Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Relieve Gastric Discomfort
Patient Background
Ms. Xxx, born in 1956, had been experiencing persistent epigastric discomfort for over a month. Symptoms included abdominal bloating and pain, occasionally radiating to the back. Western medical examinations—including blood tests and abdominal ultrasound—showed no abnormalities. Her medical history includes successful surgery for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast a year and a half ago. She also reported frequent emotional tension and stress.
TCM Diagnosis
Tongue and pulse examination revealed signs of liver Qi stagnation and spleen deficiency. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles, the diagnosis was “Liver Qi stagnation with Spleen deficiency.”
Treatment Approach
The patient received acupuncture and herbal medicine focused on:
- Strengthening the spleen
- Regulating liver Qi
- Relieving bloating and pain
- Supporting emotional balance
Outcome
On the evening following treatment, the patient happily called to report significant improvement—her epigastric discomfort had noticeably eased.
Clinical Insight
This type of gastric discomfort is commonly seen in patients with emotional stress or tension. TCM treatment, through individualized diagnosis and holistic regulation, often yields highly satisfactory results.
