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.
Epigastrium discomfort can be the consequence of several so-called “patterns of disharmony” in Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted, leading to symptoms or signs that something is wrong (like epigastrium discomfort here). It is similar to the concept of disease in Western Medicine but not quite: a Western disease can often be explained by several Chinese patterns and vice-versa.
A pattern often manifests itself in a combination of symptoms that, at first glance, do not seem necessarily related to each others. For instance here epigastrium discomfort is often associated with poor appetite, loose stools and fatigue in the pattern “Stomach Qi Deficiency”.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of epigastrium discomfort we’ve identified that a herbal formula called Si Jun Zi Tang can help treat the patterns behind the symptom.
Stomach Qi Deficiency, a "pattern of disharmony" that can cause epigastrium discomfort
In Chinese Medicine epigastrium discomfort is a symptom for the pattern "Stomach Qi Deficiency". Below is a small explanation for it with links for more details.
The Stomach is a so-called "Fu" Organ. Learn more about the Stomach in Chinese Medicine
Stomach Qi Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Empty (Xu)
Tongue color: Pale
In addition to epigastrium discomfort, other symptoms associated with Stomach Qi Deficiency include poor appetite, loose stools and fatigue.
Stomach Qi Deficiency is often treated with Si Jun Zi Tang, a herbal formula made of 4 herbs (including Ginseng - Ren Shen - as a key herb). Si Jun Zi Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that tonify qi", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Tonifies Qi".
A herbal formula that might help with epigastrium discomfort
Si Jun Zi Tang
Source date: 1107 AD
Number of ingredients: 4 herbs
Key actions: Tonifies Qi. Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach.
Why might Si Jun Zi Tang help with epigastrium discomfort?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Stomach Qi Deficiency' of which epigastrium discomfort is a symptom.
Other symptoms characteristic of Stomach Qi Deficiency include poor appetite, loose stools and fatigue.
Ginseng might help with epigastrium discomfort
Why might Ginseng (Ren Shen) help with epigastrium discomfort?
Because it is a key herb in Si Jun Zi Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Stomach Qi Deficiency' (a pattern with epigastrium discomfort as a symptom)
Ginseng is a Warm herb that tastes Bitter and Sweet. It targets the Spleen, the Heart and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Very strongly tonifies the Qi. Tonifies the Lungs and Spleen. Assists the body in the secretion of Fluids and stops thirst. Strengthens the Heart and calms the Shen (mind/spirit).