By: Dr. Scott C. McFarlane, DACM, LAc, CMT

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used for thousands of years. It has played such an integral and important part with overall health and well-being. In TCM, the dynamics of digestion are viewed throughout multiple pathways. According to this body of medicine, it is said that consumed food intake is first processed by the stomach. This J-shaped organ digests food, and then produces enzymes and acids. The stomach is where this action of “ripening and rotting” initially takes place. This is the first step in separating the “pure from impure” and/ or the “useful from wasteful.” The “pure” is then directed into the spleen where it is “transformed and transported” into all nutrients, bodily fluids, blood, and Qi for the sake of the body’s well being. Meanwhile, the “impure” is sent into the small intestine followed by the large Intestine for excretion. During these last steps of the digestion process, the small intestine continues to break down food that was initially inside the stomach organ. This “useful” matter can be directed back into the spleen for “transformation and distribution.” That waste is forwarded into the large intestine for excretion via stool aka feces. If this digestive system has become imbalanced due to a negative lifestyle, harmful diet, or emotional trauma, major bowel issues such as constipation, diarrhea, gas, and bloating will start to develop. In addition to the stomach, the liver, which is the largest solid organ in the body, also contributes to a healthy digestive tract by aiding in the breakdown of both fats and dietary toxins. Therefore, the gastrointestinal tract is highly sensitive!

In ancient TCM, the connection between digestive health and emotional balance is ultimately and intimately related. The gastrointestinal tract is very reactive to all emotions of fear, anger, sadness, anxiety, and worry. Each of these responses triggers symptoms within the digestive system. The reverse is also true – an imbalance in the digestive tract could lead to an emotional imbalance and upheaval.

Previous clinical research studies have shown that the complex chemical components of herbal medication used in TCM significantly change both the structure and function of the digestive system, specifically the human gut microbiota. Alongside acupuncture treatments, these herbal medications are utilized as prebiotic compounds to increase the abundance of probiotics. These herbal medications also inhibit the growth of harmful intestinal tract bacteria, which in turn encourages complete wellness by maintaining the state of homeostasis within the intestinal microbiota.

As a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine myself, I do feel from the complexity and diversity of the intestinal microbiota and all of its metabolite substances that it is extremely necessary to further along these studies by ordering stool sample culture tests. With this test, we are able to observe and then measure microbiota to determine the cause of the relationship between immune and metabolic related diseases. Furthermore, for absolute wellness in combination with acupuncture and herbal medications, it is imperative to maintain a clean and proper diet with optimal lifestyle choices and habits.