Stress, Digestion & Balance: A Chinese Medicine Perspective

Your brain talks to your gut, and your gut talks back. If you’ve ever had a “gut feeling,” you’ve experienced this gut-brain connection. Chinese Medicine views digestion as more than just physical processing of food; it’s seen as the assimilation and transformation of both food and emotional experiences. In Chinese Medicine, stress and digestive issues are closely linked, with the view that emotional health directly impacts the function of internal organs, especially those involved in digestion.

The Role of the Spleen and Stomach
• The Spleen and Stomach are the primary organs of digestion in Traditional Chinese Medicine (The spleen here is not equivalent to the Spleen in western medicine anatomically, physiologically or pathophysiologically.). They work together to extract energy (Qi) from food and distribute it throughout the body. Stress, especially worry or overthinking, can disrupt the flow of Qi, weakening the Spleen and leading to digestive symptoms.
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• When the Spleen is affected by stress, symptoms like bloating, loose stools, and fatigue may occur, as the Spleen struggles to “transform and transport” nutrients.

The Liver’s Role in Qi Flow
• In Chinese Medicine, the Liver is responsible for maintaining the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. It plays a crucial role in managing emotions, especially anger, frustration, and stress. When stressed, the Liver Qi can stagnate, leading to “Liver Qi Stagnation.”
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• Liver Qi Stagnation can create tension, bloating, acid reflux, and appetite changes. It often disrupts the Stomach’s normal functioning, leading to digestive discomfort and issues like nausea, belching, or even acid reflux.

Stress-Related Patterns of Imbalance
Chinese medicine categorizes stress-induced digestive issues into specific patterns or syndromes:

• Liver Qi Invading the Spleen and Stomach: Symptoms may include bloating, alternating constipation and diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain.
• Spleen Qi Deficiency: Caused by chronic stress or poor diet, symptoms include fatigue, bloating, poor appetite, and loose stools.
• Heat from Stagnation: Chronic stress can generate internal Heat, leading to symptoms such as heartburn or constipation.

In Chinese medicine, achieving harmony and balance between emotional and physical health is essential for digestion. By calming the mind and addressing underlying imbalances, Chinese Medicine offers a holistic approach to managing stress-related digestive issues. Acupuncture is used to move stagnant Liver Qi, strengthen the Spleen, and calm the mind. When combined with Chinese herbal medicine and dietary adjustments it helps to keep your gut happy and healthy.