Recent research has shown that gut health is strongly linked to overall health and well-being, and that the gut is often referred to as our “second brain”. The gut contains a complex network of neurons that communicate with the brain via the vagus nerve, influencing mood, behavior, and cognitive function. Moreover, the gut microbiome, the trillions of microorganisms that reside in the gut, play a crucial role in regulating various bodily processes, including digestion, immunity, and mental health. Poor gut health has been linked to numerous health issues, including obesity, autoimmune disorders, and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. As such, maintaining a healthy gut through proper nutrition, stress management, and probiotic supplementation has become increasingly important for overall health and well-being.
But, did you know that gut health has been recorded and treated throughout thousands of years of history in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Today, we talk about the pillar of your gut health, the “stomach qi”.
“Stomach Qi” refers to the digestive functions of the stomach and intestines, such as receiving, decomposing, and absorbing food. Your “stomach qi” is the vital energy or life force that governs the functioning of the stomach and its related organs. In TCM, the stomach is responsible for receiving and transforming food and drink into qi and other essential substances that nourish the body. This process is facilitated by the stomach qi, which helps to move and transform the food through the digestive system.
In TCM, disruptions in the flow of stomach qi can lead to a range of digestive disorders, including nausea, bloating, indigestion, and diarrhea. Other symptoms that may be associated with imbalances in stomach qi include fatigue, low appetite, and abdominal pain. When the “stomach qi” is damaged due to external or internal factors, it can lead to various symptoms such as abdominal distension, cold pain, burning pain, radiating pain, piercing pain, vomiting, and others.
The general principle for treating disharmony of “stomach qi” is to harmonize it (very often, that is done by the natural healing powers of food!). In clinical practice, methods to promote digestion, prevent damage to “stomach qi,” and methods to regulate and descend “stomach qi” are used.
When the stomach is affected by cold, for example, methods to warm the stomach and dispel cold are used. The most common scenario every single one of us has experienced is when we get a stomach flu and can’t leave the toilet for more than a few hours, we tend to feel better, with our stomach more calmed when we drink ginger tea and chicken soup.
If there is burning pain in the stomach due to spicy or hot foods, methods to clear the stomach and relieve fire are used. When liver stagnation and qi stagnation cause the stomach to be attacked, methods to regulate qi and promote blood circulation are used.
There are a variety of techniques to help restore balance to the stomach qi, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy. For example, certain foods may be recommended to support the stomach qi, such as warm, cooked foods and herbs like ginger and cinnamon. Stress reduction techniques, such as meditation and breathing exercises, may also be recommended to help reduce stress and support healthy digestion.
