In a long-standing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinic in Taipei, Dr. Ho Yung-cheng has spent more than three decades treating digestive illnesses.
“When I first started, almost everyone had a long scar across the abdomen,” he recalled. “Those were patients whose gastric or duodenal ulcers had perforated. We had no choice but to remove part of the stomach.”
Back then, diagnosing an ulcer was tedious. Patients had to swallow heavy white contrast fluid and twist repeatedly under X-ray just to vaguely identify the affected area. Many waited until they developed peritonitis—by then, they were rushed straight to the operating room.
Today the landscape is vastly different. Gastroscopy shows the ulcer clearly and allows doctors to biopsy or stop bleeding on the spot. Testing for Helicobacter pylori is simple. Surgery is rarely needed; gastric and duodenal ulcers have shifted from life-threatening conditions to manageable chronic diseases.
But what Dr. Ho appreciates most is how Chinese and Western medicine now work together.
Success
You are now signed up for our newsletter
Success
Check your email to complete sign up
“Western medicine tells you exactly what’s wrong; Chinese medicine helps the patient feel whole again,” he said with a smile. “When I see a gastroscopy report showing a duodenal bulb ulcer and a positive H. pylori test, I know exactly how to treat it. I’ll prescribe a modified Banxia Xiexin Decoction. Without antibiotics, two weeks later the bacteria often turn negative and the ulcer shows clear signs of healing. Thirty years ago, that would have been unthinkable.”
Not acid, but spasm: the real cause of stomach pain
Most people assume ulcer pain comes from stomach acid. In reality, the worst pain usually comes from gastric spasm.
When there is a wound in the stomach or duodenum, Dr. Ho explained, food irritates the area and triggers a reflexive contraction of the stomach wall. Once a spasm begins, normal movement stops. Food stagnates and ferments, producing gas. Patients become bloated, nauseated, and may curl up from the pain.
“In TCM, we call this ‘weiwan tong,’ stomach Qi pain,” he said. “Pain radiating to the back, sour regurgitation, and black, tar-like stools are classic signs. If the ulcer deepens layer by layer, it can eventually perforate the stomach.”
The fastest relief: acupuncture
“When stomach pain hits, acupuncture often works faster than painkillers,” Dr. Ho said.
He commonly uses Zhongwan, Neiguan, and Zusanli, adding Taichong, Hegu, or Gongsun when needed. During acute attacks, he applies electroacupuncture.
“Many patients feel their body relax within minutes,” he said. “They come in sweating from pain, and five minutes later they can breathe again.”
Severe stomach pain, he noted, should be treated immediately.
“Tell the nurse it’s unbearable. Experienced doctors will handle it right away.”
Ear acupuncture—using points for the stomach, spleen, Shenmen, and subcortex—can be taped with seeds or magnets. Pressing them several times a day at home also helps reduce symptoms.
A non-surgical, non-antibiotic path to healing
Western medicine typically treats ulcers through gastroscopy, H. pylori testing, proton pump inhibitors, and two antibiotics for 14 days.
Dr. Ho has developed a purely TCM-based regimen that also clears infection and promotes healing.
Core formula: banxia xiexin decoction
Banxia, Huangqin, Huanglian, Ganjiang, Dangshen, Gancao, Jujube
Modifications:
- Large or bleeding ulcers: + Sanqi powder, Bletilla powder
- Severe pain: + Yanhusuo, Chuanlianzi
- Weak digestion: + Fuling, Baizhu
- Liver Qi stagnation: + Chaihu, Xiangfu
“Huanglian and Huangqin directly suppress H. pylori,” he said. “Bletilla coats the ulcer surface like a natural protective film. Sanqi stops bleeding and promotes tissue repair. Compared to Western medications, the approach is gentler, with fewer side effects.”
A healing staple: millet congee with pumpkin and lotus seeds
The dietary remedy Dr. Ho prescribes most often is millet–pumpkin–lotus seed congee.
Ingredients (serves 2–3):
- 100 g millet
- 300 g old pumpkin, diced
- 20 g lotus seeds, core removed
- 1500 ml water
- Optional: a small amount of rock sugar
Instructions:
- Soak lotus seeds for two hours; rinse millet.
- Combine all ingredients in a pot.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 60–90 minutes.
- For active ulcers, cook until the congee practically melts, or blend into a smooth puree.
Pumpkin provides pectin to coat the stomach; millet gently nourishes the digestive system; lotus seeds strengthen the spleen and calm the mind.
Many patients who eat this congee daily for two weeks show noticeable ulcer improvement on follow-up endoscopy.
Dr. Ho’s cautions:
- During flare-ups, cook the congee extremely soft to avoid irritating the ulcer.
- Do not add milk — calcium and proteins trigger a rebound surge in acid within 20 minutes.
- Avoid yogurt for the same reason.
Five key points from Dr. Ho
- Ulcers are no longer life-threatening; with early treatment, most patients avoid surgery.
- Chinese and Western medicine complement each other: Western medicine diagnoses clearly; TCM restores balance.
- For acute stomach pain, acupuncture can provide faster relief than medication.
- A well-cooked bowl of millet–pumpkin–lotus seed congee can be more effective than costly drugs.
- Lasting stomach health requires lifestyle care: regular meals, slow eating, emotional balance, less late-night activity, and reduced greasy or spicy foods.
Dr. Ho reflected:
“I’ve seen countless patients go from bending over in pain, unable to sleep, to standing tall again after a few weeks of congee and acupuncture. Moments like that make all thirty years worthwhile.”
For anyone living with stomach discomfort, perhaps the first step is simple: Cook a warm pot of millet–pumpkin–lotus seed congee, a centuries-old remedy that continues to bring gentle healing to the modern stomach.
