Gastritis according to Chinese Medicine
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
In Chinese Medicine, gastritis is sometimes associated with Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner, a so-called "patterns of disharmony". Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted. It is not equivalent to the Western concept of "disease" because both concepts arise from totally different ways of seeing the human body.
To understand whether someone's gastritis might be caused by the pattern Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from gastritis alone. Indeed if gastritis is caused by Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner, patients also experience symptoms such as epigastric focal distention, abdominal fullness, dry heaves or vomiting and borborygmi with diarrhea. Similarly, patients with Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner typically exhibit rapid (Shu) or wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a red tip tongue with yellow coating.
We've listed below a more detailed description of Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner so that you can have a better understanding of where gastritis might find its root according to Chinese Medicine.
Once identified, patterns are often treated using herbal formulas. Drinking herbal infusions is the most common remedy in Chinese Medicine, together with acupuncture. Here we detail below twelve formulas that can help treat Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner.
Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with gastritis
The Triple Burner is a so-called "Fu" Organ. Learn more about the Triple Burner in Chinese Medicine
Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue coating: Yellow coating
Tongue color: Red tip
Recommended herbal formula: Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
Symptoms: Poor appetite Abdominal fullness Dry heaves or vomiting Borborygmi with diarrhea Epigastric focal distention
Gastritis might be due to Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as epigastric focal distention, abdominal fullness, dry heaves or vomiting and borborygmi with diarrhea. Similarly, patients with Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner typically exhibit rapid (Shu) or wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a red tip tongue with yellow coating.
The twelve herbal formulas that might help with gastritis
Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Reverses the flow of Rebellious Stomach Qi. Relieves both Heat and Cold Stagnation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Why might Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang help with gastritis?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner, a pattern sometimes associated with gastritis. If it looks like you might suffer from Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Zuo Jin Wan
Source date: 1481 AD
Number of ingredients: 2 herbs
Key actions: Clears Liver Heat. Directs Rebellious Qi downward. Stops vomiting.
Why might Zuo Jin Wan help with gastritis?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with gastritis. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Si Ni San
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 4 herbs
Key actions: Regulates Liver and Spleen. Eliminates Internal Heat.
Why might Si Ni San help with gastritis?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with gastritis. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Si Mo Tang
Source date: 1253 AD
Number of ingredients: 4 herbs
Key actions: Promotes the movement of Qi. Directs rebellious Qi downward. Expands the chest and dissipates clumping.
Why might Si Mo Tang help with gastritis?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with gastritis. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang
Source date: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Key actions: Directs rebellious Qi downward. Stops hiccup. Augments Qi. Clears heat.
Why might Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang help with gastritis?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with gastritis. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Symptoms related to gastritis
Epigastric focal distention Abdominal fullness Dry heaves or vomiting Borborygmi with diarrhea Poor appetite
