Stomach prolapse 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.
Stomach prolapse 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 stomach prolapse 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 stomach prolapse is often associated with poor appetite, loose stools and listlessness in the pattern “Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking”.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of stomach prolapse we’ve identified two herbal formulas that may help treat patterns behind the symptom.
We’ve also selected below the two medicinal herbs that we think are most likely to help treat stomach prolapse.
Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking, a "pattern of disharmony" that can cause stomach prolapse
In Chinese Medicine stomach prolapse is a symptom for the pattern "Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking". Below is a small explanation for it with links for more details.
Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) is the king ingredient for Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, a formula used for Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking
Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking
Pulse type(s): Empty (Xu), Weak (Ruo)
Tongue color: Pale
In a Qi Collapsing (also called 'Sinking Qi') situation, a weakened Qi is unable to perform its holding function, resulting in a prolapse of the Organs. This condition mostly applies to the Qi of the Spleen.
In addition to stomach prolapse, other symptoms associated with Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking include poor appetite, loose stools and listlessness.
Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking is often treated with Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, a herbal formula made of 10 herbs (including Milkvetch Roots - Huang Qi - as a key herb). Bu Zhong Yi Qi 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 of the Spleen and Stomach (Middle Burner)".
Two herbal formulas that might help with stomach prolapse
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Source date: 1247
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Tonifies Qi of the Spleen and Stomach (Middle Burner). Raises the Yang. Detoxifies. Lifts what has sunken.
Why might Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang help with stomach prolapse?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking' of which stomach prolapse is a symptom.
Du Shen Tang
Source date: 1348 AD
Number of ingredients: 1 herbs
Key actions: Tonifies the Original Qi . Stabilizes from collapse.
Why might Du Shen Tang help with stomach prolapse?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking' of which stomach prolapse is a symptom.
Acupuncture points used for stomach prolapse
The two Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat stomach prolapse
Why might Ginseng (Ren Shen) help with stomach prolapse?
Because Ginseng is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat stomach prolapse as a symptom, like Du Shen Tang or Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang for instance.
Ginseng is a Warm herb that tastes Bitter and Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Lung and the Spleen.
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).
Why might Milkvetch Root (Huang Qi) help with stomach prolapse?
Because it is a key herb in Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking' (a pattern with stomach prolapse as a symptom)
Milkvetch Roots is a Warm herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Lung and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Wei Qi and stops perspiration. Tonifies the Spleen Qi and the Yang Qi of the Earth Element. Tonifies the Qi and Blood. Expels pus and assists in the healing of wounds. Helps to regulate water metabolism in the body and reduce edema.
Other symptoms often associated with stomach prolapse
Poor appetite Loose stools Listlessness Bladder prolapse Anus prolapse Hemorrhoids Tiredness Shortness of breath Weak voice Spontaneous sweating