Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common health issue. Experts estimate that it affects up to 24% of the adult population in the US. Often it is a silent disease however it can be a cause of liver pain. When NAFLD becomes inflamed is gets re-named as Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) which means there is fat in the liver plus inflammation and liver damage.

NAFLD is associated with:

• obesity or being overweight
• abnormal levels of fat in the blood
• metabolic syndrome
• type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance
• malnutrition
• disorders of fat storage in the body
• medications such as estrogens, HIV treatments, corticosteroids and some breast cancer medicine
• toxin exposure

How does NAFLD progress?

Many people with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease won’t even know they have it. It can progress and create serious liver damage if left undetected and uncontrolled.

The four stages of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease are

1. Basic fatty liver (steatosis) –fat build up in the liver cells
2. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) – a progression of NAFLD that involves inflammation
3. Fibrosis – inflammation that has progressed into scar tissue at the liver and adjacent blood vessels, but the liver is still able to function normally
4. Cirrhosis– late stage inflammation causing a large build up of scar tissue that interferes with liver function and can lead to liver failure or liver cancer

How is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease diagnosed?

Liver diseases are diagnosed through blood tests that check for inflammation in the liver. Liver damage can also be seen through imaging tests such an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI. Transient elastography is a newer type of test using ultrasound that measures fat in the liver.

How is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease treated conventionally?

Once the diagnosis of NAFLD has been made, doctors will recommend some lifestyle changes to prevent further damage to the liver and progression of the disease. Lifestyle changes may include:

• weight loss
• exercise
• diet changes such as reduced sugar consumption to correct metabolic disorder or diabetes
• controlling fat intake if there are issues with poor storage of fats

If scarring is significant, liver transplant may be recommended.

Can acupuncture treat liver disease?

Acupuncture has quite a lot to offer in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Large bodies of research have shown acupuncture to be significantly more effective than placebo at addressing liver function, reducing symptoms, and improving immune function in liver-diseased patients. Specifically, acupuncture works by : 

1. Reducing oxidative stress

2. Suppressing inflammatory response

3. Increasing fat metabolism of liver cells.

More recent research has suggested additional mechanisms of action including improving insulin resistance.

Acupuncture can also address the pain and crippling fatigue associated with liver disease. Many painkillers such as NSAIDS and Tylenol are metabolized in the liver and therefore are not recommending by those suffering from liver disease. Acupuncture in this case can also be used as a wise alternative to pain medications.

Treatment Planning for NAFLD

The treatment plan for NAFLD will involve 3-4 key areas:

1. Treating the Liver channel to send blood, oxygen, nutrients and energy to the liver organ for tissue repair
2. Treating the mesoderm of the liver which is fed by the Stomach and Spleen channels
3. Points that reduce inflammation and pain
4. Treatment may involve using spinal nerve points that feed the liver at T7-T10 at the spine.

How many acupuncture treatments will I need for NAFLD?

Treatment for NAFLD will largely depend on progression of the disease, and adherence to lifestyle recommendations. The following study on electroacupuncture treatment shows that positive results were obtained using electroacupuncture for 30 treatments (30 minute sessions several times per week). The results obtained included better blood lipid levels, better liver enzyme levels, improved glycolipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity, reduced fatigue, reduced pain and even relief from depression in NAFLD patients.

If you are experiencing liver pain you may want to have the tests mentioned above to diagnose the cause of the liver pain. Acupuncture can then be used to treat liver disease, prevent any progression and get your liver functioning back to normal levels. Since NAFLD is often a silent disease, it is best to not wait.

Yours in health,

Cynthia McGilvray, R.Ac.