Digestive ulcer, also known as peptic ulcer, is a common gastrointestinal disease that mainly refers to ulcers that occur in the stomach and duodenum. The formation of these ulcers is closely related to the digestive effects of gastric acid and pepsin. When the invasion of these digestive juices on the mucosa exceeds the mucosal defense ability, it can lead to the occurrence of ulcers. Digestive ulcers are not limited to the stomach and duodenum, but can also occur near the anastomosis of the esophagus and jejunum, and even in the Michael's diverticulum containing gastric mucosa. However, ulcers in the stomach and duodenum are the most common.
The pathogenesis of gastrointestinal ulcers is complex and involves multiple factors. Among them, Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the most common known causes, as this bacterium can destroy the defense barrier of the gastric mucosa and promote the formation of ulcers. In addition, excessive secretion of stomach acid, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), smoking, alcohol consumption, genetic factors, stress reactions, and irregular eating habits are also important triggers.
The clinical manifestations of digestive ulcers are diverse, but upper abdominal pain is the most common symptom, which often has rhythmicity and is closely related to eating. In addition, patients may also experience symptoms such as acid reflux, abdominal distension, belching, nausea, vomiting, etc. In severe cases, it may even lead to complications such as bleeding and perforation.
1、 Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment Methods for Digestive Ulcers
Traditional Chinese Medicine has a long history and rich experience in treating digestive ulcers, emphasizing the application of syndrome differentiation and treatment, and regulating the balance of yin and yang in the body as a whole to achieve the goal of treating diseases. The following are some common Chinese medicine treatments:
1. Drug treatment
traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations treatment: traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations is one of the commonly used Chinese medicine for treating digestive tract ulcers. According to the specific syndrome type of the patient, the doctor will choose the corresponding traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations for treatment. For example, for patients with spleen and stomach qi deficiency, traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations, such as Anweiyang, can be used to strengthen the spleen and qi; For patients with liver stagnation and spleen deficiency, traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations such as Jianwei Yuyang Tablet can be used to soothe the liver and strengthen the spleen.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoction Treatment: Traditional Chinese medicine decoction is based on the specific condition and constitution of the patient, and is diagnosed and treated by doctors according to personal experience, and personalized prescriptions are issued. Different types of syndromes have different treatment principles. For example, the liver stomach disharmony type adopts the methods of soothing the liver and regulating qi, strengthening the spleen and stomach, and commonly uses modified Chaihu Shugan San; The spleen and stomach deficiency cold type adopts the methods of warming the middle and dispersing cold, strengthening the spleen and stomach, and commonly uses Huangqi Jianzhong Tang with modifications.
2. Non drug therapy
acupuncture and moxibustion treatment: acupuncture and moxibustion is one of the important means of treating peptic ulcer in traditional Chinese medicine. By stimulating specific acupoints, the circulation of qi and blood in the body can be regulated, gastrointestinal spasms can be relieved, and ulcer healing can be promoted. The commonly used acupoints include Neiguan, Zusanli, and Spleen Shu, which are closely related to the function of spleen and stomach. acupuncture and moxibustion can significantly improve the symptoms of patients.
Tuina therapy: Tuina therapy uses manual techniques to act on the meridians and acupoints of the human body, in order to achieve the goals of unblocking meridians, harmonizing qi and blood, and supporting the body and dispelling evil. For patients with digestive ulcers, massage therapy can relieve the tension of abdominal muscles, improve blood circulation in the gastrointestinal tract, and promote the repair of ulcer surfaces. The commonly used massage acupoints include Tian Shu acupoint, He Gu acupoint, Guan Yuan acupoint, etc.
Cupping therapy: Cupping therapy is also an effective external treatment method in traditional Chinese medicine. By cupping at specific locations, negative pressure can be generated, causing local tissue congestion and blood stasis, thereby stimulating meridians and acupoints, and adjusting the balance of yin and yang in the body. For patients with digestive ulcers, cupping therapy can alleviate spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, promote the absorption of inflammation, and facilitate ulcer healing.
3. Comprehensive treatment
Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the holistic concept and dialectical treatment, so when treating digestive ulcers, multiple methods of comprehensive treatment are often used. In addition to the above-mentioned drug therapy and non drug therapy, traditional Chinese medicine also focuses on the patient's diet and lifestyle adjustments. It is recommended that patients maintain good dietary habits and avoid overeating spicy, greasy, raw, cold and other stimulating foods; Maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid staying up late and overworking; Maintain emotional stability and avoid long-term mental stress and anxiety.
Precautions
Although traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in treating digestive ulcers, patients still need to pay attention to the following points when using traditional Chinese medicine treatment:
1. Diagnosis and treatment based on syndrome differentiation: Traditional Chinese medicine treatment emphasizes diagnosis and treatment based on the patient's specific condition and constitution, that is, developing personalized treatment plans. Therefore, when using traditional Chinese medicine for treatment, patients should seek medical attention at regular hospitals and be treated by professional doctors based on syndrome differentiation.
2. Comprehensive treatment: The treatment of digestive ulcers requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors, including etiology, condition, constitution, etc. Therefore, when using traditional Chinese medicine treatment, patients should combine other treatment methods for comprehensive treatment to improve the treatment effect.
3. Regular follow-up: Digestive ulcer is a chronic disease that requires long-term treatment and management. Patients should undergo regular follow-up examinations such as gastroscopy during the treatment process to understand the healing status and changes in the condition of ulcers.
4. Avoiding triggers: The onset of digestive ulcers is related to multiple factors, and patients should avoid known triggers during treatment, such as quitting smoking, alcohol, and long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Digestive ulcer is a common gastrointestinal disease, and traditional Chinese medicine has rich experience and unique methods in treating this disease. Through measures such as dialectical treatment, comprehensive treatment, and avoiding triggers, patients' symptoms can be effectively alleviated, ulcer healing can be promoted, and recurrence can be prevented. However, patients still need to pay attention to regular follow-up and lifestyle adjustments during the treatment process to consolidate the therapeutic effect.