A peptic ulcer is a localized area of erosion occurring in the stomach or duodenal (the beginning of the small intestine) lining, resulting in abdominal pain, possible bleeding, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. The most common cause of peptic ulcer is a stomach infection associated with the Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) bacteria. Many people contract H pylori at a young age, but symptoms most commonly occur in adulthood. In some people, H pylori bacteria cause an infection in the lining of the stomach, which may lead to peptic ulcers. Damage to the stomach lining from stomach acid increases the likelihood that H pylori infection will result in an ulcer. Other risk factors for peptic ulcer include alcohol use, tobacco use, and medications such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Five therapeutic methods for peptic ulcer in TCM
Disharmony of the Liver and Stomach
Therapeutic Methods: To soothe the liver, normalize the function of the stomach, regulate the flow of qi and relieving stagnation.
Deficiency of Spleen Yang and Stomach Yang
Therapeutic Methods: To warm the middle energizer, warm the stomach and disperse cold.
Deficiency of Stomach Yin
Therapeutic Methods: To nourish stomach yin, promote salivation and clear away heat.
Blood Stagnation Blocking the Stomach
Therapeutic Methods: To regulate qi, activate blood, remove blood stagnation and relieve pain.
Damp Heat in the Spleen and Stomach
Therapeutic Methods: To clear damp heat, regulate qi and normalize the function of the stomach.