Gastritis

Gastritis can be a debilitating and very painful disorder. It is characterized by severe pain in the upper abdomen that is aggravated by eating. Acid regurgitation and a general feeling of indigestion often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and very dark stool.

Gastritis is the inflammation of the lining of the stomach. This initiates an immune response within the body because the body sees the inflammation as a form of injury. Gastritis does not mean that there is an ulcer or cancer. It is simply inflammation.

There are various causes that result in the inflammation of the stomach layer, such as the long term prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (i.e. Tylenol and Aspirin), Chronic bile reflux, infection with the bacteria H. pylori, pernicious anemia (an autoimmune disorder) and degeneration of the lining of the stomach with age.

Traditional Chinese Medicine examines the body, mind and spirit as a whole. There is energy called “Qi” that flows through meridians (energy pathways) throughout the body. When an imbalance occurs in the flow of Qi in any of the 14 main meridians, it results in a symptom or disease. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, gastritis is a symptom of an underlying cause or root cause, which can manifest with varying signs and symptoms. Therefore, in order to differentiate these symptoms and to make an accurate diagnosis of the root cause, Chinese Medical Practitioners will diagnose an individual based on a thorough examination of the individual’s signs and symptoms, diet and environment. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine is successful in treating chronic gastritis in combination with a change in diet and lifestyle. The following are the differentiation of syndromes and its accompanying signs and symptoms which may cause gastritis:

Stagnation of Stomach Qi

Signs and symptoms include:

Fullness and pain of the stomach, acid regurgitation, vomiting that relieves the pain and loose stool.

Causes:

The root cause is due to irregular food intake and excessive eating, overindulgence of greasy and spicy food, which impairs the bodies ability to properly metabolize food and fluids.

Chinese herbal prescription is a successful adjunct to acupuncture the formula is Pinellia Decoction for Purging Stomach Fire.

Hyperactive Liver Qi Attacking the Stomach

Signs and symptoms include:

Pain in the stomach usually initiated by abnormal emotions and bitter/sour regurgitation.

Cause:

A result of stress, anger, anxiety or depression, over time these stresses causes the strain on the stomach.

Treatment:

Acupuncture and herbal prescripton Modified Bupleurum powder for relieving liver qi.

Spleen Yang Deficiency

Signs and symptoms include:

Intermittent dull pain in the abdomen that is alleviated by pressure, loose stool and aversion to cold.

Cause:

The Individual’s body constitution is prone to this condition.

Treatment:

Acupuncture and herbal prescription Modified Decoction of Astragalus for Tonifying Middle Jiao

Deficiency of Spleen and Stomach

Signs and symptoms include:

Dull pain in the abdomen, watery regurgitation, aversion to cold, pain relieved by warmth and pressure.

Cause:

Due to irregular food intake, stress and anxiety or prolonged illness.

Treatment:

Acupuncture and herbal prescription varies based on the individuals needs, must consult your practitioner.

Deficiency of Stomach Yin

Signs and symptoms include:

Dull pain in the abdomen, hunger without desire to eat, dryness of the mouth and throat, constipation and hiccups.

Cause:

Excessive intake of hot/spicy and greasy food.

Treatment:

Acupuncture and herbal prescription of Modified Decoction for Nourishing the Stomach.

These are the main causes of chronic gastritis and it is essential that individuals considering using acupuncture and Chinese medicine consult their practitioner for appropriate treatment that is tailored to the individuals specific needs.

Chronic gastritis is a debilitating disorder that severely alters an individual’s quality of life and health. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine is a great natural alternative to easing the pain and symptoms related to chronic gastritis. Diet and lifestyle however is a large factor that contributes to this condition and one must make changes to ensure complete recovery.