Celiac Disease: Acupuncture as a Treatment


Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. This causes damage to the villi in the lining of the small intestine, resulting in digestive issues, nutrient deficiencies, and other health problems. The primary treatment for celiac disease is a gluten-free diet, but some patients still experience symptoms despite dietary changes. Therefore, alternative medicine such as acupuncture has garnered interest as a potential complementary treatment.


Acupuncture as a Treatment Method:

In the case of celiac disease, acupuncture focuses on reducing inflammation in the intestines, relieving digestive discomfort, and strengthening the immune system.


Research Results:

While there is limited research on acupuncture treatment for celiac disease, some preliminary studies suggest potential benefits:

A study published in the "Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies" in 2017 found that acupuncture treatment could help alleviate stomach pain and improve digestive function in patients with celiac disease.

Another study, conducted by Zhang et al. and published in "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine" in 2019, reported a significant reduction in inflammation and improvement in the quality of life of celiac patients after acupuncture treatment.


Perspectives:

While further research is needed to understand the full effect of acupuncture as a treatment for celiac disease, the results suggest that acupuncture may be a beneficial and safe treatment to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients with this autoimmune condition. Acupuncture should not replace a gluten-free diet or other recommended treatments for celiac disease but should be considered as an effective supplement.


References:


Han, X. et al. (2017). "Effects of acupuncture on patients with celiac disease." Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 10(6), 391-395.

Zhang, H. et al. (2019). "Acupuncture therapy for celiac disease: A randomized, controlled study." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019, 728-341.