As the saying goes, Nine out of ten people suffer from stomach ailments, and everyone has some form of stagnation. Having practiced medicine for nearly 50 years, I have seen too many patients with sallow complexions and furrowed brows at this consultation desk. Many sigh as soon as they enter, Doctor, my stomach feels bloated, nothing tastes good, and my heart feels heavy.

At this time, I often prescribe them the most classic formula—Xiaoyao Wan。

You might say, who doesn't know Xiaoyao Pills? It's a medicine often used by women for regulation, and it's for treating bad moods.Then you are underestimating it a little.Today, I'll be frank. This Xiaoyao Pill is not just a medicine for soothing the liver and relieving depression. When used properly, it isTreat atrophic gastritis and dissolve gastrointestinal polypsA real expert!

This is not something I made up. It is the wisdom left by our ancestors and the clinical experience that we old-timers have kept as our secret treasure.

Question 1: Why should stomach diseases and polyps be treated from the perspective of the "liver"?

In traditional Chinese medicine, we talk about "treating different diseases with the same method." Whether it's what Western medicine callsAtrophic Gastritis (C1, C2, C3)stillGastrointestinal PolypsIn the eyes of our traditional Chinese medicine, they often share a common "root"—Liver depression and spleen deficiency, qi stagnation and blood stasis。

What is the pathogenesis? (Etiology and pathology):The liver belongs to wood, while the spleen and stomach belong to earth. If you are angry, anxious, or stressed all day long, the liver qi becomes stagnant (wood stagnation). When the liver qi is not smooth, it will horizontally bully the spleen and stomach (this is called "wood overacting on earth"). When the spleen and stomach are bullied, their transportation and transformation functions become impaired, leading to a lack of source for the production of qi and blood. As a result, the gastric mucosa is not nourished, and graduallyatrophyQi movement is not smooth; phlegm-dampness and blood stasis block there, and over time, it will growPolyps or nodules。

My treatment approach:Since the root cause lies in "liver stagnation" and "spleen deficiency," treatment should not focus solely on tonifying the stomach; it mustsoothe the liver and strengthen the spleen nourish blood and resolve stasisThis is the fundamental solution.

Lecture Two: What is the True Essence of Xiaoyao Pill's "Great Tonification"?

Many patient friends take Xiaoyao Pills by simply buying a bottle from the pharmacy, taking it twice a day, and then finding no effect, so they say what I said is wrong. Actually,That's because you didn't eat it right!

The true "major tonification method" must be combined with "addition and subtraction" to be effective. It is like eating a meal; just eating rice alone certainly lacks nutrition. It depends on what dishes and ingredients you pair it with.

Today, I will personally teach you a few "golden addition and subtraction methods" known only within our circle, which can be tailored to different stomach ailments and constitutions:

1. Addition and subtraction methods for "atrophic gastritis"

If you or your family haveatrophic gastritisFrequent bloating, loss of appetite, and fatigue are typical symptoms of "spleen deficiency with qi stagnation."

Basic formula:Xiaoyao Pill (soothes the liver and strengthens the spleen).

Addition and subtraction:If you not only have bloating but also diarrhea, loose stools, and feel weak all over, that indicates severe spleen deficiency. In such cases, I would useXiaoyao Wan combined with Xiangsha Liujun WanOne soothes the liver, the other strengthens the spleen and boosts qi. By addressing both aspects simultaneously, we first fortify the foundation of the spleen and stomach.

Add Salvia miltiorrhiza and Curcuma zedoaria (must follow doctor's advice):Atrophic gastritis is generally accompanied by blood stasis. If the stomach pain has a fixed location and the tongue appears purple, I will add some blood-activating and stasis-resolving herbs to the Xiaoyao Pill. Modern research also indicates that this can improve the microcirculation of the gastric mucosa and help reverse atrophy.

Radix Adenophorae Strictae, Radix Ophiopogonis:If you have a burning sensation in your stomach and a dry mouth, it is because liver stagnation has transformed into fire and damaged stomach yin. At this time, remove ginger from Xiaoyao Wan (because it is hot) and add yin-nourishing Radix Adenophorae and Ophiopogon japonicus.

