The swallowing tract extends from the mouth to the stomach. The act of swallowing is divided into three phases:
• The oral or mouth phase — moving food or liquid into the throat.
• The pharyngeal or throat phase — squeezing food down the throat and closing the airway to prevent choking.
• The esophageal phase — relaxing and tightening the openings at the top and bottom of the esophagus and squeezing food through the esophagus into the stomach.

Swallowing problems (dysphagia) can be grouped into two categories:

Oropharyngeal dysphagia — These swallowing problems happen before food reaches the esophagus and may result from neuromuscular disease or obstructions. Patients experience difficulty starting a swallow; food goes down the wrong pipe; or there is choking and coughing. This may result in poor nutrition or dehydration, aspiration (which can lead to pneumonia and chronic lung disease) or embarrassment in social situations that involve eating. Conditions that may cause oropharyngeal dysphagia include Alzheimer’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease, brain injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, stroke, Zenker’s diverticulum, cervical osteophytes or other obstructions.

Esophageal dysphagia — These swallowing problems originate in the esophagus. Food or liquids “stick” in the chest or throat and sometimes come back up. Causes include esophageal cancer, esophag and esophageal-motility disorders.

Individuals with dysphagia should seek a thorough examination because swallowing problems may indicate cancer of the head, neck or esophagus.
acupuncture can help these patients who result from neuromuscular disease or obstructions.

Tips for Finding an Acupuncturist

When seeking out a professional acupuncturist, it is important to ensure that the acupuncturist is licensed and certified. Sterilising procedures should be used and more often than not, your acupuncturist will likely use disposable needles. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of needles, an acupuncturist may provide alternatives such as herbal methods, magnetic needles and ear cups. These are thought to provide similar results although are not considered as effective as acupuncture that utilises needles.

Whatever path you take to treating your problem, you can be relieved to know that you have many options, particularly alternative ones such as acupuncture. Hopefully, you will find a qualified acupuncturist who can listen to your concerns about the problem and begin a treatment plan that provides effective relief.

If you would like to make an appointment please call us on (09) 5296185, or if you require more information you may e-mail us at hwenchuan@sina.com

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