8 weeks to transform your intestine

The intestinal repair protocol is the heart of the book Digestion: The TCM & Science Alliance. Developed over 15 years of clinical practice, it combines TCM principles (Spleen tonification, Dampness elimination) with scientific discoveries (tight junction repair, microbiome modulation). Documented result: 85% significant improvement in 8 weeks.

What makes this protocol unique is that it does not only treat the intestinal mucosa. It simultaneously treats the energetic terrain (the Spleen) and the bacterial ecosystem (the microbiome). The two dimensions reinforce each other.

Find the complete protocol with dosages and adjustments in Digestion: The TCM & Science Alliance and the Complete Guide.

Phase 1: Detox (Weeks 1-3) - Eliminate Dampness, rest the mucosa

TCM Objective

Eliminate Dampness and Phlegm, circulate Qi, decongest the Spleen.

Science Objective

Remove triggers (FODMAPs, gluten, dairy products), reduce inflammation, rest the mucosal barrier.

Concrete Actions

• Daily bone broth: collagen, glycine, glutamine for mucosal repair. In TCM, bone broth is a Qi and Blood tonic
• Warm and cooked foods exclusively: spares enzymes + preserves Spleen Yang
• Removal of triggering FODMAPs: reduces fermentation and Dampness production
• Fresh ginger before each meal: accelerates gastric emptying + warms Yang
• Prolonged chewing (20-30 movements per mouthful): mechanical predigestion + lightens the Spleen’s work

Phase 2: Repair (Weeks 4-6) - Tonify the Spleen, restore the barrier

TCM Objective

Tonify Spleen Qi and Yang, nourish the Spleen, dissipate residual Dampness.

Science Objective

Repair tight junctions, restore microbiome diversity, reduce permeability.

Concrete Actions

• L-Glutamine (5g/day): nourishes enterocytes, repairs villi. In TCM, it is a Spleen Qi tonic
• Gentle prebiotic fibres: asparagus, cooked carrot, chicory root (inulin). Nourish butyrate-producing bacteria without irritating the Spleen
• Lacto-fermentation: sauerkraut, kimchi, coconut kefir. Natural probiotics + warm nature according to preparation
• Astragalus (黄芪 Huáng Qí): tonifies Spleen Qi, modulates mucosal immunity
• Atractylodes (白术 Bái Zhú): strengthens the Spleen, dries residual Dampness

Aliment	Nature	Saveur	Méridiens	Actions	Précautions
Bone broth	Warm	Collagen + Glutamine	Tonifies Qi and Blood	Repairs mucosa + tight junctions	1-2 cups/day
L-Glutamine	Neutral	Amino acid	Nourishes Spleen Qi	Nourishes enterocytes, repairs villi	5g/day, increase progressively
Astragalus (黄芪)	Warm	Sweet + Prebiotic	Tonifies Spleen Qi, raises Qi	Modulates mucosal immunity, diversifies microbiome	9-15g in decoction
Lacto-ferments	Warm-Neutral	Natural probiotics	Harmonises the Centre	Restores bacterial diversity	Start with 2 tbsp/day
Zinc	Neutral	Mineral	Tonifies Spleen Qi	Tightens tight junctions	15-30mg/day, picolinate preferred

Phase 3: Strengthening (Weeks 7-8) - Consolidate, prevent, personalise

TCM Objective

Consolidate the Spleen, prevent relapses, adapt to seasons and terrain.

Science Objective

Gradually reintroduce FODMAPs, diversify the microbiome, establish long-term maintenance.

Concrete Actions

• Progressive food reintroduction: test one FODMAP group per week, observe tolerance according to both grids (TCM + science)
• Breathing exercises: diaphragmatic breathing before meals (vagal activation + descent of Qi)
• Digestive chronobiology: main meal at midday (strong Spleen), light meal in the evening (weak Spleen)
• Adapted micro-fast: 12-14h overnight fast to allow mucosal repair (Migrating Motor Complex process)

Adjustments by profile

The protocol is not unique - it adapts to your cross-referenced digestive profile:

• Cold/Deficiency profile: emphasis on warming (ginger, cinnamon, moxibustion), progressive increase of betaine HCl
• Dampness profile: emphasis on drainage (Atractylodes, Poria), strict FODMAP removal in phase 1
• Stagnation profile: emphasis on Qi circulation (turmeric, peppermint), priority vagal activation
• Heat profile: emphasis on clearing (coptis, scutellaria), natural anti-inflammatories (curcumin + omega-3)

FAQ

Can this protocol be followed alone, without a practitioner?

Phases 1 and 2 can be followed autonomously with the book’s indications. Phase 3 (reintroduction) and profile adjustments benefit from the support of a TCM practitioner or nutritionist. People under medical treatment must absolutely consult before modifying their diet.

What if symptoms worsen in phase 1?

A transient worsening (die-off, Herxheimer reaction) is possible when suppressing FODMAPs and releasing bacterial toxins. It generally lasts 3-7 days. If symptoms persist beyond this, consult a practitioner. The book details the warning signs to watch for.

To go further

• Leaky Gut and Dampness - Understanding what we are repairing
• Phytotherapy and Micronutrition - The tools of repair
• FODMAPs and Spleen Dampness - The food protocol
• Complete Guide to the Integrative Alliance - Overview

For the complete protocol with dosages, adjustments and clinical cases:

Order the book Digestion: The TCM & Science Alliance