Stomach ache is a common medical complaint that can be caused by a variety of conditions, from indigestion and food poisoning to ulcers and infections.
While over-the-counter medications can provide temporary relief, Chinese medicine offers a natural way to treat the root causes of stomach pain for more lasting results.
How Chinese Medicine Views Stomach Ache
In Chinese medicine theory, the stomach is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. Stomach ache results when the normal descending function of the stomach is disrupted, leading to stagnation of qi (energy) flow.
Causes include:
- Eating too much cold or raw food
- Eating too quickly
- Eating while stressed or emotionally upset
- Food poisoning or infection
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Overwork, stress, or fatigue disrupting digestion
Symptoms may include bloating, nausea, acid reflux, burning pain, cramps, vomiting, belching, and hiccups.
Chinese medicine aims to soothe irritation, strengthen the stomach and digestion, regulate qi flow, and address underlying imbalances.
Chinese Herbal Formulas for Stomach Ache
Chinese herbal formulas containing warming and aromatic herbs are commonly used to relieve stomach ache [1].
Examples include:
- Ban Xia Hou Po Tang – Contains pinellia tuber to dry dampness and magnolia bark to move stuck qi downward. Used for nausea, vomiting, and bloating.
- Li Zhong Wan – Warms the middle burner and contains ginger to stop vomiting. Used for abdominal pain due to coldness and deficiency.
- Ping Wei San – Contains citrus peel to regulate qi and corydalis tuber to relieve pain. Used for epigastric pain and acid reflux symptoms.
- Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang – Contains citrus peel, ginger, and ginseng to strengthen digestion. Used for weak stomach function leading to indigestion.
Herbs may be taken as pills, powders, tinctures, or teas under the guidance of a licensed practitioner.
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Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Acupuncture can powerfully regulate qi flow to relieve stomach pain and normalize stomach function [2].
Needles are inserted at points along the stomach and spleen meridians, such as:
- ST34 (Liangqiu) – Important point to regulate stomach qi.
- ST36 (Zusanli) – Fortifies the spleen and stomach.
- ST44 (Neiting) – Benefits stomach pain, vomiting, acid reflux.
Moxibustion, the burning of the herb mugwort near acupuncture points, provides warming stimulation to alleviate cramping or cold-type stomach pain.
Diet and Lifestyle Advice
A Chinese medicine practitioner may recommend dietary and lifestyle changes to help relieve and prevent stomach ache, such as [3]:
- Avoid cold, raw, greasy, sweet, or spicy foods that stagnate stomach qi.
- Eat cooked, warm foods like congee, soups, stews, and steamed veggies.
- Chew food thoroughly and eat mindfully without distractions.
- Don’t overeat. Eat smaller meals.
- Manage stress through restful sleep, meditation, yoga, tai chi, etc.
- Apply warm compresses over the stomach area when in pain.
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and soda, which can irritate the stomach.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Seek immediate medical care if you experience severe, persistent, or worsening stomach pain along with symptoms like:
- Blood in vomit or stool
- High fever
- Jaundice
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain that radiates to the arm or back
These could indicate a medical emergency like a heart attack, perforated ulcer, pancreatitis, or appendicitis.
In summary, Chinese medicine offers drug-free solutions to soothe stomach pain and strengthen digestive function by addressing the root imbalance unique to each individual. Consult a licensed acupuncturist or herbalist to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
With natural treatments and lifestyle adjustments, you can find lasting relief from recurrent stomach aches.
