Digestive Disorders
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About Digestive Disorders
Although people are used to experiencing digestive issues such as bloating, flatulence and belching, these are actually symptoms of possible acute conditions which, if allowed to become chronic, can impair the body's ability to digest, absorb and excrete food – one of the most important biological process for determining one's general health.
Possible Symptoms
Digestive disorders include such symptoms and conditions as:
Heartburn/GERD (Acid Reflux)
Nausea
Bloating/belching
Gas (flatulence)
Constipation
Abdominal pain
Indigestion (Dyspepsia)
Dysmotility
Stomach ulcers (Ulcerative Colitis)
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Food intolerance
Crohn's disease
Haemorrhoids (swelling and inflammation of veins around the lower rectum or anus)
Western Medicine View
Over-the-counter medicines such as indigestion pills, liquids and laxatives are available to ease the common symptoms. Pain medicine is also available but mostly on prescription. Chronic conditions require surgery.
Chinese Medicine View
Digestive disorders in Chinese Medicine are generally regarded as a result of imbalances in the Stomach and Spleen, the two main organs responsible for digesting, absorbing, transporting, and transforming food into Qi (the body's essential energy) and blood which nourish the body and support all other bodily functions. The Stomach governs the acceptance, digestion and passage of food and its normal movements downwards. If the Stomach energy moves the wrong way (upwards), symptoms will occur such as fullness, pain, nausea and vomiting.
The Spleen's main functions are to transform food into energy, and transport it to all parts of the body. The Spleen also shares with the Kidney the function of processing water and body liquids. Weakness of the Spleen, therefore, can lead to water retention as well as fatigue and lack of energy.
Imbalance in other organs can also affect the digestive process, for example, the Stagnation of Liver energy as seen in long term stress and anxiety will lead to digestive problems, such as poor appetite, indigestion, abdominal pain and distention (bloating).
Some of the classic syndromes that cause digestive conditions are:
LIVER QI STAGNATION - This is the major syndrome for stress and can lead to IBS and food sensitivity.
SPLEEN QI DEFICIENCY - This is a slightly more advanced syndrome that can be caused by stress or other factors. It leads to excessive mucus, inflammation and bloating. Most people with spleen QI deficiency feel sluggish and tired.
STOMACH QI DEFICIENCY - This is the main syndrome related to indigestion or dysmotility.
YANG DEFICIENCY - People suffering from this syndrome tend to have a lot of diarrhoea and need to eat warm foods.
EXCESS SYNDROME - This causes water retention, weight gain and a general heavy feeling after food.
Treatment Options
cupuncture and Chinese herbs. Chinese Medicine has been shown to be very successful in treating a number of digestive problems:
Indigestion- Chinese Medicine views this as a result of weakness of the stomach and spleen.
Gallstones- Chinese Medicine believes gallstones to be caused by damp heat in the liver and gall bladder.
Gastric/duodenal ulcer- Chinese Medicine believes both conditions to be caused by stagnation in Liver and Stomach Qi.
Ulcerative colitis- In this condition, because of the ulceration, there is diarrhoea with blood and mucus in the stool. According to Chinese Medicine, this is due to damp and heat which burns inside, damaging the blood vessels.
Irritable bowel syndrome- Chinese Medicine attributes this to an imbalance between stomach, spleen and intestines, sometimes also affecting the liver and kidneys.
When you see a Chinese Medical doctor you will be asked many questions in order to see what particular syndromes you suffer from and how they relate to your digestion. You will then be treated with herbs and acupuncture for your syndromes which will help your digestion as well as seemingly unrelated symptoms such as fatigue, skin problems etc.
Lifestyle Advice
For expert advice on how to prevent and treat digestive disorders, please refer to our guide Regulate Your Digestion.
For personalised advice on diet and lifestyle, please ask the doctor during your consultation. Please be reminded that we offer free online health advice.
-> Click here to contact us using our 'Online Health Advice' Form
Case History
"When I first came to AcuMedic I was suffering from major depression, acne and digestive problems. After 6 weeks of herbs, 2 courses of tablets and acupuncture I can honestly say the improvement has been quite unbelievable. having lived with all these symptoms for many years the relief has been huge. I have been hugely impressed and would have no hesitation in recommending these combined treatments."
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"For a year I have been treated for joint pain and bowel complaints, neither of which have been helped by Western medication, I have greatly improved and now even discontinued the treatment."
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"Having been to my doctors approx 4 times since March with no result, I decided to come to AcuMedic. The results have truly surprised me, the pain in my stomach has already gone and after 3 weeks I am truly starting to feel much calmer, stronger and not so light headed."
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Gastric Ulcer
The patient (male, 30 years old) had been suffering from paroxysmal pain in epigastrium for six months with such symptoms as abdominal distension radiating to hypochordrium, frequent belching, nausea, vomiting, acid regurgitation, anorexia, irritability with depression. He also had bitter taste in his mouth, and loose stools. Gastroscopy revealed a gastric ulcer. He had thin and white tongue coating, deep and taut pulse. He was diagnosed as suffering from hyperactivity of liver Qi attacking the stomach. Treatment focused on soothing the liver and harmonising the stomach, and regulating Qi to relieve pain. After a series of herbal medicine and acupuncture treatments, the pain was relieved. After one month of treatment, the ulcer had gone - as proved by gastroscopy.
