Discover how Traditional Chinese Medicine can help you resolve your digestive problems for good through a holistic, natural approach. This complete protocol combines the age-old wisdom of TCM with practical advice for better digestion.
Understanding Digestion in TCM
The Spleen-Stomach system explained
In Chinese medicine, digestion is mainly managed by the Spleen/Stomach pair, considered the root of acquired Qi (vital energy). Unlike the Western view, the Spleen in TCM has far broader functions:
Key functions of the Spleen in TCM:
- Transformation and transport of nutrients
- Holding the organs in place
- Production of Blood and Qi
- Metabolism of body fluids
Energetic causes of digestive disorders
Digestive imbalances in TCM often result from:
- Unsuitable diet: excess of cold, raw, fatty or sweet foods
- Emotional stress: anxiety and worry directly affect the Spleen
- Fatigue and overwork: they exhaust Spleen Qi
- Climatic factors: external dampness can disturb the Spleen
Energetic Diagnosis of Your Symptoms
Liver/Stomach imbalance
Bloating and Qi stagnation
Post-meal bloating often indicates a stagnation of Liver Qi invading the Stomach.
- Sensation of abdominal distension
- Frequent belching
- Changeable mood
- Symptoms aggravated by stress
Stomach Heat
Reflux and rising Qi
Gastric reflux in TCM is seen as a rebellion of Stomach Qi, often linked to:
- Excess heat in the Stomach
- Weakness of Stomach Qi
- Emotional stagnation
- Overly spicy foods or alcohol
Spleen weakness
Slow transit: Yang deficiency
Slow digestion with loose stools or constipation indicates Spleen Yang deficiency:
- Fatigue after meals
- Sugar cravings
- Cold limbs
- Abdominal swelling
Therapeutic Foods by Disorder
Recommended
Bloating protocol
To soothe bloating, favour:
Fennel
Regulates Qi, warms the Stomach
Preparation: Seed infusion after meals
Fresh ginger
Warms the Stomach, facilitates digestion
Preparation: Juice with honey in warm water
Wholegrain rice
Tonifies the Spleen, eliminates dampness
Preparation: Congee (rice soup) with ginger
Fast relief
Gastric reflux protocol
To calm acid reflux:
Raw potato
Calms acidity, protects mucous membranes
Preparation: Potato juice on an empty stomach
Green cabbage
Heals mucous membranes, cools
Preparation: Fresh juice or lightly steamed
Liquorice
Protects the stomach, calms inflammation
Preparation: Root decoction (avoid in hypertension)
Regulation
Constipation/diarrhoea protocol
To regulate transit:
Sweet potato
Regulates transit, nourishes Yin
Preparation: Mashed or steamed
Quince
Astringent in cases of diarrhoea
Preparation: Unsweetened compote
Ground flaxseeds
Lubricates the intestines, rich in fibre
Preparation: 1 tbsp in a glass of warm water in the morning
Your Action Plan
Week 1: Elimination and soothing
Goal: Rest the digestive system and eliminate irritating factors.
- Breakfast: Wholegrain rice porridge with cinnamon
- Lunch: Steamed vegetables with quinoa and ginger
- Dinner: Light miso soup with seaweed and tofu
- Drink: Fennel infusion after meals
Weeks 2-3: Rebuilding and tonification
Goal: Strengthen the Spleen and Stomach, rebuild the gut flora.
- Gradual introduction of animal proteins (white fish, poultry)
- Addition of digestive spices (cumin, coriander, star anise)
- Practice slow, mindful chewing
- Meals at regular times, in a calm setting
Testimonial: How Marc Resolved His Disorders in One Month
Marc, 38, had suffered from chronic bloating and gastric reflux for several years. Medication only gave him temporary relief. After following this protocol for a month:
“The first few days were a challenge, but by the end of the first week I noticed a clear improvement. After a month, my bloating was 90% gone and my reflux considerably reduced. What surprised me most was the positive impact on my energy and mood!”
Key results:
- 90% reduction in bloating
- Disappearance of heartburn
- Better energy throughout the day
- More restorative sleep
- 3 kg lost without particular effort
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before I see results with this protocol?
Most people feel a significant improvement from the first week, notably a reduction in bloating and heartburn. Full results generally require 3 to 4 weeks of rigorous adherence to the protocol.
Can I adapt this protocol if I am vegetarian?
Absolutely. Animal proteins can be replaced by combinations of wholegrains and legumes, eggs, tofu or tempeh. Make sure to soak legumes properly and eat them with digestive spices such as cumin or fennel.
What should I do if my symptoms get worse during the protocol?
A slight temporary worsening can occur during the first days (a detoxification reaction). If symptoms persist beyond 3 to 4 days, lighten the protocol by gradually reintroducing more substantial foods and consult a TCM practitioner for personalised follow-up.
Ready to Transform Your Digestion?
This complete Chinese dietetics protocol gives you the keys to resolving your digestive disorders for the long term. By following these age-old principles and listening to your body’s signals, you can regain optimal digestive comfort and renewed energy. For personalised advice, do not hesitate to consult a qualified Chinese medicine practitioner.
Frequently asked questions
Which foods relieve bloating in TCM?
For bloating caused by Spleen Qi stagnation, favour jasmine tea, fennel, peppermint and warm cooked vegetables. Avoid cold foods, raw foods and dairy products, which aggravate Dampness.
Does Chinese dietetics treat gastric reflux?
Yes, reflux (反胃 Fǎn Wèi) is treated in TCM with foods that harmonise the Stomach and bring down Qi: rice, millet porridge, fresh ginger and pear. Avoid acidic, spicy and overly hot foods.
Which diet for chronic diarrhoea in TCM?
Chronic diarrhoea from Spleen deficiency (脾虚 Pí Xū) is treated with tonifying, warm foods: rice porridge, sweet potato, carrot, millet and chicken meat. Avoid cold, raw and fatty foods.
How does TCM explain dyspepsia?
Dyspepsia in TCM corresponds to a Spleen Qi deficiency or a Liver Qi stagnation attacking the Stomach. Dietary treatment aims to tonify the Spleen, circulate Qi and harmonise the Stomach with warm, easy-to-digest foods.
Sources and references
This article draws on the following sources:
- Traditional Chinese Medicine: Huangdi Neijing (黄帝内经), the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, founding text of TCM
- Chinese dietetics: Bencao Gangmu (本草纲目), Compendium of Materia Medica by Li Shizhen (1518-1593)
- Modern nutrition: recommended nutritional intakes, ANSES
- Mental health: peer-reviewed studies published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Author: Yin Shi, practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine and energetic dietetics. The information in this article is provided for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. In case of depressive disorder, consult a qualified health professional.
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