What is 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.

How Does TCM View Gastritis?

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.

Causes of Gastritis According to TCM

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.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Gastritis

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.

  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that promote qi movement
  • Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
  • Formulas that tonify qi
  • Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
  • Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
  • Formulas that harmonize stomach-Intestines
  • Formulas for a rebellious qi
  • Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
  • Formulas that release the exterior and warm the interior
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
  • Formulas that stop bleeding
  • Formulas that vent membrane source
  • Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
  • Formulas that expel dampness
  • Formulas that clear heat
  • Formulas that moisten intestines and unblock bowels
  • Formulas that clear wind-Cold
  • Formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform stagnation
  • Formulas that warm interior cold
  • Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
  • Formulas that transform dampness and harmonize stomach
  • Formulas that disperse dryness and moisten
  • Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
  • Formulas that purge heat accumulation
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that clear qi-level heat
  • Formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm
  • Formulas that induce vomiting

All "formulas that harmonize stomach-Intestines" recommended for gastritis

Formula Key herbs
Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian)
Huang Lian Tang Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian)

All "formulas for a rebellious qi" recommended for gastritis

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)

All "formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen" recommended for gastritis

Formula Key herbs
Si Ni San Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu)
Xiao Yao San Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu)

All "formulas that release the exterior and warm the interior" recommended for gastritis

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)

All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for gastritis

Formula Key herbs
Dan Shen Yin Red Sage Roots (Dan Shen)
Dang Gui Shao Yao San White Peony Roots (Bai Shao)

All "formulas that stop bleeding" recommended for gastritis

Formula Key herbs
Huang Tu Tang Stove Earth (Zao Xin Tu)
Shi Hui San Japanese Thistle (Da Ji), Field Thistles (Xiao Ji)

Acupoints for Gastritis

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.

  • By Meridian
  • Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN)
Jiali EX-HN

Jiali EX-HN

Inside the mouth, on the mucosa of the cheek, 1 cun posterior to the corner of the mouth.

TCM Herbs for Gastritis

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

  • By Herb Category
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Herbs that regulate qi
  • Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
  • Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
  • Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Herbs that drain dampness
  • Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
  • Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
  • Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
  • Herbs that invigorate the blood
  • Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
  • Herbs that cool the blood
  • Herbs that stop bleeding
  • Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
  • Purgative herbs that drain downward
  • Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
  • Laxative herbs that drain downward
  • Herbs that relieve food stagnation
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency

"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for gastritis

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

"Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for gastritis

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

"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for gastritis

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

"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for gastritis

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

"Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for gastritis

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

"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for gastritis

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

"Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for gastritis

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

"Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness" recommended for gastritis

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

"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for gastritis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Red Sage Roots (Dan Shen) Dan Shen Yin
Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) Yue Ju Wan

"Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency" recommended for gastritis

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

"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for gastritis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang) Yi Wei Tang
Field Thistles (Xiao Ji) Shi Hui San

"Herbs that stop bleeding" recommended for gastritis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Stove Earth (Zao Xin Tu) Huang Tu Tang
Japanese Thistle (Da Ji) Shi Hui San

"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for gastritis

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