Practical Chinese Medicine Tips for Celiac Patients

Secrets to Gentle Digestion

Celiac disease has become a hot topic these days. Most of us know it as an autoimmune condition where gluten triggers the body’s defenses, damaging intestinal villi and making nutrient absorption tricky. The Western approach focuses heavily on a strict gluten-free diet, which is essential, but there’s another layer many people don’t see.

From the viewpoint of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), digestion isn’t isolated. It’s part of a complex web connecting energy, emotions, and lifestyle. Imagine your digestive system as a central engine — when it struggles, signals pop up all over the body, not just in the gut.

In TCM, the Spleen and Stomach are your digestion’s core. If their energy, or Qi, is weak, your body struggles to process even healthy foods. Think of it as your inner furnace losing its heat — no matter how good the fuel, cooking isn’t efficient.

The good news? Small, consistent adjustments can make a huge difference. We’re talking simple steps like:

• Warm, easy-to-digest meals to stoke your digestive fire.
• Breathing exercises that calm your nervous system and relieve stress.
• Gentle herbs and teas that promote balance.
• Acupressure to release tension and improve energy flow.

The result is noticeable: less bloating, more energy, and better overall comfort — a gentle but profound way to support the body alongside a gluten-free lifestyle.

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Understanding TCM Basics

Yin and Yang Balance

In TCM, everything revolves around Yin and Yang — two opposing but complementary forces. Yin represents calm, cool, and moisture, while Yang embodies warmth, activity, and movement. When these energies are balanced, we feel energetic, healthy, and content.

People with celiac often experience imbalances: too much Yang may irritate the intestines, while Yin deficiency can leave you drained and sensitive to food. TCM doesn’t just look at the gut — it considers how the entire system interacts.

The Five Elements and Their Role in Digestion

TCM organizes the body through the Five Elements: Earth, Wood, Fire, Metal, and Water. For digestion, Earth is key, linking to the Spleen and Small Intestine. Liver (Wood) influences energy flow and emotional balance. Understanding these connections helps TCM practitioners recommend herbs, foods, and exercises to restore harmony — like fine-tuning an intricate machine for smooth performance.

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How TCM Views Celiac Disease

The Role of Spleen and Stomach in Digestion

The Spleen extracts nutrients from food and transforms them into Qi. If its energy is weak, digestion slows, and fatigue or bloating can follow. Stomach energy helps move food downward for proper absorption. Together, they are the foundation of digestive health in TCM.

Energy Imbalances in the Body

Qi Deficiency

Leads to weak digestion, bloating, and low energy.

Qi Stagnation

Can cause intestinal sensitivity, tension, and discomfort.

Dampness Accumulation

Results in a heavy, sluggish feeling after meals.

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Common Organs Involved

Spleen

Essential for nutrient absorption and energy production.

Liver

Manages the flow of Qi and emotions, both of which influence digestion.

Small Intestine

Handles nutrient assimilation and is directly affected in celiac disease.

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Case Examples from TCM Practice

Young Woman with Digestive Sensitivity

Ania struggled with gluten reactions. After incorporating Xiao Yao Wan and Tai Chong acupressure, she experienced improved comfort after meals and more daytime energy.

Man with Chronic Fatigue

Using Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan and Zusanli acupressure, a male patient saw enhanced vitality and better tolerance to foods, as his Spleen energy strengthened.

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Herbal Approaches in TCM

Traditional Chinese Medicine doesn’t just rely on acupressure or acupuncture—herbal formulas also play a huge role in supporting digestion, calming stress, and restoring balance. Herbs may help ease digestive symptoms in celiac disease, many people with celiac or sensitive digestion find TCM formulas helpful in soothing symptoms like bloating, tension, or sluggish gut movement after removing gluten from their diet. Here are three popular formulas often used to support digestive harmony.

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Xiao Yao Wan

Xiao Yao Wan is one of the most beloved TCM formulas because it works on both the emotional and digestive side of things. It helps balance the Liver and Spleen, which in TCM terms means it can ease stress, calm irritability, release that “knotted” feeling in the stomach, and support smoother digestion.

If your gut tends to flare up when you’re overwhelmed—or if you live with celiac disease and notice your digestion gets worse whenever stress hits—Xiao Yao Wan can feel surprisingly grounding. Think of it as a herbal “exhale” for both your mind and belly.

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Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan

This formula is designed to boost Spleen Qi, which in TCM represents digestive strength and overall energy production. Many people with celiac disease struggle with fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, or a “heavy,” sluggish feeling in the gut, especially while healing after gluten exposure.

Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan acts like a gentle pick-me-up. It supports energy, appetite, and the body’s ability to transform food into fuel. If you often feel tired or notice your digestion slows down easily, this formula may offer a steady, strengthening effect.

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Chai Hu Shu Gan Wan

Chai Hu Shu Gan Wan focuses on regulating Qi flow, especially when emotions get stuck or tense. It’s great for people whose digestion reacts to feelings—stress, frustration, or emotional overload.

For those with celiac disease, emotional stress can worsen bloating, cramping, or sensitivity in the gut, even on a strict gluten-free diet. This formula helps “unclog” the system, easing that tight, reactive feeling and helping the gut move more comfortably.

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Acupressure for Digestive Balance

Feeling heavy, bloated, or just a bit “off” after eating? You’re definitely not alone. Digestive discomfort has become a normal part of life for many people—even though it really doesn’t have to be. One simple, natural method gaining popularity is acupressure, a gentle, hands-on practice that helps support digestion and overall energy flow. Let’s take a closer look at how two powerful pressure points—Tai Chong (LV3) and Zusanli (ST36)—can help restore digestive balance and bring your gut some much-needed relief, especially if you’re dealing with sensitive digestion or conditions like celiac disease, where the gut is easily irritated.

