Gastric Ulceraccording to TCM

What is Gastric Ulcer?

A Gastric Ulcer is a type of Peptic Ulcer that specifically forms on the lining of the stomach. These ulcers are essentially open sores that develop when the stomach's protective mucus is reduced, allowing the acidic digestive juices to erode the tissue of the stomach wall. Symptoms can include burning stomach pain, bloating, and nausea, with the discomfort often intensifying between meals and at night. Understanding the causes, which range from infections with Helicobacter pylori to long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), is crucial for effective management and treatment.

How does TCM view Gastric Ulcer?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets Gastric Ulcers through a lens distinct from Western medicine, focusing on the concept of balance and harmony within the body. TCM posits that such ulcers arise from imbalances in Yin and Yang, disruptions in Qi, and the presence of pathogenic factors like Dampness, Heat, or Cold. This perspective underscores the importance of identifying and correcting the specific pattern of disharmony underlying the symptom, emphasizing a holistic approach that seeks to restore the body's natural equilibrium and promote healing from within.

Causes of Gastric Ulcer according to TCM

In TCM, Gastric Ulcers are seen as the result of underlying imbalances that disrupt the body's natural harmony. Key among these are patterns like Stomach Yang Deficiency and Empty-Cold, which suggest a depletion of the warm, active energy needed for proper digestion and the presence of Cold causing stagnation and pain.

These conditions reflect a deeper imbalance in the body's energies, necessitating treatments that focus on restoring Yang and dispelling Cold to heal the ulcers. This approach highlights TCM's nuanced understanding of disease, where symptoms are indicators of deeper systemic issues rather than isolated problems to be fixed.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Gastric Ulcer

To treat Gastric Ulcers, TCM employs a range of formulas and herbs designed to address the specific disharmonies at play. For conditions marked by Empty-Cold, Da Jian Zhong Tang is often prescribed. This formula, featuring Sichuan pepper (Hua Jiao), works to warm the Middle, disperse Cold, and promote the flow of Qi, addressing the root cause of pain and discomfort.

For patterns associated with Stomach Yang Deficiency and Cold, Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang, which includes Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), serves to warm the stomach, strengthen Yang, and enhance Qi. These treatments illustrate the depth of TCM's approach, aiming not just to relieve symptoms but to rebalance the body's internal environment, fostering lasting healing.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address gastric ulcer, organized by formula type.

TCM Herbs for Gastric Ulcer

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address gastric ulcer, organized by herb category.