Stomach Aches: natural remedies and the evidence behind them
19 natural approaches to Stomach Aches, graded by evidence — including Acupuncture, Hypnotherapy and Peppermint Oil.
19 options3 graded A3 graded B1 graded C12 traditional or ungraded
A
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Peppermint oil's antispasmodic properties make it well-suited for cramping or pain that comes and goes.
Peppermint oil is a well-studied antispasmodic that relaxes gut smooth muscle; pooled trial evidence suggests it may ease the kind of abdominal cramping and spasm that comes and goes, though the overall quality of that evidence is limited.
Dose or use Use enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules and follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study Meta-Analysis (2022, PMID 35942669): a systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials (1,030 patients) found peppermint oil more effective than placebo for global IBS symptoms and abdominal pain (NNT ~4-7), though the overall quality of evidence was low and mild adverse events (including reflux) were more common.
EvidenceSupported by controlled trialsTime to resultsTypically 2–4 weeks
Caution: Use enteric-coated capsules; avoid in young children without guidance; may worsen acid reflux.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Low magnesium can contribute to cramping
Why it may be relevant
If cramping and aching are your main symptoms, low magnesium can impair muscle relaxation — checking your levels pairs naturally with trying magnesium.
If you are genuinely low, restoring magnesium may ease muscle cramping and support healthy gut motility.
Dose or use Ask a practitioner to check your magnesium status; include magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
Key study Low magnesium is associated with muscle cramps and spasms; this is a nutritional-gap assessment, not a treatment with condition-specific trial evidence.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 2–4 weeks if you are lowTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Have levels checked before high-dose supplementing; excess magnesium can cause loose stools and is risky in kidney disease.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised
Addresses physical tension driving stomach pain
Why it may be relevant
Cramping and recurring abdominal pain can involve musculoskeletal or motility components that physical-based therapy is designed to address.
A supportive, hands-on approach some people use for tension- and motility-related abdominal discomfort; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials for stomach aches.
Dose or use Work with a qualified, licensed practitioner; ask them how many sessions and how often are right for you.
Key study Used as a supportive, complementary approach for functional abdominal discomfort; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceNot yet assessed · We have not reviewed the literature for this oneTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeksTraditional useRecognised traditional use
Caution: Work with a practitioner experienced in visceral or functional GI therapy.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Traditionally used to relieve abdominal cramping
Why it may be relevant
ST25 is traditionally associated with regulating the intestines and relieving cramping or pain in the abdominal area.
Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to ease abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel patterns.
Dose or use Press firmly 2–3 min, both sides, 1–2x daily; located 2 finger-widths to either side of the navel.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 2–4 weeks of regular useTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid pressing this point during pregnancy.
When my stomach acts up, what does it usually feel like?
Targets gut-brain connection in stress-driven pain
Why it may be relevant
When stress or anxiety triggers stomach aches, hypnotherapy works through the gut-brain axis to reduce pain perception.
Gut-directed hypnotherapy works through the gut-brain axis and has meta-analytic support in functional gut disorders; it may be especially relevant when stress or anxiety appears to trigger symptoms, though results vary from person to person.
Dose or use Work with a certified clinical hypnotherapist experienced in gut-directed hypnotherapy; a typical course runs several weekly sessions, and some programs offer guided at-home audio.
Key study Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis (2025, PMID 40179285): pooled 12 studies (1,158 patients) of gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS, which improved global symptoms and pain versus comparators, though heterogeneity between trials was high. A separate pragmatic RCT (PMID 41912230) tested guided hypnotherapy for children with functional abdominal pain in primary care.
EvidenceSupported by controlled trialsTime to resultsTypically 6–12 weeks of sessions
Caution: Seek a certified clinical hypnotherapist with GI experience.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Traditionally used to ease stress-driven digestive upset
Why it may be relevant
When anxiety and stress are behind the stomach aches, ashwagandha is traditionally used as an adaptogen to lower the stress response.
Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce stress and support overall nervous system balance, which may ease stress-related gut symptoms.
Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid in pregnancy; may interact with thyroid medications and immunosuppressants.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Traditionally calms nausea and stress-related stomach upset
Why it may be relevant
PC6 is traditionally linked to calming the nervous system and settling the stomach, ideal when stress is the trigger.
Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to relieve nausea, anxiety, and stomach upset connected to emotional tension.
Dose or use Press firmly 2–3 min, both sides, 1–2x daily; located 3 finger-widths above the inner wrist crease, between the tendons.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically within days to weeks of regular useTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or manage a chronic condition.
When my stomach acts up, what does it usually feel like?
It keeps coming back and I can't pin down a clear trigger
Clinically studied for recurring functional stomach pain
Why it may be relevant
When stomach aches recur without a clear cause, acupuncture has been evaluated in multiple RCTs for functional dyspepsia relief.
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials suggests acupuncture may help with functional dyspepsia and is generally well-tolerated, though many underlying trials have quality limitations.
Dose or use Work with a qualified, licensed practitioner; ask them how many sessions and how often are right for you.
Key study Systematic review (2026, PMID 41737400): Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for functional dyspepsia: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
EvidenceSupported by controlled trials · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeks of sessionsTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Seek a licensed practitioner; generally well-tolerated.
Peppermint oil's antispasmodic properties make it well-suited for cramping or pain that comes and goes.
Peppermint oil is a well-studied antispasmodic that relaxes gut smooth muscle; pooled trial evidence suggests it may ease the kind of abdominal cramping and spasm that comes and goes, though the overall quality of that evidence is limited.
Dose or use Use enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules and follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study Meta-Analysis (2022, PMID 35942669): a systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials (1,030 patients) found peppermint oil more effective than placebo for global IBS symptoms and abdominal pain (NNT ~4-7), though the overall quality of evidence was low and mild adverse events (including reflux) were more common.
EvidenceSupported by controlled trialsTime to resultsTypically 2–4 weeks
Caution: Use enteric-coated capsules; avoid in young children without guidance; may worsen acid reflux.
Probiotics as a class studied for functional abdominal pain
Why it may be relevant
Frequent, hard-to-explain stomach aches may reflect gut microbiome imbalance that targeted probiotics can help address.
Probiotics as a class have some evidence in functional abdominal pain, and L. plantarum P8 is one such strain — though this specific strain has not been directly proven and the supporting evidence is class-level.
Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study Systematic review & network meta-analysis (2026, PMID 41883407): compared probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic interventions in children with functional abdominal pain disorders. The evidence supports probiotics as a class, not specifically the L. plantarum P8 strain.
EvidenceLimited human trials so far · Most of the research is laboratory or animal workTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeks
Caution: Generally safe; consult a practitioner if immunocompromised.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Traditionally used for ongoing stomach discomfort
Why it may be relevant
For recurring stomach aches without a clear trigger, regular acupressure offers a self-care routine that traditionally targets digestive points.
Traditionally used to stimulate energy flow and ease chronic digestive complaints through targeted pressure on specific body points.
Dose or use Press firmly 2–3 min per point, 1–2x daily; focus on digestive points like ST36 and PC6.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 2–6 weeks of regular useTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid pressing over broken skin or varicose veins.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Low fiber can drive bloating and irregularity
Why it may be relevant
When stomach discomfort keeps returning without a clear trigger, a low-fiber diet is a common, easily overlooked contributor worth checking.
Correcting a low-fiber diet is a simple, food-first step that supports regularity and can reduce bloating and post-meal discomfort.
Dose or use Aim for roughly 25–38 g of fiber daily from vegetables, fruit, legumes, and whole grains; tracking intake for a few days can reveal gaps.
Key study Low dietary fiber is a common, correctable contributor to bloating and irregularity; this is a nutritional-gap assessment, not a treatment with condition-specific trial evidence.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 2–4 weeks of consistent intakeTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Increase fiber gradually and drink plenty of water; a sudden jump can worsen gas and bloating.
Peppermint oil's antispasmodic properties make it well-suited for cramping or pain that comes and goes.
Peppermint oil is a well-studied antispasmodic that relaxes gut smooth muscle; pooled trial evidence suggests it may ease the kind of abdominal cramping and spasm that comes and goes, though the overall quality of that evidence is limited.
