Gastritis and heartburn in Grenoble: the traditional Chinese medicine approach

Epigastric burning, acid reflux, stomach pain: **gastritis** and reflux impair comfort and appetite. **Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)** approaches them from the **Stomach** and its **descending** function, and from the **Heat** or **stagnation** that can disturb its harmony. Support that is **complementary**, never a substitute for medical advice.

Stomach Heat

The tradition describes **Stomach Heat** as the classic, textbook form of **gastritis** with **heartburn** (gastro-oesophageal reflux): a **burning sensation in the epigastrium** and **acid regurgitation**. Heat sustains inflammation and irritation of the lining, and a red tongue and rapid pulse are commonly found in this type of pattern.

Causes: emotions and diet

Causes are often **mixed**: an **emotional** cause (tension, held-back frustration) can attack the Stomach, to which **dietary** and **lifestyle** causes are added — **alcohol**, **very rich food**, irregular meals. The tradition readily links chronic stress to a disturbed Stomach, since held-back emotions end up weighing on digestion.

Stomach Qi and its descent

The Stomach, which **likes moisture and fears dryness**, is the "mother of drinks and food". Its normal function is to **send downwards** what has been received. Stomach pain arises when this movement is lost: **loss of harmony and of descent**, or a simple **loss of fluidity of Stomach Qi**. It may stem from **Cold**, **Heat**, **Qi stagnation**, **Blood stasis** or **food accumulation**.

Dietetics and lifestyle

Chinese dietetics invites **regular meals**, eaten slowly, with **warm, cooked** foods, reducing **alcohol, fried food, excess fat and spice**. Avoiding eating in a rush or under tension helps the Stomach recover its natural **descent**. A **relaxation** practice (breathing, sophrology) supports this work, as the digestive sphere is very sensitive to stress.

Acupuncture and when to consult

**Acupuncture** and **acupressure** aim to **regulate the Stomach**, **harmonise the Middle Burner** and **release stagnation** — points such as **PC6 Neiguan**, which harmonises the Middle Burner, are traditionally cited, always as an **individualised** choice. It is essential to **consult a doctor**: gastritis may stem from an infection (Helicobacter pylori), an ulcer or reflux that needs treatment. TCM remains a **complement**, never a substitute.

In short

**Traditional Chinese medicine** approaches **gastritis** as a disorder of the **Stomach** — Heat, stagnation or loss of descent — sustained by emotions and diet. These are gentle levers to activate **alongside** medical care in Grenoble. Any persistent pain, bleeding or weight loss should prompt a consultation.

Ghislaine Morin's website in Grenoble : www.sophrologue-grenoble.fr/medecine-chinoise-a-grenoble-38000-38100