Symptom family: Gastritis Variants
Sub-symptom(s): Atrophic Gastritis Chronic Gastritis Chronic Hemorrhagic Gastritis Bile Reflux Gastritis Acute Gastritis
Gastritis represents a group of conditions characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining, often leading to discomfort, indigestion, and, in severe cases, bleeding. This umbrella term encompasses various forms, including acute and chronic gastritis, each with its unique causes and symptoms. The condition can manifest from infections, prolonged use of NSAIDs, alcohol consumption, or autoimmune disorders, making it a common yet complex ailment requiring precise diagnosis and management.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches gastritis through a holistic lens, focusing on restoring balance and harmony within the body’s systems. Unlike Western medicine, which often targets the symptoms, TCM seeks to understand the root cause of gastritis based on disharmony patterns such as Qi Stagnation, Phlegm-Heat, or Yang Deficiency. This deep understanding of the body's energetic balance is crucial for tailoring treatment plans that not only alleviate symptoms but also promote long-term health and well-being.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, gastritis is understood through an intricate lens of energetic imbalances within the body. When Liver Qi becomes rebellious and invades the Stomach, it disrupts the stomach's ability to descend Qi, leading to symptoms like acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting.
Similarly, Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner can manifest as a burning sensation in the stomach, excessive hunger, or a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount. Wind-Cold or Interior Cold entering the body can cause a sudden onset of symptoms, including sharp stomach pain, preference for warmth, and aversion to cold. Identifying these patterns is essential for TCM practitioners to provide tailored treatments that address both the root causes and the symptoms experienced by the patient.
To counteract the effects of Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach, formulas like Xiao Yao San and Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang are used to harmonize the liver and stomach, promoting the smooth flow of Qi and alleviating symptoms. For conditions marked by Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner, Huang Lian Tang and Xiao Xian Xiong Tang are preferred to clear Heat, transform Phlegm, and restore the stomach's function.
In cases of Wind-Cold or Interior Cold affecting the stomach, warming formulas such as Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang and Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang are selected to expel cold and warm the middle burner, providing relief from cold-induced symptoms. These specialized treatments reflect TCM’s comprehensive approach, targeting the specific patterns of disharmony to effectively manage gastritis.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address gastritis, organized by formula type.
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas if it stems from stagnation or imbalance in the flow of Qi, the vital life energy, within the body.
One such formula is Si Mo Tang, with lindera root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold in the middle jiao (digestive region), necessitating warming and cold-dispelling actions.
One such formula is Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas if it results from Qi deficiency, necessitating treatments that boost the body's vital energy.
One such formula is Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.
One such formula is Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas when there's an accumulation of dampness and phlegm in the body, requiring herbs that dry dampness and transform phlegm.
One such formula is Er Chen Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Er Chen Tang | Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi) |
Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) |
Wen Dan Tang | Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) |
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas when the symptom arises from disharmony between the stomach and intestines, often leading to digestive issues.
One such formula is Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang | Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) |
Huang Lian Tang | Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) |
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by the disruption of Qi flow, that causes the normal movement of body processes to go the wrong way.
One such formula is Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang, with tangerine peel as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang | Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Bamboo Shavings (Zhu Ru) |
Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang | Inula Flowers (Xuan Fu Hua) |
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas when there's an imbalance between the Liver and Spleen systems, often manifesting as digestive disturbances and emotional fluctuations.
One such formula is Si Ni San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Si Ni San | Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) |
Xiao Yao San | Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) |
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external cold invasion affecting the body, requiring treatments that expel cold and warm the interior.
One such formula is Wu Ji San, with ephedra as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Wu Ji San | Ephedra (Ma Huang), Angelica Roots (Bai Zhi), Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling) |
Gui Zhi Ren Shen Tang | Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), Ginseng (Ren Shen) |
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Dan Shen Yin, with red sage root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Dan Shen Yin | Red Sage Roots (Dan Shen) |
Dang Gui Shao Yao San | White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) |
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas when it is caused by various factors leading to bleeding, requiring hemostatic actions.
