
- Yin Jiao or CV 7: Found one cun below CV 8; its application can influence symptoms of irregular menstruation, panic attacks, abdominal pain, bloating, hernia, etc.
- Shenque or CV 8: Located in the middle of the abdomen, in the center of the umbilicus, this acupoint regulates the body’s Qi and addresses health issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, dysentery, stroke, gastritis, urinary retention, etc.
- Shui Fen or CV 9: Found one cun above CV 8, this acupoint can be helpful for weight loss, poor digestion, urinary issues, and reproductive health.
- Xiawan or CV 10: Situated two cun above CV 8, it can be helpful for bloating, digestive disorders, and emotional balance.
- Huaroumen or ST 24: Located one cun above the navel and two cun lateral to CV 9; this acupoint can be helpful for symptoms of mania, anxiety, depression, vomiting, epigastric pain, etc.
- Tianshu or ST 25: Found two cun lateral to CV 8, its application can help with symptoms of diarrhea, constipation, irregular and painful menstruation, fibroids or cysts, and fertility issues.
Benefits of Abdominal Acupuncture
Abdominal acupuncture exhibits a wide range of benefits, including:
- Pain Relief. Acupuncture treatment is often associated with pain relief. Pain relief benefits have also been documented in abdominal acupuncture treatment for conditions such as neck, shoulder, and back pain, knee pain, osteoarthritis, headaches, and preventing migraines. These pain relief effects come due to the release of endorphins.
- Reduced Inflammation. Abdominal acupuncture can help reduce inflammation by releasing cortisol and hormones like glucocorticoids that play a role in inflammation and by activating neurotransmitters that affect the inflammatory process.
- Increased Energy. Restoring the free flow of Qi throughout the body results in harmony and balance, leading to an increase in energy levels.
- Holistic Approach. Abdominal acupuncture addresses both physical and mental health issues, thus promoting overall well-being and vitality.
However, the advantages of abdominal acupuncture go beyond its benefits for the body. Some other advantages are:
- The needles are inserted superficially.
- There are fewer needle sensations, making the procedure less painful.
- It can treat many health concerns at once.
- It can give quick results.
Abdominal Acupuncture Contradictions
Despite being a safe procedure, abdominal acupuncture has potential contradictions for pregnant patients, those suffering from a malignant celiac tumor, diabetes, and epilepsy, patients taking immunosuppressants or anticoagulants, and those at risk of lymphoedema.
Therefore, we suggest you discuss your medical history with your primary care provider before undergoing this treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lower abdominal pain can be a debilitating condition, but acupuncture offers a promising treatment option for many individuals in Tokyo. By addressing the root causes of discomfort and promoting balance within the body, acupuncture has helped countless patients find relief from its symptoms. Whether stemming from digestive issues, menstrual cramps, or stress-related conditions, acupuncture serves as a valuable, non-invasive alternative to traditional medical treatments. As more people turn to holistic methods of healing, the role of acupuncture in managing lower abdominal pain continues to grow, making it a worthwhile consideration for those in search of a natural solution to their health concerns.
If you’re interested in experiencing the benefits of incorporating acupuncture into your life, we warmly invite you to check out our Fuji Wellness:
- Address: 132-0031 Matsushima 1-chome, 21-14, Tokyo, Japan
- Contact: Click here
- Email: sunnyphamsensei@gmail.com
