Stomach Pain, Bloating, Reflux, Diarrhoea & Constipation | TCM in Oberwil BL
Digestive discomfort from a TCM perspective: the Spleen and Stomach functions and Liver Qi
Bloating after meals, stomach pain, acid reflux, or recurring diarrhoea and constipation can make eating and going out a source of extra concern. Some people lose their appetite and feel abdominal discomfort when stressed; others feel as though their stomach is blocked after eating a little too much. If you are looking for acupuncture, Chinese herbs, natural approaches or support without Western medicines, TCM considers these experiences through the transformation and transport functions of the Spleen and Stomach and the movement of Qi.
You may have searched for functional dyspepsia, gastro-oesophageal reflux, gastritis, stomach or duodenal ulcers, colitis or Crohn's disease. You may also be dealing with haemorrhoids or ongoing difficulty passing stools. TCM takes your particular appetite, abdominal sensations, bowel habits and other bodily responses into account when assessing your individual pattern.
How do the TCM Spleen and Stomach work together in digestion?
In TCM, the Stomach and Spleen form a pair with complementary functions. The Stomach receives food, while the Spleen distributes its essence throughout the body; Stomach Qi descends and Spleen Qi rises. From a TCM perspective, their coordination supports digestion, absorption and distribution.
Here, Spleen refers to the TCM function of transformation and transport, rather than the anatomical spleen of Western medicine. If Stomach Qi does not descend properly, a person may experience fullness, belching, nausea or reflux. When the Spleen's transformation function is weak, TCM describes such experiences as poor appetite, bloating after meals, soft stools or diarrhoea, and tiredness.
A boat as a way to understand the TCM view of constipation
Imagine a boat travelling smoothly along a river: there needs to be enough water, the boat needs propulsion, and the waterway needs to be clear.
A lack of body fluids is like low water that leaves the boat stranded: stools may become dry and hard and difficult to pass. Qi deficiency is like insufficient propulsion. Older people or those weakened by prolonged illness may feel the urge to open their bowels but lack the strength to do so. Qi stagnation is like an obstructed waterway, with abdominal bloating and difficult bowel movements. Cold in the abdomen is compared to a frozen river that slows the boat's progress. Eating too much, with food remaining in the digestive tract, is like overloading the boat with cargo and may be associated with bloating, belching and changes in bowel movements. In TCM, Heat can also consume body fluids and make stools dry.
Even when the concern is the same – constipation – TCM considers whether there is too little water, weak propulsion, disrupted Qi movement, Cold or food stagnation. The individual approach is chosen accordingly.
Common patterns of digestive discomfort
Liver–Stomach disharmony – disrupted Qi movement: Stress or emotional tension may be associated with fullness or pain in the upper abdomen and increased belching. Sighing or belching may bring some relief. Emotional changes and stomach symptoms often occur together.
Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency – weak transformation and propulsion: Experiences described in this pattern include poor appetite, bloating after meals, tiredness and loose or unformed stools. Some people also feel they lack strength when passing stools.
Spleen and Stomach deficiency Cold – Cold slows the functions: Abdominal discomfort may occur after cold foods or exposure to cold. Warm compresses or warm drinks feel comforting, and sensitivity to cold or soft stools may occur. This differs from the Damp-Heat pattern associated with a bitter taste, a sticky sensation and burning around the anus.
Damp-Heat in the Spleen and Stomach – Dampness and Heat in the middle burner: A person may experience uncomfortable abdominal fullness, nausea, a bitter taste or a sticky feeling in the mouth, and sticky, stronger-smelling stools. Some people also experience diarrhoea, urgent bowel movements or burning around the anus.
Food stagnation – too much food has not yet been processed: Bloating, belching, reflux, nausea or reduced appetite may follow a very large or fatty meal. Sometimes breath and stool odour become stronger as well.
Stomach Yin deficiency – insufficient fluids in the Stomach functional system: Experiences may include a dry mouth, mild discomfort or burning in the stomach, and dry stools. Some people feel hungry but can only eat a little.
How can acupuncture and Chinese herbs be used together?
TCM pattern assessment first considers which picture is most prominent: disrupted Qi movement, weak transformation, Cold, Damp-Heat, food stagnation or insufficient body fluids. Treatment principles vary accordingly. Qi stagnation calls for regulating Qi and harmonising the Stomach; Qi deficiency for supporting the Spleen and Qi; deficiency Cold for warming the middle; Damp-Heat for clearing and transforming it; food stagnation for supporting processing; and insufficient fluids for nourishing Stomach Yin, promoting body fluids and moistening the intestines.
Acupuncture points are selected according to the individual pattern, with the aim of regulating the Qi movement of the Spleen and Stomach. Chinese herbal prescriptions are tailored to the specific presentation. Appetite, bloating, stomach discomfort and changes in bowel habits are considered together rather than focusing on a single symptom.
Book an appointment with Lily TCM to discuss an individual approach to your digestive concerns.
Appointments by phone: 079 889 96 08