Stomach Ulcers: Symptoms, Risks, and Traditional Chinese Treatments
If Your Stomach Is in This Condition and You Keep Neglecting It, Stomach Cancer May Be the Next Step!
Niniyucao has a long-time friend who has always struggled with stomach issues. Recently, his stomach pain has become more frequent, particularly occurring within half an hour after meals—six times in just one month. Fear began creeping in; he worried that he might have stomach cancer.
Niniyucao reassured him: “Upper abdominal pain that occurs within thirty minutes to an hour after eating is most likely a stomach ulcer. If you are really concerned, you should get it checked.”
After the examination, his fears were somewhat alleviated—it was indeed a stomach ulcer. However, the doctor warned him that his ulcer was quite severe and, if left untreated, could develop into cancer. One out of every ten stomach ulcers eventually turns into stomach cancer.
This remark brought a fresh wave of anxiety. How could he be sure he would not be that one in ten? In desperation, he turned to Niniyucao for advice.
This friend, having studied abroad and been influenced by Niniyucao for years, has always wavered between Western and traditional Chinese medicine. Over the years, in pursuit of quick relief from his stomach pain, he opted for Western medication—those widely advertised on TV, such as Stomach Comfort pills.
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Yet he understood deep down that Western medicine only treats the symptoms, not the root cause. Otherwise, why would his condition worsen over the years despite taking those medications? This time, driven by his fear of cancer, he wanted a permanent solution. So, he decided to give traditional Chinese medicine a try—and the first person he thought of was Niniyucao.
Understanding his friend well, Niniyucao immediately suspected that his ulcer was related to emotional distress. But how could emotions cause a stomach ulcer? In reality, emotional factors are the primary cause of most stomach ulcers today.
This friend is a capable but restless person. After returning from studying abroad, he was eager to make his mark. However, he soon realized that foreign degrees no longer held the prestige they once did, and he struggled to find a suitable position. Though he managed to land jobs in Fortune 500 companies with better-than-average pay, he never felt satisfied. He constantly felt underappreciated, like a talented individual being overlooked. This dissatisfaction led him to job-hop frequently. Each new job initially seemed promising, but soon he would grow discontented again—sometimes blaming a difficult boss, other times doubting the company’s prospects. And so, the cycle continued.
For over a decade, he never stayed in one company for more than two years. This perpetual state of frustration, resentment, and anxiety—combined with the intense pressures of working in major corporations, the constant vigilance, office politics, and competition—kept his liver energy in a chronically stressed state. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this is known as “Liver Qi Stagnation Attacking the Spleen,” which ultimately leads to stomach ulcers.
Under normal circumstances, liver Qi should flow smoothly, like a willow tree swaying in the breeze—free and unrestrained. However, when liver Qi becomes obstructed, it disrupts the stomach’s natural downward movement. The stomach thrives on a downward flow of Qi; when this is blocked, it leads to bloating, pain, chest tightness, irregular bowel movements, hiccups, or even vomiting blood.
From Niniyucao’s observation, his friend is far from an isolated case—this pattern is alarmingly common. Many people, especially women, suffer from stomach issues caused by emotional stress. Women, in particular, are more prone to emotional fluctuations. While they are meticulous about diet and lifestyle, they often lack emotional regulation. Mood swings, resentment, and repressed emotions all contribute to the same imbalance: Liver Qi Stagnation Attacking the Spleen, ultimately damaging the digestive system.
Convinced that his friend’s ulcer stemmed from emotional distress, Niniyucao intended to prescribe a treatment to soothe the liver, regulate Qi, and alleviate stomach pain. However, just as he was about to proceed, his friend called again with a troubling update.
His stomach pain had become erratic—hunger caused pain, but eating slightly too much also triggered discomfort. Spicy foods made it worse, cold foods worsened it too. Even anger caused pain, and chewing hard foods was unbearable. His stomach had become so fragile that even slightly firm rice caused pain; he could only tolerate soft porridges or liquid meals.
This posed a real challenge. TCM relies on differentiation of symptoms—treating cold with warmth, heat with cooling, deficiency with supplementation, and excess with reduction. But his case was too complex; he exhibited symptoms of both heat and cold, deficiency and excess, making diagnosis difficult.
Should he be nourished for Yin deficiency? Or aided with digestion for food stagnation? Should heat be cleared for spicy food intolerance? Or warmth applied for cold food intolerance? Should the liver be soothed for anger-induced pain? He had all these symptoms combined. If he took all the possible treatments at once, it would be like shooting wildly in the dark.
After careful thought, Niniyucao decided to take a different approach—not focusing on individual symptoms but addressing the root cause through Yin-Yang balance. When the spleen and stomach are harmonized, the disease will naturally resolve itself.
The simplest wisdom is often the most profound. True medical mastery lies in simplicity.
Which formula could balance Yin and Yang while specifically targeting the digestive system?
One ancient prescription came to mind—Huangqi Jianzhong Tang (Astragalus Fortifying Decoction), a classic formula from Zhang Zhongjing, the esteemed physician of the Eastern Han Dynasty.
The name itself reveals its purpose: “Jianzhong” means “strengthening the middle,” referring to fortifying the spleen and stomach to restore their harmony. This formula builds upon Xiao Jianzhong Tang (Minor Fortifying Decoction), which, in turn, originates from the renowned Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction).
Guizhi Tang consists of:
- Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi) – 15g
- White Peony Root (Baishao) – 15g
- Licorice Root (Gancao) – 10g
- Fresh Ginger (Shengjiang) – 15g
- Red Jujube (Dazao) – 12 pieces (split open)
Guizhi Tang is the foundational formula in Chinese medicine. To understand TCM without knowing Guizhi Tang is akin to studying physics without Newton’s laws. Zhang Zhongjing placed it at the very beginning of his medical treatise, “Shanghan Lun.” Many mistakenly believe it only treats colds, but its scope is far greater.
This formula excels at balancing Yin and Yang—Cinnamon Twig lifts Yang energy, while White Peony Root anchors Yin. It warms and cools simultaneously, regulates Qi and blood, strengthens the digestive system, and ultimately restores balance.
To specifically target stomach pain, Xiao Jianzhong Tang doubles the dosage of White Peony Root and adds Maltose Syrup (Yitang), a natural sweetener that fortifies the spleen and soothes pain. This thick syrup allows the medicine to linger longer in the stomach, enhancing absorption and effectiveness.
Finally, Huangqi (Astragalus) is introduced to fortify the body’s vital energy (Zheng Qi). Chronic illnesses weaken the body over time, and Astragalus not only restores strength but also promotes tissue regeneration—making it ideal for healing stomach ulcers by repairing damaged gastric mucosa.
Thus, by combining these time-tested principles, Huangqi Jianzhong Tang emerges as a simple yet profoundly effective remedy for stomach ulcers.
With this formula, Niniyucao offered his friend a path not just to relief but to true healing.