Digestive System Diseases and Disorders

Digestive System
Diseases and Disorders

Chinese herbal medicine treats a wide range of digestive system diseases and disorders - naturally and safely. In serious, life threatening cases it can be taken together with Western medicine, usually to minimize the harsh side effects of Western medicine.

The traditional Chinese herbal treatment of digestive problems has developed over at least 2000 years and includes dietary and lifestyle advice to enhance the herbal therapy. Acupuncture may also be used for disorders and diseases of the digestive system, however the below information focuses on Chinese herbal remedies for such problems.

Diet and Lifestyle Factors

For many people with digestive system diseases, and common disorders like constipation, acid reflux and haemorroids, it is their poor diet and lifestyle habits over many years that have caused the problem. There are, of course, other factors involved but bad diet and irregular lifestyle are major contributors to these and many other health problems.

If you have any of the digestive system diseases or disorders listed below, in addition to taking Chinese herbal medicine it is highly likely you also need to change your diet and lifestyle. Bob Flaws, well known Chinese medicine practitioner and author, stresses this in his Chinese Diet Recommendations leaflet for patients. Bob says "In order to get the most out of acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine, it is very important to support your treatment with the proper diet and lifestyle."

Individualized Treatment

What makes Chinese herbal therapy and dietary therapy, etc, so effective is it can be adjusted for each individual according to their problem, their general state of health, their age and other factors unique to each person. So, even if two people have constipation, for instance, it is unlikely their herbal or dietary treatment will be the same.

Chinese Medical Diagnosis

If you have a digestive system problem the only way to know which Chinese herbal medicine you need, or which diet is best for you, is by first getting a traditional Chinese medical diagnosis. A Western medical diagnosis by itself is not enough to effectively prescribe Chinese herbal medicine, or to give proper Chinese dietary advice.

Below are some common digestive system disorders that can be treated with Chinese herbal medicine and diet, etc. Included is an outline of the traditional Chinese medical approach to treating these problems and the main causes of such problems.

For help on how to find a qualified practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine see the FAQ section (No.9).

Common Digestive System Diseases and Disorders

Acid Reflux-Heartburn: Stop taking antacids and do not have an acid reflux operation as this problem usually responds very well to Chinese herbal medicine and dietary and lifestyle changes.

Bad Breath: In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) bad breath from stomach heat and a stressed liver is the most common scenario.

Bloating: Chinese herbal medicine and dietary changes are highly effective remedies for bloating, which is often due to digestive weakness.

Cancer: Chinese herbal medicine for cancer can be a stand alone treatment and/or to improve the effects of radiation and chemotherapy, reduce the harsh side effects of these therapies and improve the overall health of the patient.

Constipation: Chinese herbal constipation remedies are non addictive and safe. They work by re-balancing bowel function and other organs involved in constipation like the liver.

Diarrhea: Proper diet and a Chinese herbal diarrhea remedy is an effective way to stop acute and chronic diarrhea.

Flatulence: According to TCM the main causes of flatulence are diet and emotions, i.e. what, how and when you eat and eating when you are emotionally upset or angry.

Food Poisoning: Chinese herbal remedies for food poisoning do more than relieve the symptoms - they speed up your recovery and strengthen your digestive system to prevent future bouts.

Hemorrhoids: Chinese herbal hemorrhoids treatment includes ointments for external use, internal medicine to address organ imbalances and dietary and lifestyle modification.

Stomach Flu-Gastroenteritis: In certain situations anyone can get stomach flu but it is often people with a weak digestive system that get sick.

Toothache: Includes a brief outline of the Chinese herbal approach to toothache and some classic toothache home remedies.

If you need information on Chinese herbal remedies for digestive problems not listed above let me know.