Digestion
Digestive Health and Chinese Medicine
The cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and many other digestive disorders is not known and is not easily treated through western medicine; while the 'function' of digestion is obviously disrupted, there is no structural damage that can be found through testing. Chinese medicine can address digestive issues even when there is not technically a western medical diagnosis. This is because the the treatment of digestive disorder is determined by how the patterns of imbalance present themselves. For best outcomes using self-care, combine associated Aroma Acu-Sticks® to acu-points, topical remedies, and good lifestyle practices. A trending self-care therapy is suction cupping which can be applied to the abdomen to help improve digestion.
Acupressure for Improved Digestion
Learn How to Apply Acupressure Linked Here!
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Stomach 36
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Stomach 37
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 6
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Large Intestine 4
- Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Liver 3
Patterns of Imbalance Leading to Digestive Problems
Spleen Qi Deficiency and Digestion
In Chinese medicine, the Spleen is one of the primary organ systems involved in digestion. Spleen Qi Deficiency is often associated with a poor diet that may include fried foods, sweets, refined foods, and an over consumption of raw foods and iced drinks. Over-thinking and worrying can also damage the Spleen function. Often, digestive problems related to Spleen Qi Deficiency will have elements of Dampness, including sticky stools. Also, abdominal pain relieved with pressure or warmth to the area is common when there is Spleen Qi Deficiency.
Related Article: Spleen Qi Deficiency
Related Article: Stomach Problems
Liver Qi Stagnation Causing Digestive Issues
A common cause of digestive issues in Chinese medicine is Liver Qi Stagnation that has progressed and become more severe; the condition is sometimes referred to as the ‘Liver attacking, or overacting on the Large Intestine’. This type of digestive disruption would likely become more active with emotional stress. Liver Qi stagnation is seen in patterns with pain just below the ribs, agitation, insomnia between 1-3 AM, PMS or hormonal imbalances.
Related Article: Liver Qi Stagnation
Related Article: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Large Intestine Damp-Heat
If Liver Qi Stagnation creates heat that combines with Dampness due to Spleen Qi Deficiency, more severe chronic digestive disorders such as IBS can develop. Large Intestine deficiency patterns typically include bouts of constipation, and the intestinal inability to properly absorb nutrients and the intestines. Foods to avoid with IBS.
With Intestinal deficiencies, Dampness can accumulate in the Large Intestine producing pain and diarrhea with a sense of urgency. The diarrhea is commonly yellow and explosive with a strong odor and a sensation of burning with Damp-Heat. This heat indicates that there may be a low-grade infection that may not show up on lab tests. The resulting, alternating diarrhea and constipation is a common type of IBS.
Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency and Digestive Disorders
Spleen Qi and Kidney Yang deficiency type imbalances result in diarrhea first thing in the morning, which often contains undigested food. This type of imbalance may include abdominal pain that improves with the application of heat.
While herbal therapy can take many months to resolve digestive issues, it does actually address the underlying causes, thus, providing lasting relief for mysterious digestive problems. Chinese herbal practitioners do not like to use the word ‘cure’ in predicting treatment protocol outcomes, rather striving to restore optimal health and enhance wellness while alleviating suffering. It is always about bringing the body and energetic Organ System in to balance with Chinese Medicine.
Foods for Better Digestion
A whole foods diet can greatly influence improved digestion. Choosing foods that are rich in fiber such as legumes, whole grains, vegetables, and a small amount of fruits seems to benefit those with sensitive digestive systems. Look to cultured dairy products such as yogurt, and healthy oils rather than fried foods. Processed food and fast foods should be avoided all together; a whole foods organic diet would be most beneficial.
Stress and Digestion
Stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and qi gong exercises can help to moderate digestive issues and IBS that is due to stress. Stress is actually a normal event in our daily modern lives, however, if one over-reacts to normal daily stressors it is considered abnormal and this can trigger digestive issues.
Emotional Factors Leading to IBS and Large Intestine Imbalances
In Chinese medicine, disorders associated with the large intestine point to a Metal Element imbalance. This typically indicates that some type of loss has occurred that has not been fully processed, or dealt with. Loss in life is normal, as most people will lose a loved one, a pet, a business, a marriage, or a dream. One must actually experience each of the stages of loss, rather than getting stuck in one specific phase, to progress as a healthy individual after loss. It is worth carefully examining when the digestive issues began, and determine if the disease relates to a specific loss in your life and if you have effectively worked through the emotions relating to that loss. A separation from a father figure would be especially significant.
Chinese medicine has always taken emotional disruptions in to consideration when determining the cause of physical maladies. Now western medicine is catching up; one recent study is an example (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31030876/) finding clear correlations between psychological factors, stool patterns, and symptom severity. They even assessed the correlations between cognitive and behavioral factors and the association with frequency of loose/watery stools, hard/lumpy stools and the association of the severity of anxiety and depression.
Masuy I, Pannemans J, Tack J. Irritable bowel syndrome: diagnosis and management [published online ahead of print, 2019 Dec 9]. Minerva Gastroenterol Dietol. 2019;10.23736/S1121-421X.19.02640-0. doi:10.23736/S1121-421X.19.02640-0
Yin T, He Z, Ma P, et al. Effect and cerebral mechanism of acupuncture treatment for functional constipation: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial. Trials. 2019;20(1):283. Published 2019 May 24. doi:10.1186/s13063-019-3410-8
Shen Y, Chen BL, Zhang QX, Zheng YZ, Fu Q. Traditional uses, secondary metabolites, and pharmacology of Celastrus species - a review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2019;241:111934. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2019.111934
Ben-Arie E, Kao PY, Ho WC, Lee YC. Acupuncture effect on digestion in critically ill postoperative oral and hypopharyngeal cancer patients: A protocol for double-blind randomized control trial. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019;98(35):e16944. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000016944
Ben-Arie E, Kao PY, Ho WC, Lee YC. Acupuncture effect on digestion in critically ill postoperative oral and hypopharyngeal cancer patients: A protocol for double-blind randomized control trial. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019;98(35):e16944. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000016944
Wong KM, Mak ADP, Yuen SY, et al. Nature and specificity of altered cognitive functioning in IBS. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2019;31(11):e13696.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.