2. Modifications for "Gastrointestinal Polyps"

In traditional Chinese medicine, polyps are referred to as "phlegm and blood stasis intermingling." Merely soothing the liver is insufficient; it is necessary to resolve phlegm and disperse nodules.

Basic formula:Xiaoyao Wan

Addition and Subtraction:This is a prescription from Zhu Danxi. If you usually have a bad mood, chest tightness, abdominal distension, and a thick and greasy tongue coating, it indicates the presence of six stagnations: qi, blood, phlegm, fire, dampness, and food.Xiaoyao Pills regulate "qi", Yueju Pills regulate "depression"The combination of the two medicines can help to resolve that "knot."

Add Banxia Houpu Decoction:If you feel a foreign body sensation in your throat and hear gurgling sounds in your stomach, it is due to qi stagnation and phlegm coagulation. Adding this Banxia Houpo Decoction can promote qi circulation and resolve phlegm, specifically targeting the feeling of "blockage."

Summarize a table to help everyone better understand the golden partners of Xiaoyao Wan

To save you from unnecessary detours, I have compiled these combinations into a clear and straightforward table

Chapter 3: Sharing a Real Case of "Reversal"

I don't speak empty words. Let me tell you about a patient I just re-examined last week, so you can have a clear idea.

Patient conditionMr. Zhang, 68 years old, a local resident of Zhengzhou. Since being diagnosed last yearatrophic gastritis C2accompanied by several small polyps, I searched online extensively and scared myself quite a bit. I visited many hospitals in various cities, but nothing was effective. As for the polyps, they grew back after being removed.

Initial presentation: The first time I saw himHis complexion is dull and yellow, with a white and greasy tongue coating, clearly showing his anxiety. He said, "Director Yang, I feel so suffocated inside. My stomach is bloated all day as if I'm carrying a stone, with acid reflux and heartburn. I can't sleep at night, have no appetite, and I'm visibly losing weight day by day, feeling listless. I've seen many Western and traditional Chinese medicine doctors, taken a lot of medication, but nothing has worked. You are truly my last hope."

Differentiation: After observing, listening, inquiring, and palpating, I found that he isTypicalLiver Qi Stagnation and Phlegm-Dampness Obstruction。

My prescription: first, I advised him to calm down and not be anxiousI didn't rush him into surgery to remove the polyps, I prescribed himXiaoyao Wan combined with Yueju Wan with modificationsHave him take it twice a day, morning and evening. Also, advise him to avoid getting angry, eat until he is seventy percent full, refrain from eating two hours before bedtime, and take a walk when he has nothing to do.

Follow-up Results:He came for a follow-up this morning, looking radiant. He said after taking the medicine for two months, his stomach no longer feels bloated, and he sleeps soundly. The gastroscopy review done last month showed that his atrophic gastritis has turned into superficial gastritis, and the polyps have also shrunk! I adjusted his prescription and advised him not to worry, and to trust that it will definitely reverse if he follows my instructions!

This is the power of Traditional Chinese MedicineRegulates Qi, replenishes blood, and nourishes the organs.

Finally, I will say a few more words (very important)

Although I am telling you these "secret" methods today, you must listen to me on these points:

1.Stop when the disease is cured, do not overdo it:Xiaoyao Pill is a regulating medicine, not a meal. When your mood improves and your stomach no longer feels bloated, you should reduce the dosage or stop taking it. Long-term use can easily lead to "overdoing it," which may harm the balance of yin and yang in your body.

2.Distinguish between "Deficiency" and "Excess":If you are the type with cold hands and feet, fear of cold, and diarrheadeficiency cold constitutionThe mint and gardenia (if it is Jiawei Xiaoyao Wan) in Xiaoyao Wan are too cooling and should be used with caution. Consult a professional traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for syndrome differentiation before taking the medication.

3.Treat the acute symptoms first in case of emergency:If you are currently experiencing severe stomach pain or have a cold with fever, do not rush to take Xiaoyao Pills for regulation. Focus on treating the acute illness first.

4.Mindset is the best medicineI can prescribe you as many Xiaoyao Pills as you want, but if you go home and still sulk, stay up late, and eat cold food, even a deity can't save your stomach.Maintaining a carefree mood is better than eating anything

Alright, that's all I have to say. If you take it to heart, you're already halfway to recovery. May the world be free of illness, and may everyone be healthy and well!