Digestive health is very important in TCM. Digestive health is an important primary function that transforms food into energy and blood, which forms the basis of life. Our digestive health transports these energy and blood throughout the body.
If the transformation and transportation functions of the spleen are harmonious, there will be abundant nutritive essence for energy and blood. However if the spleen is in disharmony, its digestive powers will be affected. As a result, fatigue, abdominal discomfort, pain, flatulence and diarrhoea can occur.
In TCM, the organ most affected by emotional stress is the liver. The primary function of the liver is to ensure the free-flow of energy throughout the body. As stress tends to impede energy flow, the effect on the liver in this condition becomes evident.
The liver's flowing and spreading functions also adjust the digestive functions of the spleen. If the liver is not functioning properly, the movement of the spleen energy will also be affected. Consequently, the transformation and transportation of digested food will be affected.
Effects of stress on digestive health can be broadly categorised into:
- Invasion of Liver Energy Syndrome – Excessive liver energy invades into the weaker stomach and spleen, causing abdominal pain, belching, sensation of fullness, acid regurgitation and a bitter taste in the mouth.
- Deficiency of Stomach Energy Syndrome – Symptoms include poor appetite, chronic fatigue, heavy limbs, indigestion or diarrhoea, white coating on tongue and slippery or weak pulse.
Generally treatment of stress aims to harmonise the liver and restore the free-flow of energy and blood in the affected organs and meridians. Treatments will be tailored to suit patient's particular conditions according to the unique "patterns of disharmony".
Often combinations of acupuncture, herbal medicine and massage therapy are used to restore the body to emotional and physical harmony. The most commonly prescribed Chinese herbal formula to relax the liver is "Xiao Yao San" 逍遥散 (literally translate to Jubilant Formula). This is a safe and effective medicine that can be taken long term if necessary.
Patients taking western medication can be prescribed herbal medicine and/or acupuncture concurrently to strengthen and boost the digestive system.
Article contributed by Ms Seah Ai Wei, TCM Physician