What exactly is celiac disease and how does it affect the body? In a nutshell, it is a severe allergy against the gluten proteins found in wheat. The immune system mounts an intense reaction, which causes inflammation in the small intestine. This damages the small finger-like projections that line the small intestine, and thus interferes with the small intestine's ability to absorb nutrients the body needs to sustain itself. Over time, if the condition is not diagnosed and goes untreated, it can become chronic and the person can find themselves dealing with long-term health conditions like:

Anemia (iron deficiency)
Miscarriage
Neurological complications (e.g. epileptic seizures, migraine, dementia, neuropathy and myopathy)
Infertility
Calcium loss resulting in reduction of bone mass (osteoporosis)
Mineral and vitamin deficiencies
Lactose intolerance
Cancer of the intestines and gastrointestinal tract
Hyposplenism (reduced spleen function)
Disorders of the peripheral and central nervous systems
Deficiency of the pancreas
Gall bladder malfunction

Current Western medical research maintains there is no cure except to refrain eating foods with gluten. But even when gluten-containing foods are removed from the diet, sometimes the intestinal inflammation may persist. Relief from the following symptoms may take up to several months for some.
Gas
Bloating
Diarrhea
Constipation
Weight loss
Acid reflux

Other symptoms could include:
Extremely itchy skin rash on elbows, knees, back and back of neck
Abnormal sensations in hands and feet described as a feeling of 'pins and needles'
Mouth sores
Joint pain
Delayed mental and physical growth in young children
Headache
Depression
Discolored teeth

The term gluten commonly refers specifically to the gluten found in wheat, though other cereal grains do contain gluten such as rye and barley. And gluten can be found in many foods that may not be apparently obvious, like soy sauce, salad dressings and even some medications.

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help treat the symptoms of celiac disease. Your practitioner will need to directly address the inflammation in your intestines through regular acupuncture treatments. These treatments will also focus on your other symptoms too. For the celiac patient, even a small amount of gluten can cause setbacks in progress and may call for additional, unexpected treatments. Of vital importance is a discussion concerning diet and how to avoid gluten while still eating nutritious, complete meals.

There are some basic steps you can take at home to support your digestive health. According to acupuncture and Oriental medicine, the spleen is responsible for transforming food into nutrients and then transporting them to other areas of the body. The spleen also responds well to routine. This includes ritualizing your eating habits with regular meal times, avoiding hunger and not overeating. Try to have your last meal at least three hours before going to bed. Breakfast is considered an important meal of the day and should not be skipped.