An autoimmune disease affecting the gut, this disease is triggered by gluten. This intolerance to glutens causes an attack of the immune system on the lining of the small intestine. The small intestine may develop small perforations, causing a true leaky gut problem which allows undigested components of food to leak out into the abdominal activity, causing further inflammation. Over time this can lead to a malabsorption problem of the gut.
Signs and Symptoms
Common s/sx include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea or constipation, weight fluctuations (loss from improper absorption or gain toxins buildup and overeating), fatigue, skipped menstrual cycles, itchy skin rashes, infertility or miscarriages. Many fibromyalgia patients report they suspect that this is something they have and underlies the fibromyalgia.
Many celiac patients(estimated to be about 50%) also have anemia, osteoporosis, itchy blistering skin rashes, mouth ulcers, headaches, fatigue, injury to nervous system tissues, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, balance problems, cognitive impairment, joint pain, and reduced spleen function.
That comes directly from the Mayo Clinic page. I find it interesting that the page also says these are s/sx unrelated to the digestive system. If you grasped even basic Foundations concepts, you can easily see how these are related either through a Zangfu or a channel relationship! Anemia, cognitive impairment, balance problems, skin rashes, and the numbness and tingling can be a direct result of the Spleen failing to supply the proper building blocks for Blood and as a result of the Small Intestine being unable to separate the pure from the turbid. We also know that mouth ulcers are a result of heat (toxins) in the digestive tract as well.
Acupuncture basic Rx
This point prescription is the same as for AIH (autoimmune hepatitis). It is a modification of Dr. Robert Chu's WTH point combination.
Right side: Huo Ying, Huo Zhu, Lv 6,* Gb 36, Gb 41, Gb 43 *Master Tung's Lv 6 is needled next to the tibia on the Spleen channel rather than on the bone itself. Use your fingernail to palpate and slide the needle right next to the bone.
Left side: Xia San Huang, St 34, St 36, St 44
Point Discussion
Most of modern life is Wood (Liver) insulting Earth (Middle Jiao) because we as a western culture suffer from over-thinking, over-use of our brains and simultaneously ignoring our body's needs, constant use of electronics and EMFs, rushing around like mad, and an overall frantic life. That leads to a lot of stress on the Liver, which then overacts on Earth (Spleen and stomach). The resulting liver fire then harasses the heart and head causing high blood pressure and headaches. Celiac is a result of this too.
Gan Men and Chang Men These are generally needled on the left since they treat the liver and Liver expresses on the left.
Huo Ying, Huo Zhu, Lv 6, Gb 36, Gb 41, Gb 43 Huo Ying and Huo Zhu are Master Tung's Liver 2 (ying spring) and Liver 3 (shu stream). Liver 6 is the xi cleft point on the channel. Gallbladder 36 is the xi cleft of the channel, Gb 41 is the shu stream, and Gb 43 is the ying spring. Ying spring points clear heat from the channel and have a strong effect at the opposite end of the channel. Shu stream points on the yin channels are the same as the yuan source points which strongly influence the organs associated with those meridians and also treat channel stagnation. The Ling Shu states in Chapter 44 that they are also good for disease that come and go. Xi cleft points are often used to treat pain on the channels.
The Wood points on the left side include xi cleft points for pain in the abdomen, the command point of the stomach and abdomen, and the lower he-sea of the Large Intestine channel. These assist with digestive function, clear stagnation, and increase the body's ability to absorb nutrients. The Large Intestine points also help clear toxins from the body by promoting the proper function of the intestines.
Watch out for any herbal formulas that contain gluten! Contact the manufacturer if you are using pills or tablets as many use glutens as a binder to keep the pressed tablets together. Be aware that Shen Qu is a "single herb" that is really a mix of many and often contains gluten. If you are building custom prescriptions, remove the Shen Qu and add Lai Fu Zi instead.
Liu Jun Zi Tang to tonify the middle jiao and drain damp/phlegm and Shen Ling Bai Du San to move the bowels are an excellent combination. If you are using Bao He Wan and Yu Jue, note that the prefab powders/granules usually contain gluten.