Gastrointestinal diseases - Stomachpain and Indigestion from a TCM Perspective

Traditional Chinese Medicine views gastrointestinal disorders, stomach pain, and digestive issues as having various causes. First, it is essential to determine which organs are affected and which meridians are involved. In my practice, I conduct a thorough medical history to understand the origin of your stomach pain and digestive issues and to treat them according to TCM principles.

Read here a clinical study on the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with Chinese Medicine, published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine.

IBS - Irritable Bowl Syndrome

IBS manifests as stomach pain and digestive issues and is described in TCM as Liver Qi stagnation, leading to a pattern called ‚Liver invading the Spleen or Stomach‘ in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Gastritis / Stomach ulcer

Gastritis and stomach ulcers can be caused by various TCM patterns, such as Spleen deficiency, Stomach deficiency, Liver heat, or Liver Qi stagnation.

Crohn's disease

Crohn’s disease is a condition characterized by stomach pain and digestive issues. It involves complex patterns that are likely associated with stagnated Liver Qi. This affects the Spleen, leading to Spleen Yang deficiency, often combined with damp-heat in the large intestine.

Ulcerative colitis

Chinese Medicine describes the condition as a combination of Liver Qi stagnation and „Liver attacking the Spleen,“ leading to Spleen Yang deficiency and damp-heat in the large intestine.

Celiac disease

In TCM, the condition of gluten intolerance, which manifests as stomach pain and digestive problems, is described as Spleen Qi or Spleen Yang deficiency. To enable the body to better process gluten, the Yang of the Spleen organ is strengthened.

Haemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are caused by „Sinking Spleen Qi.“ Swellings are attributed to mucus formation, and heat can also play a role in the development of the symptoms.

Diverticulitis

In TCM, diverticulitis is understood as Liver Qi stagnation leading to „Liver invading the Stomach.“ This reaction is attributed to the ‚cycle of overreaction‘ of the Five Elements. Additionally, there may be damp-heat in the Large Intestine or accumulations of toxic heat.

Jasmin Reif RCHM BACC NCA

E-mail: clinic@jasminreif.com

 

 

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