Patient's question:
Every morning upon waking up, I experience stomach pain that feels like being torn apart, to the point where I roll around in agony. I have been unable to have a bowel movement. Since late January 2010 until now, even after seeking medical treatment and taking medication, the symptoms still occur.Doctor's answer:
Analysis of the Condition: Spleen and stomach deficiency is the intrinsic factor, while irregular diet, emotional distress, and excessive labor or rest are the triggering factors. Irregular diet leads to accumulation and stagnation, obstructing the Qi flow; worry and anger cause liver dysfunction, resulting in Qi stagnation in the stomach and chest; excessive labor consumes Qi and blood, while excessive rest impairs Qi flow. With a naturally weak spleen and stomach, combined with these factors, Qi flow becomes obstructed, stagnation occurs in the stomach, and the normal ascending and descending functions are disrupted, which is the fundamental pathogenesis of this condition.Advice: Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment focuses on strengthening the spleen, eliminating stagnation, soothing the liver and regulating Qi, and harmonizing the stomach to reduce inversion. The main formula is Zhi Shi Xiao Pi Wan (Prescription for Dispelling Stagnation and Strengthening the Spleen), modified as needed. Zhi Shi Xiao Pi Wan was created by the renowned Ming Dynasty physician Li Dongyuan and is used to "treat empty stagnation in the lower abdomen, poor appetite, fatigue, and improve appetite." The original formula was in pill form. After years of exploration, I have modified this formula into decoctions or concentrated pills, which have shown excellent effects in treating chronic gastritis.
Ingredients:
- Zhi Shi (Citrus aurantium): 10-12g
- Huang Lian (Coptis chinensis): 10-20g
- Sheng Jiang (Ginger): 6g
- Ban Xia (Pinellia ternata): 10g
- Hou Pu (Magnolia bark): 10-15g
- Ren Shen (Ginseng): 10-20g
- Zhi Gan Cao (Licorice): 6g
- Bai Zhu (Atractylodes rhizome): 10-15g
- Fu Ling (Poria): 10g
- Mai Ya (Malt): 15g
Indications: This formula is applicable for patients with chronic superficial gastritis, atrophic gastritis, erosive gastritis, and bile reflux gastritis, presenting symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, fullness, belching, discomfort, acid reflux, nausea, and poor appetite. Adjustments can be made based on the patient's condition.
For those with deficiency-cold, reduce Huang Lian and add Shao Ren (Cardamom) and Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia fruit). For liver-gastric disharmony, combine with Chai Hu Xiao Gan San (Bupleurum Decoction for Soothing the Liver and Harmonizing the Stomach). For liver-fire invading the stomach, combine with Jin Ling Zi San (Gold Bell Seed Decoction) plus Huang Qin (Scutellaria root). For significant stomach Qi inversion, add Su Geng (Poria root). For severe liver-gallbladder fire, add Chai Hu and Huang Qin. For intestinal damp-heat, add Mu Xiang (Atractylodes rhizome). Dosage can be adjusted based on cold, heat, deficiency, and excess.
Health Tips:
(1) Maintain a balanced diet to prevent accumulation from harming the spleen and stomach.
(2) Quit smoking and alcohol, and avoid excessive spicy food to prevent repeated irritation to the stomach lining.
(3) Keep a positive mood to avoid emotional stress.
(4) Balance work and rest to regulate gastrointestinal function.
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