Digestion is the process by which ingested food is transformed into nutritional elements (nutrients) that are then distributed throughout the body to meet its physiological needs: bone development, tissue maintenance, growth, metabolism, etc. Food provides the essential energy supply for these functions. This transformation/assimilation process is managed by our digestive system, primarily including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Secondarily, other organs are also involved, namely the Liver, gallbladder, salivary glands, and pancreas (which is associated with the Spleen, in TCM).
Manifestations
A digestive disorder is said to be functional when it occurs without any proven lesion of an organ or tissue: these are simply the often temporary discomforts that we all experience. We also speak of dyspepsia, a term describing difficult digestion, accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, bloating, intestinal gas, constipation, diarrhea, etc. These disorders are distinguished by their nature.
Stomach Digestive Disorders- Feeling of fullness and loss of appetite
- Acidity / gastric burning
- Nausea (feeling of wanting to vomit)
- Eructation (burping)
- Reflux and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Diarrhea (too liquid stools)
- Constipation (difficult and infrequent evacuation of overly hard stools)
- Intestinal gas
- Colitis (inflammation of the colon)
Such disorders are generally benign and linked to an unbalanced diet and/or a poor lifestyle; however, consulting a doctor will be necessary in case of severe symptoms, and especially in the presence of fever, blood in vomit or stools, jaundice, dehydration, etc.
Risk Factors
Heavy meals, too fatty/sugary/spicy… any excess in general promotes the appearance of digestive disorders. Excessive alcohol consumption and insufficient hydration will also be harmful in this regard.
The quality of food ingestion will be just as important: eating too quickly, with insufficient chewing, can thus cause burping, hiccups, and bloating.
External factors such as climate (diarrhea after a cold snap, etc.), bacterial or viral (gastroenteritis, etc.) are also to be taken into account in the occurrence of a disorder.
Finally, while anyone can be exposed here, a higher rate of women affected (2 times more) is noted, particularly due to the hormonal factor induced by menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Overweight individuals will also be more exposed.
Digestion and Psyche
The quantity of neurons and neurotransmitters housed in our gut has now earned it the name “second brain”. The richness of this autonomic nervous system intrigues the scientific world, which is even interested in the influence of the intestinal flora on human behavior.
For its part – and in line with the Taoist vision of the 5 Elements – TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) attributes a very specific emotion to each organ of the belly, making this area the nerve center (literally) of our emotional and spiritual state.
The strong link between physical and mental digestion is therefore understandable. In addition to food choices, the setting and circumstances of the meal will truly condition its quality and acceptance by the body. A “knot in the stomach”, vomiting, constipation… can thus be triggered by stress, anxiety, intense emotion, or even a poorly accepted event.
Most digestive disorders will therefore be explained by the psychological factor, and more precisely an energetic imbalance of the Spleen-Stomach system, largely affected by Worry and overthinking.
Remedies and Treatments
Generally, digestive disorders can be prevented by adopting good habits:
- Adapt your diet to preserve our organs, by limiting quantities, varying menus (cf. Dietetics), and maintaining a regular rhythm
- Hydrate sufficiently (drink a large glass of water after each urination)
- Avoid smoking
- Practice regular physical activity to facilitate the circulation of Qi and bodily fluids
- Do not overuse medications (including aspirin and painkillers) that can affect digestion
- Avoid eating with a troubled mind: stress, anxiety, overthinking, tensions, etc.
Remedies for specific disorders:
- Viral diarrhea: consumption of rice cooking water
- Bloating: consumption of activated charcoal
- Nausea / sluggish digestion: digestive infusions and physical exercise
- Abdominal pain: lactic acid bacteria, relaxation and unwinding
- Flatulence: avoid cabbage, lentils, spices, kidney beans
- Eructations and hiccups: limit carbonated drinks, eat slowly, avoid chewing gum
In case of recurrent or chronic problems, these remedies will only be effective as a complement to a background treatment. The stimulation of specific areas and points of meridians will energetically regulate the body and mind, while also allowing for a beneficial awakening.
This stimulation can be done through an adapted massage: the Chi Nei Tsang (internal organ massage – see “Treatments” section). Acupuncture and regular practice of self-massage will also be beneficial for these same purposes.
