A fundamental difference between Chinese and Western medicine is often the focus on the illness versus the patient. In Western culture, treatment is often focused on what’s best for the disease, while the Chinese focus is more often on what’s best for the patient.
Although that’s a generalization, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) places a greater emphasis on the unique nature of every patient. When it comes to digestive upsets, this is embodied in the idea that there isn’t a single diet that’s good for everyone.
At Pine Mountain Chinese Acupuncture & Herb Clinic in Austin, Texas, our acupuncturist, Dr. Ziyang Zhou, and his team specialize in treating digestive disorders using TCM principles. We may be able to help if you have troubles due to overindulgence this holiday season.
The only digestive system organ that can be seen without imaging equipment is the tongue, and that’s where TCM starts. Observing the tongue can give clues about your digestive health.
A dry, red tongue may accompany symptoms such as constipation or heartburn, while a coated, swollen tongue may pair with bloating and gas.
Diagnosis follows the digestive tract. The spleen and pancreas come next, part of the same system. Diarrhea symptoms may suggest problems here.
The liver may be responsible for emotional struggles as it detoxifies your body. If you feel irritable or impatient along with other digestive symptoms, Dr. Zhou may recommend herbal solutions to calm the liver.
Nutritional extraction and waste elimination functions are the responsibility of the small and large intestines, and herbal medicine can treat disorders such as bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, eliminating the need for antibiotic treatment.
TCM follows time-honored observations of both physical and emotional conditions to customize your treatments. Combining herbal remedies with acupuncture treatments can provide a powerful corrective therapy for digestive problems.
The rich foods, sweet treats, and alcohol consumption that typically accompany holiday events frequently cause problems like bloating, diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. Some examples of how Dr. Zhou treats these issues herbally include:
When the holiday season overwhelms your digestive system, contact Pine Mountain Chinese Acupuncture & Herb Clinic. A consultation and treatment with Dr. Zhou and his team can help you return to normal after overindulging during the holidays. Call or click to book your appointment today.