Dose or use Use enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules and follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study Meta-Analysis (2022, PMID 35942669): a systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials (1,030 patients) found peppermint oil more effective than placebo for global IBS symptoms and abdominal pain (NNT ~4-7), though the overall quality of evidence was low and mild adverse events (including reflux) were more common.
EvidenceSupported by controlled trialsTime to resultsTypically 2–4 weeks
Caution: Use enteric-coated capsules; avoid in young children without guidance; may worsen acid reflux.
Artichoke leaf extract stimulates bile flow to aid fat digestion, fitting the bloating, fullness, and indigestion that tend to follow meals.
A double-blind trial in functional dyspepsia found artichoke leaf extract eased dyspeptic symptoms better than placebo, making it a reasonable option for post-meal bloating and indigestion.
Dose or use 320-640 mg standardized artichoke leaf extract up to three times daily with meals; follow product labeling and consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study Randomized Controlled Trial (2003, PMID 14653829): a six-week double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial in 247 patients with functional dyspepsia found artichoke leaf extract significantly reduced dyspeptic symptoms and improved quality of life compared with placebo.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studiesTime to resultsTypically 2-6 weeks
Caution: Avoid if you have bile duct obstruction or gallstones; use cautiously if allergic to plants in the daisy/ragweed family, and consult a practitioner if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Bloating, fullness, and post-meal indigestion may stem from incomplete digestion that enzyme support can help address.
A single preliminary randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial suggests enzyme supplementation may help with functional dyspepsia symptoms.
Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study RCT (2023, PMID 37976892): a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of digestive enzyme supplementation in functional dyspepsia. Findings are preliminary, and the enzyme formulation studied may differ from this product.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studiesTime to resultsTypically 2–4 weeks
Caution: Consult a practitioner if you have pancreatitis or are on blood thinners.
Probiotics as a class studied for functional abdominal pain
Why it may be relevant
Frequent, hard-to-explain stomach aches may reflect gut microbiome imbalance that targeted probiotics can help address.
Probiotics as a class have some evidence in functional abdominal pain, and L. plantarum P8 is one such strain — though this specific strain has not been directly proven and the supporting evidence is class-level.
Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study Systematic review & network meta-analysis (2026, PMID 41883407): compared probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic interventions in children with functional abdominal pain disorders. The evidence supports probiotics as a class, not specifically the L. plantarum P8 strain.
EvidenceLimited human trials so far · Most of the research is laboratory or animal workTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeks
Caution: Generally safe; consult a practitioner if immunocompromised.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Traditionally used to ease stress-driven digestive upset
Why it may be relevant
When anxiety and stress are behind the stomach aches, ashwagandha is traditionally used as an adaptogen to lower the stress response.
Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce stress and support overall nervous system balance, which may ease stress-related gut symptoms.
Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid in pregnancy; may interact with thyroid medications and immunosuppressants.
Clinically studied for recurring functional stomach pain
Why it may be relevant
When stomach aches recur without a clear cause, acupuncture has been evaluated in multiple RCTs for functional dyspepsia relief.
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials suggests acupuncture may help with functional dyspepsia and is generally well-tolerated, though many underlying trials have quality limitations.
Dose or use Work with a qualified, licensed practitioner; ask them how many sessions and how often are right for you.
Key study Systematic review (2026, PMID 41737400): Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for functional dyspepsia: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
EvidenceSupported by controlled trials · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeks of sessionsTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Seek a licensed practitioner; generally well-tolerated.
Targets gut-brain connection in stress-driven pain
Why it may be relevant
When stress or anxiety triggers stomach aches, hypnotherapy works through the gut-brain axis to reduce pain perception.
Gut-directed hypnotherapy works through the gut-brain axis and has meta-analytic support in functional gut disorders; it may be especially relevant when stress or anxiety appears to trigger symptoms, though results vary from person to person.
Dose or use Work with a certified clinical hypnotherapist experienced in gut-directed hypnotherapy; a typical course runs several weekly sessions, and some programs offer guided at-home audio.
Key study Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis (2025, PMID 40179285): pooled 12 studies (1,158 patients) of gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS, which improved global symptoms and pain versus comparators, though heterogeneity between trials was high. A separate pragmatic RCT (PMID 41912230) tested guided hypnotherapy for children with functional abdominal pain in primary care.
