Overview of Ulcerative Colitis (UC) in TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is often associated with imbalances in the Spleen, Stomach, and Large Intestine meridians. UC is commonly linked to patterns of

• Damp-Heat,
• Qi deficiency, and/or
• Blood stasis.

For chronic or recurring symptoms, it is essential to consider restoring the body’s vital energy or “Qi” (chi). It is also important to promote Yin-Yang balance.

Treatment Principles

• Clear Damp-Heat from the Intestines: This helps in reducing inflammation and preventing further damage.
• Strengthen Spleen and Stomach Qi: Supports digestion and absorption, preventing further depletion of energy.
• Move Blood and Eliminate Stagnation: To prevent the formation of ulcers and repair existing damage.
• Nourish Yin and Protect Yin: To protect from further damage, Qi and Yin depletion must be addressed. This is crucial for patients with UC attained while on or recovering from chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Yin must be nourished and protected from further damage.

Herbal Recommendations

Bai Tou Weng Tang (Pulsatilla Decoction): Commonly used to clear heat and resolve toxicity in the Large Intestine. This formula can reduce inflammation and stop diarrhea.

• Ingredients:
  • Bai Tou Weng (Pulsatilla),
  • Huang Lian (Coptis),
  • Huang Bai (Phellodendron),
  • Qin Pi (Fraxini Cortex).
• Dosage: Decoction twice daily before meals.

Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginseng, Poria, and White Atractylodes Powder): For tonifying the Spleen and resolving Dampness. This formula helps strengthen digestion and absorption. It also improves energy levels.

• Ingredients:
  • Ren Shen (Ginseng),
  • Bai Zhu (Atractylodes),
  • Fu Ling (Poria),
  • Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), and others.
• Dosage: You can get in pill form on Amazon. Stop taking when the diarrhea stops.

Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang (Astragalus Middle-Strengthening Decoction): For Qi deficiency with weak digestion. This formula helps build immunity. It also promotes healing.

• Ingredients:
  • Huang Qi (Astragalus),
  • Bai Shao (White Peony),
  • Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig),
  • Gan Cao (Licorice), and others.
• Dosage: Take decoction twice daily after meals or take in pill form.

Zhi Shi Xie Bai Gui Zhi Tang (Unripe Bitter Orange, Chinese Garlic, and Cinnamon Twig Decoction): For addressing stagnation and unblocking Qi in the intestines. It is particularly useful where there is discomfort or bloating.

• Ingredients:
  • Zhi Shi (Unripe Bitter Orange),
  • Xie Bai (Chinese Garlic),
  • Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig).
• Dosage: Take as directed by physician. Do not take daily for long periods

Example Acupuncture / Acupressure Points

• Stomach 36 (Zusanli): Tonifies Qi and blood, strengthens the stomach and spleen.
• Large Intestine 4 (Hegu): Clears heat, relieves pain, and promotes bowel movement.
• Spleen 9 (Yinlingquan): Resolves Dampness, regulates water metabolism.
• Ren 6 (Qihai): Tonifies Qi and strengthens the immune system.
• Bladder 25 (Dachangshu): Specific for Large Intestine, relieves abdominal pain, and clears heat.

Dietary Recommendations

1. Avoid cold, raw, or greasy foods that can weaken the spleen and create Dampness.
2. Increase consumption of warm, easy-to-digest foods, such as soups, congee, and steamed vegetables.
3. Foods that clear heat and nourish Yin: Pears, lotus root, yam, and mung beans.
4. Increase soluble fiber intake slowly: As fiber can help regulate bowel movements but too much can irritate the colon.
5. Probiotic-rich foods: Such as fermented vegetables (kimchi, sauerkraut) and yogurt to support digestive health.
6. Utilize Mindful Eating Habits: Taking time with meals and intuitive eating are mindful habits. Silent Eating and chewing well also naturally help digestion.

Recommended Foods

• Cooked vegetables: Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, zucchini.
• Whole grains: Cooked oats, millet, and brown rice are soothing for the digestive system.
• Herbal teas: Ginger tea to warm the stomach, peppermint tea to reduce inflammation.

Foods to Avoid

• Dairy (except fermented types): Increases Dampness and mucus production.
• Spicy and greasy foods: Aggravates Damp-Heat in the intestines.
• Refined sugars and processed foods: These can weaken the spleen and lead to Damp accumulation.

Sample 2-Day Menu for a UC Flare-up

Day 1

• Breakfast:
• Millet porridge with cooked pears and a dash of cinnamon.
• Ginger tea.
• Lunch:
• Steamed chicken breast with sweet potatoes and steamed spinach.
• Bone broth soup with a few slices of lotus root.
• Snack:
• A small bowl of plain yogurt with a spoonful of honey.
• Dinner:
• Congee made with brown rice, carrots, and Chinese yam.
• Mung bean soup.

Day 2

• Breakfast:
• Rice porridge with a boiled egg and a few slices of cooked apple.
• Green tea.
• Lunch:
• Steamed fish with zucchini and bok choy.
• Soup with goji berries and chicken broth.
• Snack:
• A handful of almonds with an herbal tea (ginger or peppermint).
• Dinner:
• Stir-fried tofu with shiitake mushrooms and broccoli.
• Warm vegetable soup (lotus root, carrots, and ginger).

Lifestyle Advice

• Daily stress management: Meditation, tai chi, or qi gong to balance the mind and support the body’s healing.
• Restoration and nurturing of energy: Adequate sleep and rest are critical for recovery, especially for cancer survivors.

This comprehensive approach will address both the immediate symptoms of a UC flare-up while supporting long-term healing and energy restoration.