GASTRITIS

Acute gastritis is classified into simple, corrosive, infective and suppurative types of gastritis according to the pathogenic factors. Acute corrosive gastritis is caused by intake of corrosive agents and needs emergency treatment. Acute infective gastritis and suppurative gastritis are caused by general infection.

Acute simple gastritis is marked by pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen, reduced appetite or disten-sion and belching as well as nausea and vomiting. This disease pertains to epigastralgia, vomiting and diarrhea in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). Acute gastritis is usually caused by exogenous pathogenic factors and improper diet that leads to dysfunction of the spleen and stomach.

According to Chinese Medicine, the following causes can be present:

1. Cold-dampness attacking the middle energizer:
Sudden onset of stomach ache, severe pain, aversion to cold and preference for warmth, alleviation with warmth, nausea and vomiting, or diarrhea with thin fluid, or even watery diarrhea, or accompanied by aversion to cold and fever, light-colored tongue with white fur as well as taut and tense pulse.

2. Retention of damp-heat in the middle energizer:
Burning sensation, distension and pain in the epigastrium, aggravation after meal, or postcibal vomiting, foul breath, bitter taste and dryness in the mouth, urgent diarrhea or unsmooth diarrhea, burning sensation in the anus, red tongue with yellow and greasy fur as well as slippery and rapid pulse.

3. Retention of food:
Distension and fullness in the epigastrium, unpressable pain, acid regurgitation, alleviation of pain after vomiting, unsmooth defecation with putrefaction and foul odor, thick and greasy tongue fur as well as taut and slippery pulse.

ACUPUNCTURE and GASTRITIS

There are a substantial number of therapeutic approaches to be used in combination. These include:

1. A diet and exercise program that emphasizes a low fat, high fiber diet and regular daily exercise. A digestive enzyme preparation that includes probioticsmay be used to help treat symptoms of poor fat digestion.

2. Acupuncture therapy to regulate circulation, purge thetoxins, and alleviate pain in the stomach.