A dazzling array of delicious foods constantly teases our taste buds. However, overindulging in food can lead to gastrointestinal diseases such as indigestion, stomach discomfort, abdominal pain, and constipation. How can we cure indigestion fast? Let’s try the natural way of treatment, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

In TCM, indigestion is considered primarily caused by a dysfunction of the spleen and stomach, which is related to an imbalance in the flow of “Qi” within the body. Treatment through Chinese herbs, acupuncture, and dietary therapy can help improve the flow of Qi, alleviating the discomfort of indigestion. TCM’s approach to treating indigestion focuses on regulating spleen and stomach function through herbal medicine, specialized therapies, and lifestyle changes to achieve overall balance and health.

TCM perspective on indigestion

In TCM, it believes that digestive system issues like bloating, stomach pain, and acid reflux are related to an imbalance in the flow of “qi” within the body, affecting the normal functioning of the spleen and stomach in processing food and fluids. “Qi” refers to the body’s vital energy, with its flow including rising, falling, exiting, and entering. Proper qi flow is essential for the normal functioning of the organs, muscles, bones, joints, skin, and hair. Disrupted qi flow is referred to as “qi stagnation,” which is closely related to symptoms of indigestion such as bloating, pain, and acid reflux.

TCM categorizes indigestion caused by stomach dysfunction into functional and organic indigestion. Functional indigestion mainly manifests as stomach pain, bloating, nausea, and poor appetite, while organic indigestion involves conditions like peptic ulcers, gastric ptosis, and stomach cancer.

Four main causes of indigestion

TCM regards the spleen and stomach as the “postnatal root” of the body, responsible for food digestion and nutrient absorption, which are crucial for maintaining overall health. The following are TCM’s understanding and explanations of indigestion:

1. Spleen and stomach dysfunction

TCM considers the spleen and stomach as the core of digestion and energy transformation. The spleen’s primary function is to transport the essence of food, transforming it into nutrients that the body can absorb. Dysfunction in the spleen and stomach leads to improper digestion and absorption, causing indigestion.

2. Poor dietary habits

Overeating, excessive intake of cold, spicy, and greasy foods can harm the spleen and stomach. TCM believes that these habits cause food retention in the stomach, preventing normal digestion and leading to indigestion.

3. Emotional impact

TCM links emotions with the health of internal organs. Emotional fluctuations such as anxiety, anger, and sadness are thought to directly affect spleen and stomach function, disrupting qi flow and causing digestive problems.

4. Lifestyle

Irregular routines, like nightlife, lack of exercise, and insufficient sleep, affect the normal function of the spleen and stomach, leading to indigestion.

TCM treatments for indigestion

To treat indigestion, TCM typically employs the strategy of “strengthening the spleen and benefiting qi, soothing the liver, and regulating qi flow.” This involves using herbal medicine, acupuncture, and dietary therapy to enhance spleen and stomach function, relieve emotional stress, and adjust lifestyle to restore internal balance.

Herbal remedies for improving digestion

TCM uses herbs to harmonize the spleen and stomach and improve digestive function. Commonly used herbs include:

• Dried tangerine peel (Chen Pi): Helps with digestion, relieves bloating and stomach pain.
• Hawthorn (Shan Zha): Stimulates appetite and reduces spleen and stomach discomfort.
• Licorice (Gan Cao): Has anti-inflammatory effects and soothes stomach discomfort.

TCM therapies for digestion

Apart from herbal treatments, TCM also employs other therapies to treat indigestion:

• Ear acupressure:

Applying pressure to specific ear points like the stomach, spleen, and Shenmen points using Vaccaria seeds, with each press lasting 30 seconds and seeds changing every three days.

• Moxibustion:

Applying moxibustion to acupoints like Zusanli, Sanyinjiao, Zhongwan, Pishu, and Weishu to restore spleen and stomach function.

• TCM massage:

TCM massage means massaging points like Zusanli, Neiguan, and Sanyinjiao for about 10 minutes daily helps regulate spleen and stomach digestive functions.

TCM approaches to common digestive disorders

Lifestyle, stress, and dietary factors can strain our digestive system. TCM successfully alleviates digestive disorders through herbs, acupuncture, and other treatments. Here are some common digestive diseases and their TCM treatments:

• Indigestion

Indigestion, caused by food retention, can be triggered by eating hot foods, eating too quickly, or a weak digestive system. Symptoms include fullness, bloating, abdominal pain, belching, poor appetite, flatulence, and bad breath. TCM treats indigestion by nourishing the entire digestive system, enhancing digestive function, and stimulating gastrointestinal motility to clear retained food. Common herbs used include hawthorn, malt, wheat germ, chicken gizzard lining, bitter orange, dried tangerine peel, and areca nut. Acupuncture, massage, herbal remedies, and dietary changes also help relieve digestive issues.

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a common digestive disorder with symptoms varying among individuals, including bloating, abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, and/or constipation. It can be triggered by high-fat or spicy foods and emotional factors such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia, often exacerbated by stress. TCM uses herbs like Atractylodes, dried tangerine peel, Poria, Fangfeng, white peony root, licorice, yam, dried ginger, and acupuncture to relieve pain, regulate gastrointestinal motility, and prevent related abdominal pain, addressing the root cause of IBS.

• Heartburn

Heartburn is caused by stomach acid rising into the esophagus, also known as acid reflux. It produces a burning sensation in the chest or throat and leaves a sour taste in the mouth. TCM views heartburn as a manifestation of stomach and liver dysfunction. The basic treatment principle is to restore balance and optimize liver and stomach function. Common herbs for relieving heartburn symptoms include Pinellia, jujube, licorice, white peony root, Atractylodes, peppermint, Bupleurum, Angelica, Poria, and ginger.

TCM daily tips for improving indigestion

• Manage Emotions: Maintain a cheerful mood, reduce overthinking, and avoid emotional fluctuations affecting the spleen and stomach.
• Chew Slowly: Helps food digest better and reduces stomach burden.
• Walk After Meals: Rest for half an hour after eating, then take a slow walk to promote digestion.
• Light Dinner: Avoid eating before bed to give the stomach enough rest time.
• Keep Warm:Pay attention to keeping the abdomen warm to prevent cold-induced stomach issues.

Moderate exercise significantly enhances spleen and stomach function, but avoid intense exercise or immediate post-meal activity. TCM health maintenance also emphasizes regular habits, such as early to bed and early to rise, avoiding excessive fatigue, etc.

Your healing is the most important

At Shanghai Medical Clinic in Dubai, we make full use of the rich resources of Chinese medicine, select high-quality and pure Chinese medicine, and combine special TCM therapies such as acupuncture, massage, cupping and Chinese medicine to provide you with personalized health solutions. Whether you are seeking to relieve chronic pain, regulate your body, or maintain your daily health, our experienced TCM physicians will escort your health through tailor-made Chinese medicine formulas and comprehensive TCM treatments.