Chronic gastritis is one of the common diseases in the field of liver, spleen, and stomach treatment, affecting a large number of patients, often with lingering symptoms that can be distressing. The liver, spleen, and stomach experts in Chinese medicine share six small tips for maintaining stomach health. These tips primarily involve dietary adjustments, stomach-friendly exercise, acupressure, mood regulation, medication, and specialized treatments to help alleviate discomfort.
What is Chronic Gastritis?
Chronic gastritis is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation or atrophic changes in the gastric mucosa, which can be caused by various factors.
Symptoms of Chronic Gastritis
Chronic gastritis is typically a progressive condition, and the severity of its symptoms depends on the causative factors of inflammation and the timeliness of treatment. The symptoms vary widely; most patients experience mild symptoms that don’t significantly impact daily life, while some may have severe symptoms and complications. Common symptoms include:
1. Abdominal Distention and Belching
Patients may experience symptoms such as indigestion, abdominal distention, belching, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting. Damage to the gastric mucosa reduces acid secretion and slows down the digestive process, leading to indigestion.
2. Abdominal Pain
Patients may experience stomach pain, discomfort, or a burning sensation. Gastric mucosal damage stimulates the nerve endings below the mucosa, leading to stomach pain.
3. Decreased Appetite
Patients may lose their appetite or develop aversions to food. Discomfort in the stomach due to mucosal damage can lead to a reduced appetite.
4. Weight Loss
Weight loss may occur due to factors such as indigestion and reduced appetite, leading to reduced nutritional intake.
5. Gastric Bleeding
Severe cases of chronic gastritis can lead to gastric bleeding, resulting from significant damage to the gastric mucosa.
6. Other Symptoms
Patients may also experience anemia, dry mouth, tongue dryness, belching, hiccups, and other related symptoms. These symptoms are associated with gastric disorders and should prompt timely medical attention.
Chinese Medicine Tips for Stomach Health
1. Dietary Adjustments
Congee is a good food choice for stomach health. Drinking a bowl of hot congee daily can have a positive impact. For example, oatmeal congee supports stomach and spleen health, while millet congee helps warm the stomach and soothe the nerves. For individuals with a cooler constitution, astragalus and danggui can be added to the congee, while dandelion and lily are suitable for those with a warmer constitution. It’s essential to avoid hot soups that can harm the gastric mucosa and opt for warm soups instead.
2. Stomach-Friendly Exercise
Moderate exercise can promote peristalsis in the gastrointestinal tract, including activities like walking and jogging, which can help support stomach health and digestion.
3. Acupressure
Acupressure on points like “Zusanli” (ST 36), “Neiguan” (PC 6), and “Gongsun” (SP 4) can also be effective for maintaining stomach health.
4. Mood Regulation
Emotions can affect stomach health. Excessive worrying and stagnation of liver qi and spleen qi can lead to stomach dysfunction. Thus, managing emotions is crucial.
5. Medicinal Support
Chinese herbs like Atractylodes (baishu), Astragalus (huangqi), Chinese yam (shan yao), and Ophiopogon (mai dong) can be brewed as teas for their spleen-strengthening and stomach-nourishing effects.
6. Chinese Medicine Treatments
Individualized treatments, including traditional Chinese herbal decoctions and granules, are tailored to each patient’s specific condition. These may be complemented with infrared therapy for pain relief and improved circulation.
Please note that consulting with a healthcare professional or a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner is recommended before implementing these tips, especially for individuals with specific health conditions or sensitivities.