Bloating and Abdominal Distension: Common Causes + How Acupuncture May Help
If your stomach feels tight, full, “gassy,” or looks noticeably bigger by the end of the day, you’re not alone. Bloating is the feeling of pressure/fullness, while abdominal distension is visible or measurable belly expansion. Many people experience both—sometimes from different drivers.
If you’re ready for support, you can book an appointment and review pricing + superbill info before your first visit.
Common causes of bloating and distension
Here are the most frequent patterns:
1) Gas + fermentation
This can be triggered by eating quickly, carbonated drinks, sugar alcohols, or certain high-fermentable foods.
Clue: pressure builds through the day and improves after passing gas or using the bathroom.
2) Constipation (even if you go daily)
Slow-moving stool can create backup and gas pressure.
Clue: incomplete emptying, straining, hard stools, relief after a “good” bowel movement.
3) Food sensitivities or intolerances
Lactose intolerance is common; some people react to specific triggers like onions/garlic, legumes, or wheat.
Clue: repeatable bloating after specific meals.
4) IBS + stress-gut connection
Stress can change gut motility and make the gut more sensitive, even when nothing “serious” is happening medically.
Clue: symptoms flare with stress, sleep disruption, or emotional overload.
5) Menstrual cycle/hormonal shifts
Bloating often increases before or during a period due to fluid shifts and changes in motility.
Clue: symptoms are predictable by cycle timing.
6) Upper GI issues (reflux, slow stomach emptying)
Clue: burping, nausea, upper abdominal pressure after heavier meals.
Red flags: when to get medical evaluation
Please seek urgent or prompt medical care if bloating/distension comes with:
severe/worsening pain, fever, persistent vomiting
blood in stool or black/tarry stools
unexplained weight loss
sudden major swelling
inability to pass gas/stool with significant pain
new onset symptoms after ~50
Acupuncture can be supportive, but these need rule-outs first.
How acupuncture may help bloating and distension
Many cases of bloating are “digestion + nervous system.” Acupuncture may help by:
Supporting motility (movement)
When constipation or sluggish digestion is part of the picture, treatment may help encourage more consistent bowel function and reduce that “backed up” pressure.
Calming the stress response (“rest-and-digest”)
If stress is keeping your body in fight-or-flight, digestion often slows down. Acupuncture is commonly used to help downshift the nervous system so digestion can work more normally.
Reducing gut sensitivity
Some people experience bloating with IBS-like sensitivity—where normal digestion feels amplified. Treatment may help reduce the “alarm level.”
Helping cycle-related bloating
If symptoms spike pre-period, care can be timed around the cycle to support regulation before flares.
If you want a plan tailored to your symptoms and triggers, you can schedule a visit — and if you’re deciding between options, you can check current pricing first.
What a treatment plan looks like
First visit: we map timing (morning vs end-of-day), meals/triggers, bowel habits, stress/sleep, and cycle patterns.
Typical frequency: 1x/week for 4–6 weeks, then taper based on results.
Progress markers: less end-of-day distension, less post-meal pressure, more consistent bowel movements, fewer flare days.
What to try between visits (simple + effective)
Eat 10–20% slower
Take a 10-minute walk after meals
Track patterns for 2 weeks: timing, meals, stress, cycle day, bowel movement quality
If constipation is present: prioritize consistent hydration + regular meal timing
Serving Fairfax + Hollywood + Greater Los Angeles
If you’re looking for digestion support that also considers stress, sleep, and cycle timing, I work with patients in Fairfax District, Hollywood, and across Los Angeles.
Next step: You can book your first appointment, and you can review pricing and superbill details so you know what to expect.
FAQ
How many acupuncture sessions for bloating?
Many people notice changes within 3–6 sessions, especially if stress or constipation is part of the pattern. Longer-term patterns often improve gradually.
Does acupuncture help IBS bloating?
It may help support IBS bloating by addressing the stress-gut connection and motility regulation, alongside nutrition/medical guidance when needed.
What should I do after acupuncture?
Hydrate, keep meals simple if you’re sensitive, and consider a gentle walk. Some people notice bowel changes within 24–48 hours.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have severe pain, fever, persistent vomiting, blood/black stools, weight loss, or sudden major swelling, get evaluated promptly.