One such formula is Huang Tu Tang, with stove earth as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Huang Tu Tang | Stove Earth (Zao Xin Tu) |
Shi Hui San | Japanese Thistle (Da Ji), Field Thistles (Xiao Ji) |
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas if it results from blockages in the body, often manifested as masses or lumps, needing actions that open and resolve these obstructions.
One such formula is Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Gastritis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness if it results from heat combined with damp conditions in the body.
One such formula is San Ren Tang, with apricot seed as a key herb.
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas in cases where dampness obstructs the body's normal functions, necessitating herbs that specifically target and expel dampness.
One such formula is Wei Ling Tang, with water plantain as a key herb.
Gastritis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat if it is caused by an excess of heat or fire in the body.
One such formula is Zuo Jin Wan, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas if it results from dryness affecting the intestines, leading to constipation or difficulty in bowel movement.
One such formula is Ma Zi Ren Wan, with hemp seeds as a key herb.
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Xiao Qing Long Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to the accumulation of undigested food and stagnation in the digestive system.
One such formula is Bao He Wan, with hawthorn berry as a key herb.
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas when it is caused by an internal cold condition, needing treatments that warm the body's interior.
One such formula is Gan Cao Gan Jiang Tang, with dried ginger as a key herb.
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas if it is due to cold-dampness obstructing the body's functions, requiring warming and damp-transforming actions.
One such formula is Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, with poria-cocos mushroom as a key herb.
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to dampness affecting the stomach, leading to digestive disturbances.
One such formula is Ping Wei San, with black atractylodes rhizome as a key herb.
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas when caused by dryness that impairs the body's moisture balance, necessitating herbs that moisten and alleviate dryness.
One such formula is Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang, with glehnia root as a key herb.
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas when it arises from disharmony in the female reproductive system, resulting in symptoms like irregular bleeding or abnormal discharge.
One such formula is Wan Dai Tang, with atractylodes rhizome as a key herb.
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas if it arises from an excess of internal heat, needing actions that clear heat and reduce its intensity.
One such formula is Xiao Cheng Qi Tang
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a deficiency in Yin energy, needing nourishment and strengthening of the body's vital essence.
One such formula is Yi Wei Tang, with unprepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas when it results from an intense heat condition at the qi level, affecting the body's energy flow.
One such formula is Zhi Zi Chi Tang, with cape jasmine fruit as a key herb.
Gastritis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm if it is linked to heat leading to phlegm accumulation.
One such formula is Xiao Xian Xiong Tang, with snake gourd as a key herb.
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas when the condition is caused by the presence harmful substances that require induced vomiting to expel them as part of the treatment.
One such formula is Gua Di San, with melon stalk as a key herb.
In managing gastritis from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, specific acupoints are selected to target the underlying patterns contributing to the condition. For dealing with Rebellious Liver Qi that invades the Stomach, acupoints such as Zusanli (ST-36) and Taichong (LR-3) can be effective in harmonizing the Liver and Stomach Qi, promoting the smooth flow of energy and alleviating symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
To address Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner, acupoints like Neiguan (PC-6) and Fenglong (ST-40) are used to clear Heat, transform Phlegm, and restore the digestive system's balance. For symptoms arising from Wind-Cold or Interior Cold, Moxibustion at Zhongwan (CV-12) and Shenque (CV-8) can be particularly beneficial in warming the middle, dispelling Cold, and relieving abdominal pain. These targeted acupoint selections exemplify TCM's nuanced approach, employing specific points to directly counteract the patterns of imbalance causing gastritis.
See more details below about Jiali EX-HN, an acupoint used to address gastritis.
Inside the mouth, on the mucosa of the cheek, 1 cun posterior to the corner of the mouth.
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address gastritis, organized by herb category.
Gastritis can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for gastritis, like Gui Zhi Ren Shen Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Gastritis can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.
