Traditional Chinese Medicine

6 Therapy Options Available

TCM Digestive Health Programs in China

Q: How is TCM diagnosis different from Western medicine?

TCM diagnoses patterns of disharmony (e.g., "Liver-Spleen disharmony," "Damp-Heat in intestines") rather than disease labels. Two IBS patients may receive completely different treatments based on their individual patterns identified through pulse, tongue, and symptom analysis.

Q: Can I take herbs with my current medications?

Many herbs can be taken with conventional medications, but timing may need adjustment. Always inform your TCM doctor of all medications. Some herbs should not be combined with blood thinners, diabetes medications, or other drugs.

Q: What do the herbs taste like?

Traditional decoctions (teas) have strong, often bitter tastes. Modern granules are more convenient but still have herbal flavors. Many patients acquire a taste for them, and the formulas can be modified if tastes are intolerable.

Q: How long until I see results?

Some patients notice improvements within 1-2 weeks. Chronic conditions typically require 6-12 weeks for significant sustained improvement. Digestive health responds well to TCM but requires patience for lasting change.

TCM approaches to IBS, GERD, chronic gastritis, and functional disorders

Traditional Chinese Medicine views digestion as central to overall health, with the Spleen and Stomach systems playing key roles. TCM offers effective treatments for functional digestive disorders that often respond poorly to conventional medicine alone. Chinese herbal medicine, refined over millennia, provides personalized formulas that address both symptoms and underlying patterns of disharmony.

Licensed TCM Doctors

Quality Herbs

Pattern-Based Treatment

Condition Overview

Conditions We Treat

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)GERD / Acid RefluxChronic GastritisFunctional DyspepsiaChronic ConstipationDiarrhea & Loose StoolsInflammatory Bowel Disease (adjunct)Food Intolerances

Core TCM Approaches

Pattern-based herbal prescribing • Acupuncture for motility • Abdominal Tui Na • Dietary therapy according to TCM principles • Moxibustion for deficiency • Integrative IBS protocols

适宜人群

•Functional digestive disorders (IBS, functional dyspepsia)
•GERD unresponsive to standard medication
•Chronic digestive issues with stress component
•Patients seeking alternatives to long-term medication
•Digestive problems with clear TCM pattern diagnosis
•Those wanting dietary guidance based on TCM principles

TCM can complement conventional gastroenterology care

建议在本地考虑

•Acute GI bleeding or severe symptoms requiring urgent workup
•Known IBD needing immunosuppression monitoring
•Conditions requiring frequent endoscopic surveillance
•Celiac disease requiring strict dietary management

Evidence: Systematic reviews show acupuncture effective for IBS symptoms. Herbal formulas demonstrate benefit for functional dyspepsia. TCM shows promise as adjunctive therapy in IBD management.

TCM Treatment Options

Herbal Formula for IBS

中药

适合：IBS-D, IBS-C, or mixed based on TCM pattern

技术：Custom formula addressing liver-spleen disharmony, dampness, etc.

优势：Personalized to your specific pattern and symptoms

4-12 weeks initial courseFrom $50 per month

Standard TCM gastroenterology treatment

Herbal Formula for GERD

中药

适合：Acid reflux, stomach heat or rebellion patterns

技术：Classical formulas like Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang modified

优势：May reduce need for PPIs long-term

8-12 weeksFrom $50 per month

Commonly used in TCM hospitals

Acupuncture for Digestion

针灸

适合：All functional digestive disorders

技术：Points regulating stomach, spleen, and liver meridians

优势：Regulates motility, reduces visceral hypersensitivity

30-45 minutes, 2x/weekFrom $20 per session

Often combined with herbs

Moxibustion for Digestion

艾灸

适合：Cold/deficiency patterns, chronic loose stools

技术：Burning mugwort on or near acupuncture points

优势：Warming and tonifying for deficiency conditions

20-30 minutesFrom $15 per session

Traditional supporting therapy

TCM Dietary Therapy

综合

适合：All patients, essential for lasting results

技术：Food recommendations based on thermal nature and five flavors

优势：Sustainable lifestyle modifications

Ongoing guidanceIncluded in consultation

Core component of TCM treatment

Abdominal Tui Na

推拿

适合：Constipation, bloating, functional disorders

技术：Therapeutic abdominal massage with specific techniques

优势：Improves motility, relieves bloating

20-30 minutesFrom $20 per session

Pediatric and adult applications

费用对比

IBS Treatment Package (3-Month Herbal + Acupuncture)

US TCM Clinic$2,500

UK Private$1,800

MediLink China$800

Save 68% vs US • Includes: TCM diagnosis, customized herbal formulas, 12 acupuncture sessions, dietary consultation.

计算费用

治疗流程

TCM Diagnosis• Day 1 (60 min)

Comprehensive health history
Pulse and tongue diagnosis
Pattern differentiation (Bian Zheng)
Treatment strategy formulation

Active Treatment• Months 1-3

Weekly herbal formula adjustments
Bi-weekly acupuncture sessions
Dietary guidance implementation
Symptom tracking and monitoring

Consolidation• Months 3-6

Gradual reduction of treatment frequency
Maintenance herbal formula if needed
Long-term dietary habits established
Prevention of recurrence

Clinical Outcomes

IBS Symptom Improvement

70%+

significant relief

GERD Response

65%

reduced medication need

Quality of Life

60%

clinically meaningful improvement

Adverse Effects

<5%

mostly mild GI upset

常见问题

How is TCM diagnosis different from Western medicine?

TCM diagnoses patterns of disharmony (e.g., "Liver-Spleen disharmony," "Damp-Heat in intestines") rather than disease labels. Two IBS patients may receive completely different treatments based on their individual patterns identified through pulse, tongue, and symptom analysis.

Can I take herbs with my current medications?

Many herbs can be taken with conventional medications, but timing may need adjustment. Always inform your TCM doctor of all medications. Some herbs should not be combined with blood thinners, diabetes medications, or other drugs.

What do the herbs taste like?

Traditional decoctions (teas) have strong, often bitter tastes. Modern granules are more convenient but still have herbal flavors. Many patients acquire a taste for them, and the formulas can be modified if tastes are intolerable.

How long until I see results?

Some patients notice improvements within 1-2 weeks. Chronic conditions typically require 6-12 weeks for significant sustained improvement. Digestive health responds well to TCM but requires patience for lasting change.