EvidenceSupported by controlled trialsTime to resultsTypically 6–12 weeks of sessions
Caution: Seek a certified clinical hypnotherapist with GI experience.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised
Addresses physical tension driving stomach pain
Why it may be relevant
Cramping and recurring abdominal pain can involve musculoskeletal or motility components that physical-based therapy is designed to address.
A supportive, hands-on approach some people use for tension- and motility-related abdominal discomfort; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials for stomach aches.
Dose or use Work with a qualified, licensed practitioner; ask them how many sessions and how often are right for you.
Key study Used as a supportive, complementary approach for functional abdominal discomfort; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceNot yet assessed · We have not reviewed the literature for this oneTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeksTraditional useRecognised traditional use
Caution: Work with a practitioner experienced in visceral or functional GI therapy.
Artichoke leaf extract stimulates bile flow to aid fat digestion, fitting the bloating, fullness, and indigestion that tend to follow meals.
A double-blind trial in functional dyspepsia found artichoke leaf extract eased dyspeptic symptoms better than placebo, making it a reasonable option for post-meal bloating and indigestion.
Dose or use 320-640 mg standardized artichoke leaf extract up to three times daily with meals; follow product labeling and consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study Randomized Controlled Trial (2003, PMID 14653829): a six-week double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial in 247 patients with functional dyspepsia found artichoke leaf extract significantly reduced dyspeptic symptoms and improved quality of life compared with placebo.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studiesTime to resultsTypically 2-6 weeks
Caution: Avoid if you have bile duct obstruction or gallstones; use cautiously if allergic to plants in the daisy/ragweed family, and consult a practitioner if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Bloating, fullness, and post-meal indigestion may stem from incomplete digestion that enzyme support can help address.
A single preliminary randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial suggests enzyme supplementation may help with functional dyspepsia symptoms.
Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study RCT (2023, PMID 37976892): a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of digestive enzyme supplementation in functional dyspepsia. Findings are preliminary, and the enzyme formulation studied may differ from this product.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studiesTime to resultsTypically 2–4 weeks
Caution: Consult a practitioner if you have pancreatitis or are on blood thinners.
Ginger has a long tradition of easing bloating, nausea, and indigestion that arise after eating.
Ginger supports gastric motility and has trial evidence for easing indigestion, bloating, and post-meal discomfort in functional dyspepsia, alongside its well-recognized effect on nausea.
Dose or use 250–500 mg dried ginger extract up to 3x daily, or steep fresh ginger in hot water as tea; follow product labeling.
Key study Randomized Controlled Trial (2025, PMID 40878144): a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial of steamed ginger extract in 80 adults with mild-to-moderate functional dyspepsia found significantly improved gastrointestinal symptom scores, including abdominal pain and indigestion, versus placebo.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studiesTime to resultsTypically within days to 2 weeks
Caution: May interact with blood thinners; use cautiously in high doses during pregnancy.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised
Classic carminative for post-meal bloating and gas
Why it may be relevant
Fennel is a traditional carminative, well matched to post-meal bloating, gas, and indigestion.
Traditionally used to relax the gut and ease indigestion, bloating, and gas after eating.
Dose or use Steep 1 tsp lightly crushed fennel seeds in hot water for 5–10 min after meals, or follow product labeling; chewing a pinch of seeds after eating is a traditional option.
Key study Traditionally used as a carminative for indigestion and bloating; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceNot yet assessed · We have not reviewed the literature for this oneTime to resultsTypically within days to 2 weeksTraditional useRecognised traditional use
Caution: Avoid if allergic to plants in the carrot/celery family; use cautiously during pregnancy and with hormone-sensitive conditions.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Low fiber can drive bloating and irregularity
Why it may be relevant
When stomach discomfort keeps returning without a clear trigger, a low-fiber diet is a common, easily overlooked contributor worth checking.
Correcting a low-fiber diet is a simple, food-first step that supports regularity and can reduce bloating and post-meal discomfort.
Dose or use Aim for roughly 25–38 g of fiber daily from vegetables, fruit, legumes, and whole grains; tracking intake for a few days can reveal gaps.