One such herb is Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for gastritis, like Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi) | Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang | Er Chen Tang |
Lindera Roots (Wu Yao) | Si Mo Tang |
Sichuan Chinaberries (Chuan Lian Zi) | Jin Ling Zi San |
Coco-Grass Rhizomes (Xiang Fu) | Liang Fu Wan |
Gastritis can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Sichuan Pepper (Hua Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for gastritis, like Da Jian Zhong Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Sichuan Pepper (Hua Jiao) | Da Jian Zhong Tang |
Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang) | Gan Cao Gan Jiang Tang |
Lesser Galangal Rhizomes (Gao Liang jiang) | Liang Fu Wan |
Evodia Fruits (Wu Zhu Yu) | Wu Zhu Yu Tang |
Gastritis can be treated by these herbs when it is related to heat-phlegm accumulation, aiding in dissolving phlegm and soothing the respiratory system.
One such herb is Bamboo Shavings (Zhu Ru), a key herb in some formulas recommended for gastritis, like Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Bamboo Shavings (Zhu Ru) | Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang |
Snake Gourds (Gua Lou) | Xiao Xian Xiong Tang |
Snake Gourd Roots (Tian Hua Fen) | Not applicable |
Gastritis can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for gastritis, like Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang | Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang | Xiao Qing Long Tang | Gui Zhi Ren Shen Tang |
Ephedra (Ma Huang) | Wu Ji San | Xiao Qing Long Tang |
Angelica Roots (Bai Zhi) | Wu Ji San |
Gastritis can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), a key herb in some formulas recommended for gastritis, like Wu Ji San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling) | Wu Ji San | Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San |
Job's Tears (Yi Yi Ren) | San Ren Tang |
Water Plantain (Ze Xie) | Wei Ling Tang |
Gastritis can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), a key herb in some formulas recommended for gastritis, like Er Chen Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) | Er Chen Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Wen Dan Tang |
Inula Flowers (Xuan Fu Hua) | Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang |
Melon Stalks (Gua Di ) | Gua Di San |
Gastritis can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for gastritis, like Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) | Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang | Huang Lian Tang | Zuo Jin Wan |
Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) | Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang | Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang |
Gastritis can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for gastritis, like Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) | Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang | Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang | Si Ni San | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Xiao Chai Hu Tang | Xiao Yao San |
Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye) | Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang |
Gastritis can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for gastritis, like Wei Ling Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu) | Wei Ling Tang | Ping Wei San |
Cardamon Fruits (Bai Dou Kou) | San Ren Tang |
Gastritis can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Red Sage Roots (Dan Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for gastritis, like Dan Shen Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Red Sage Roots (Dan Shen) | Dan Shen Yin |
Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) | Yue Ju Wan |
Gastritis can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Dwarf Lilyturf Roots (Mai Dong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for gastritis, like Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Dwarf Lilyturf Roots (Mai Dong) | Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang | Yi Wei Tang |
Glehnia Roots (Bei Sha Shen) | Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang |
Gastritis can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for gastritis, like Yi Wei Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang) | Yi Wei Tang |
Field Thistles (Xiao Ji) | Shi Hui San |
Gastritis can be treated by these herbs in cases where it is due to internal or external bleeding, working to stabilize and constrict blood flow.
One such herb is Stove Earth (Zao Xin Tu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for gastritis, like Huang Tu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Stove Earth (Zao Xin Tu) | Huang Tu Tang |
Japanese Thistle (Da Ji) | Shi Hui San |
Gastritis can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for gastritis, like Zhi Zi Chi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi) | Zhi Zi Chi Tang |
Sweet Wormwood Herbs (Qing Hao) | Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang |
Gastritis can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for gastritis, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Gastritis can be treated by these herbs when it originates from obstructions in the lung pathways, helping to ease respiratory discomfort and restore normal breathing.
One such herb is Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for gastritis, like San Ren Tang.
Gastritis can be treated by these herbs when there's a need for a milder form of bowel movement to alleviate constipation and regulate digestion.
One such herb is Hemp Seeds (Huo Ma Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for gastritis, like Ma Zi Ren Wan.
Gastritis can be treated by these herbs in cases of digestive disturbances due to overeating or consuming hard-to-digest foods, assisting in breaking down and moving food through the digestive system.
One such herb is Hawthorn Berries (Shan Zha), a key herb in some formulas recommended for gastritis, like Bao He Wan.
Gastritis can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is White Peony Roots (Bai Shao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for gastritis, like Dang Gui Shao Yao San.