Peptic Ulcers in TCM and Western Medicine
Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus due to excess stomach acid and weakened mucosal defenses.
Western Medicine Perspective on Peptic Ulcers:
Cause: Primarily caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, excessive nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use, or high stomach acid levels.
Types of Peptic Ulcers:
Gastric Ulcers: Located in the stomach lining, often worsened by food.
Duodenal ulcers are found in the small intestine, and symptoms improve after eating.
Esophageal Ulcers: Occur in the lower esophagus due to acid reflux.
Diagnosis: Endoscopy, H. pylori testing, barium X-ray, stool tests.
Treatment Approach: Medications to reduce acid, antibiotics for H. pylori, and lifestyle changes.
TCM Perspective on Peptic Ulcers:
Cause: Peptic ulcers result from Liver Qi stagnation, Stomach Heat, Spleen Qi deficiency, or Blood stasis, leading to poor digestion and excessive acid production.
Patterns of Disharmony:
Cold in the Stomach – Dull pain, better with warmth, nausea, loose stools.
Western vs. TCM Approach to Peptic Ulcers
Acupuncture & Western Medicine Treatment for Peptic Ulcers
Acupuncture Points for Peptic Ulcers (Regulate Qi, Heal Stomach Lining):
ST36 (Zusanli) – Strengthens digestion, promotes stomach healing.
CV12 (Zhongwan) – Harmonizes stomach function, reduces acid.
SP6 (Sanyinjiao) – Nourishes digestion, reduces stress-induced ulcers.
PC6 (Neiguan) – Reduces nausea and regulates stomach acid.
LV3 (Taichong) – Soothes Liver Qi stagnation, relieves stress-related pain.
LI4 (Hegu) – Regulates digestion, relieves epigastric pain.
Western Medications for Peptic Ulcers:
Acid-Reducing Medications:
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Omeprazole (Prilosec), Esomeprazole (Nexium) – Reduce stomach acid production.
H2 Blockers: Famotidine (Pepcid) – Reduce acid secretion.
Antacids: Tums, Maalox – Provide quick, short-term relief.
H. pylori Eradication Therapy:
Antibiotics: Amoxicillin, Clarithromycin, Metronidazole – Kill H. pylori bacteria.
Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol): Protects the stomach lining.
Mucosal Protective Agents:
Sucralfate (Carafate): Coats and heals ulcers.
Misoprostol (Cytotec): Protects against NSAID-related ulcers.
Herbal & Medication Therapy for Peptic Ulcers
Herbal Formulas (TCM Perspective):
Liver Qi Stagnation with Stomach Heat: Zuo Jin Wan – Clears heat, reduces acid reflux.
Spleen & Stomach Qi Deficiency: Shen Ling Bai Zhu San – Strengthens digestion, heals ulcers.
Blood Stagnation in the Stomach: Dan Shen Yin – Improves blood circulation, relieves sharp pain.
Cold in the Stomach: Fu Zi Li Zhong Tang – Warms the stomach, alleviates cold-induced ulcers.
Western Medication Alternatives:
PPIs for acid suppression (e.g., Omeprazole, Pantoprazole)
Antibiotics for H. pylori (e.g., Amoxicillin, Clarithromycin)
Mucosal protectants (e.g., Sucralfate, Bismuth Subsalicylate)
Antacids for immediate relief (e.g., Tums, Maalox)
Dietary Recommendations for Peptic Ulcers (TCM & Western Approach)
Foods to Eat (Promote Healing & Reduce Acid):
✅ Soft, cooked foods – Congee, steamed vegetables, bone broth.
✅ Easily digestible proteins – Chicken, fish, tofu, eggs.
✅ Herbal teas – Chamomile (soothes ulcers), Licorice root (protects stomach lining).
✅ Alkaline foods – Bananas, potatoes, oatmeal, pumpkin.
✅ Aloe vera juice – Helps coat and heal the stomach lining.
Foods to Avoid (Trigger Acid Production & Inflammation):
❌ Spicy, greasy, and fried foods.
❌ Acidic foods – Citrus, tomatoes, vinegar.
❌ Dairy and processed foods – Can cause inflammation.
❌ Alcohol and caffeine – Increases stomach acid.
❌ NSAIDs (if avoidable) can worsen ulcers.
Lifestyle & Home Remedies for Peptic Ulcers (Integrating TCM & Western Medicine)
TCM-Based Lifestyle Tips:
✅ Acupuncture for Qi balance – 2-3x/week during flare-ups, then maintenance.
✅ Qi Gong & Tai Chi – Helps regulate stress and digestion.
✅ Warm foods & drinks – Support digestion, avoid cold/raw foods.
✅ Herbal therapy– Personalized based on ulcer type.
Western Medicine Lifestyle Adjustments:
✅ Avoid late-night eating – Reduces acid reflux risk.
✅ Regular meal schedule – Prevents excess acid secretion.
✅ Reduce stress – Mindfulness, therapy, light exercise.
✅ Quit smoking & alcohol – Prevents ulcer aggravation.
Final Thoughts: Integrating Western & TCM for Peptic Ulcers
Western medicine treats immediate symptoms but has side effects.
TCM focuses on strengthening digestion and balancing Qi.
Combining acupuncture, herbal medicine, and diet with Western treatments provides a comprehensive, holistic approach to ulcer healing
This information is only educational and should not be construed as medical advice.
Everything must be balanced, and the suggestions may not apply to you.
A specialist doctor should be consulted for any medical advice or diagnosis.
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Dr. Phumlarp Caulo LA,c, MAc. OM, DAHM
Doctor of Acupuncture/Chinese Medicine
Caulo Care Acupuncture
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