Key study Low dietary fiber is a common, correctable contributor to bloating and irregularity; this is a nutritional-gap assessment, not a treatment with condition-specific trial evidence.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 2–4 weeks of consistent intakeTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Increase fiber gradually and drink plenty of water; a sudden jump can worsen gas and bloating.
–
Pressure point
REN12 (Zhongwan)
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Midline abdominal point traditionally eases bloating
Why it may be relevant
When bloating, heaviness, or indigestion follow meals, this midline abdominal point is traditionally used to settle the stomach and ease fullness.
Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to relieve bloating, indigestion, and stomach cramps by stimulating a key digestive point.
Dose or use Press gently for 2–3 min, 1–2x daily; located on the midline of the abdomen, halfway between the navel and the base of the breastbone.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 2–4 weeks of regular useTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid firm abdominal pressure right after meals or during pregnancy; ease off if it causes discomfort.
–
Pressure point
ST36 (Zusanli)
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Traditionally used to support overall digestion
Why it may be relevant
This point is traditionally associated with strengthening digestive function, making it a natural fit for post-meal bloating and fullness.
Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support stomach energy and ease general digestive discomfort.
Dose or use Press firmly 2–3 min, both sides, 1–2x daily; located 4 finger-widths below the kneecap, outside the shin bone.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 2–4 weeks of regular useTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or manage a chronic condition.
What kind of help sounds most like you?
Simple kitchen remedies — a soothing tea or herb I can start today
Ginger has a long tradition of easing bloating, nausea, and indigestion that arise after eating.
Ginger supports gastric motility and has trial evidence for easing indigestion, bloating, and post-meal discomfort in functional dyspepsia, alongside its well-recognized effect on nausea.
Dose or use 250–500 mg dried ginger extract up to 3x daily, or steep fresh ginger in hot water as tea; follow product labeling.
Key study Randomized Controlled Trial (2025, PMID 40878144): a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial of steamed ginger extract in 80 adults with mild-to-moderate functional dyspepsia found significantly improved gastrointestinal symptom scores, including abdominal pain and indigestion, versus placebo.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studiesTime to resultsTypically within days to 2 weeks
Caution: May interact with blood thinners; use cautiously in high doses during pregnancy.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised
Classic carminative for post-meal bloating and gas
Why it may be relevant
Fennel is a traditional carminative, well matched to post-meal bloating, gas, and indigestion.
Traditionally used to relax the gut and ease indigestion, bloating, and gas after eating.
Dose or use Steep 1 tsp lightly crushed fennel seeds in hot water for 5–10 min after meals, or follow product labeling; chewing a pinch of seeds after eating is a traditional option.
Key study Traditionally used as a carminative for indigestion and bloating; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceNot yet assessed · We have not reviewed the literature for this oneTime to resultsTypically within days to 2 weeksTraditional useRecognised traditional use
Caution: Avoid if allergic to plants in the carrot/celery family; use cautiously during pregnancy and with hormone-sensitive conditions.
Probiotics as a class studied for functional abdominal pain
Why it may be relevant
Frequent, hard-to-explain stomach aches may reflect gut microbiome imbalance that targeted probiotics can help address.
Probiotics as a class have some evidence in functional abdominal pain, and L. plantarum P8 is one such strain — though this specific strain has not been directly proven and the supporting evidence is class-level.
Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study Systematic review & network meta-analysis (2026, PMID 41883407): compared probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic interventions in children with functional abdominal pain disorders. The evidence supports probiotics as a class, not specifically the L. plantarum P8 strain.
EvidenceLimited human trials so far · Most of the research is laboratory or animal workTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeks
Caution: Generally safe; consult a practitioner if immunocompromised.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Low fiber can drive bloating and irregularity
Why it may be relevant
When stomach discomfort keeps returning without a clear trigger, a low-fiber diet is a common, easily overlooked contributor worth checking.
Correcting a low-fiber diet is a simple, food-first step that supports regularity and can reduce bloating and post-meal discomfort.
Dose or use Aim for roughly 25–38 g of fiber daily from vegetables, fruit, legumes, and whole grains; tracking intake for a few days can reveal gaps.
Key study Low dietary fiber is a common, correctable contributor to bloating and irregularity; this is a nutritional-gap assessment, not a treatment with condition-specific trial evidence.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 2–4 weeks of consistent intakeTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Increase fiber gradually and drink plenty of water; a sudden jump can worsen gas and bloating.
–
Nutrient gap worth checking
Magnesium Deficiency
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Low magnesium can contribute to cramping
Why it may be relevant
If cramping and aching are your main symptoms, low magnesium can impair muscle relaxation — checking your levels pairs naturally with trying magnesium.
If you are genuinely low, restoring magnesium may ease muscle cramping and support healthy gut motility.
Dose or use Ask a practitioner to check your magnesium status; include magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
Key study Low magnesium is associated with muscle cramps and spasms; this is a nutritional-gap assessment, not a treatment with condition-specific trial evidence.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 2–4 weeks if you are lowTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Have levels checked before high-dose supplementing; excess magnesium can cause loose stools and is risky in kidney disease.
What kind of help sounds most like you?
Hands-on pressure points I can use on myself anytime, anywhere
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Traditionally used for ongoing stomach discomfort
Why it may be relevant
For recurring stomach aches without a clear trigger, regular acupressure offers a self-care routine that traditionally targets digestive points.
Traditionally used to stimulate energy flow and ease chronic digestive complaints through targeted pressure on specific body points.
Dose or use Press firmly 2–3 min per point, 1–2x daily; focus on digestive points like ST36 and PC6.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 2–6 weeks of regular useTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid pressing over broken skin or varicose veins.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Traditionally calms nausea and stress-related stomach upset
Why it may be relevant
PC6 is traditionally linked to calming the nervous system and settling the stomach, ideal when stress is the trigger.
Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to relieve nausea, anxiety, and stomach upset connected to emotional tension.
Dose or use Press firmly 2–3 min, both sides, 1–2x daily; located 3 finger-widths above the inner wrist crease, between the tendons.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically within days to weeks of regular useTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or manage a chronic condition.
–
Pressure point
REN12 (Zhongwan)
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Midline abdominal point traditionally eases bloating
Why it may be relevant
When bloating, heaviness, or indigestion follow meals, this midline abdominal point is traditionally used to settle the stomach and ease fullness.
Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to relieve bloating, indigestion, and stomach cramps by stimulating a key digestive point.
Dose or use Press gently for 2–3 min, 1–2x daily; located on the midline of the abdomen, halfway between the navel and the base of the breastbone.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 2–4 weeks of regular useTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid firm abdominal pressure right after meals or during pregnancy; ease off if it causes discomfort.
–
Pressure point
ST25 (Tianshu) - Stomach 25
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Traditionally used to relieve abdominal cramping
Why it may be relevant
ST25 is traditionally associated with regulating the intestines and relieving cramping or pain in the abdominal area.
Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to ease abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel patterns.
Dose or use Press firmly 2–3 min, both sides, 1–2x daily; located 2 finger-widths to either side of the navel.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 2–4 weeks of regular useTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid pressing this point during pregnancy.
–
Pressure point
ST36 (Zusanli)
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Traditionally used to support overall digestion
Why it may be relevant
This point is traditionally associated with strengthening digestive function, making it a natural fit for post-meal bloating and fullness.
Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support stomach energy and ease general digestive discomfort.
Dose or use Press firmly 2–3 min, both sides, 1–2x daily; located 4 finger-widths below the kneecap, outside the shin bone.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 2–4 weeks of regular useTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or manage a chronic condition.
Evidence grades describe the strength of published research for Stomach Aches, not a promise of results. A higher grade is not a personal recommendation. Nothing here is medical advice — talk to your clinician before starting anything, especially alongside prescription medication.
Related pressure points
Hands-on options you can try yourself.
Acupressure is a comfort measure, not a treatment for Stomach Aches itself. Each page shows where the point is and how to press it.
We track 13 natural options for Stomach Aches — what each is typically used for, usual dose, cautions, and the study behind the ones with real trial data.
One email with the summary. We'll also send a short weekly evidence update — unsubscribe any time.
Build your plan in the app
Build and track your natural-health plan for Stomach Aches in the app.