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Understanding Digestive Imbalance

Common Causes

Digestive issues can hit for all kinds of reasons—stress, poor eating habits, lack of sleep, dehydration, or even just eating too fast. For people living with celiac disease, even tiny amounts of gluten can trigger inflammation, bloating, and discomfort. Modern life doesn’t exactly make things easier, right?

How Acupressure Helps

By stimulating specific points along the body’s energy pathways, acupressure helps regulate the digestive system, calm the nervous system, improve circulation, and release tension. Think of it like pressing the “reset” button on your gut. While acupressure doesn’t treat celiac disease itself, many people with celiac find it helpful for easing stress-related flare-ups or lingering discomfort during healing.

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What Is Acupressure?

Key Principles

Acupressure comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and focuses on stimulating acupoints with the fingers instead of needles. These points lie along meridians—energy channels linked to the body’s organs.

Why It Supports Digestion

When energy (Qi) flows smoothly, your digestive organs work more efficiently. Acupressure helps remove blockages, encouraging balanced, steady movement through the system—something especially soothing if your digestion tends to be reactive or easily disrupted, such as in celiac disease.

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Tai Chong (LV3)

Where It’s Located

Tai Chong, also known as Liver 3, is located on the top of the foot between the first and second metatarsal bones. If you slide your finger back from the big toe and second toe, you’ll feel a tender spot—that’s LV3.

Benefits of Stimulating LV3

• Reduces stress and emotional tension
• Supports smooth digestive function
• Improves overall energy flow
• Helps reduce bloating and abdominal discomfort

When your liver energy is balanced, your digestion tends to follow. This is particularly supportive for anyone managing inflammation-related digestive issues—including people recovering from gluten exposure in celiac disease.

How to Massage LV3

Gently press the point and move your finger in small, slow circles for about 5 minutes. Don’t rush it—this point responds best to steady, relaxed pressure.

How to massage – watch it on our YouTube channel HERE.

Tips for Best Results

• Sit comfortably and relax your shoulders
• Apply firm but not painful pressure
• Breathe deeply as you massage
• Repeat daily, especially when stressed

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Zusanli (ST36)

Where It’s Found

Zusanli, or Stomach 36, is located just below the kneecap on the outer side of the shin. It’s one of the most famous acupoints in TCM—and for good reason!

Benefits of ST36

• Strengthens Spleen Qi (your digestive power)
• Boosts overall energy levels
• Supports nutrient absorption
• Helps with bloating, fatigue, and irregular digestion

For people with celiac disease, who often deal with nutrient absorption issues, ST36 can feel especially nourishing—like giving your digestive system a steady, reassuring boost.

How to Massage ST36

Press the point with your thumb and hold for a few seconds, then make small circular motions, or simply maintain steady pressure for 3–4 minutes. You should feel a satisfying, slightly achy sensation.

How to massage – watch it on our YouTube channel HERE.

Daily Routine Suggestions

Add ST36 massage to your morning routine—before breakfast works especially well. It helps “wake up” your digestive organs and boosts your energy for the day.

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Combining LV3 and ST36

Why These Points Work Well Together

LV3 calms and smooths energy flow while ST36 activates and strengthens digestive Qi. Together, they help create harmony: one relaxes, the other energizes.

Step-by-Step Mini Routine

1. Start with 5 minutes on LV3
2. Move to 3–4 minutes on ST36
3. Finish with slow, deep breaths

This routine takes less than 10 minutes and can noticeably improve digestive comfort.

Combining Both Points

Working both points in one session helps Liver, Spleen, and Small Intestine energy flow smoothly—like oiling a machine. Users often report lighter digestion and a subtle, pleasant surge of vitality. For those with celiac disease, who may experience lingering gut tension even on a strict gluten-free diet, this combination may feel especially grounding and soothing.

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Foods That Support Digestion in Celiac Patients

• Pumpkin — light, warms the digestive system, and is easy on sensitive stomachs.
• Millet — naturally gluten-free, gentle, and energizing for Spleen Qi.
• Ginger — promotes warmth, circulation, and reduces dampness or bloating.

These foods complement a gluten-free diet by nurturing digestive comfort and energy balance.

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Daily Practices to Improve Well-Being

Qi Gong and Tai Chi

Gentle exercises that harmonize body and mind while promoting smooth energy flow.

Breathing and Relaxation Techniques

Calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and support digestion — particularly beneficial for those with celiac.

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Personal Experiences with TCM

Living near a TCM clinic in Beijing, I observed mornings filled with herbal teas, acupressure, and Tai Chi. Witnessing these rituals highlighted how small daily practices can maintain energy and digestive balance.

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Fascinating Insights and Research

Celiac isn’t just a gut problem. Emotional stress and Liver imbalances influence digestion. Studies show acupressure at Zusanli can improve intestinal function, while Tai Chong alleviates tension — helping people tolerate foods more comfortably.

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Practical Tips for Everyday Life

• Practice Tai Chong and Zusanli acupressure daily.
• Drink herbal teas that support Spleen and Liver.
• Incorporate pumpkin, millet, and ginger into meals.
• Include gentle Qi Gong or Tai Chi exercises.

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Conclusion & Key Takeaways

Celiac disease through a TCM lens is more than just gluten avoidance. It’s a system of energy, balance, and small daily rituals. Integrating these practices can improve comfort, energy, and overall well-being. Sometimes, one minor step — like pressing a point on your foot or sipping a warm herbal tea — can create a ripple effect of positive change.

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FAQs

1. Can I practice acupressure daily?
Yes, gentle daily pressure on Tai Chong and Zusanli supports energy balance.

2. How long until herbs show effects?
Typically 2–4 weeks of regular use provides noticeable benefits.

3. Can pumpkin and millet replace other foods?
They are meant as supportive additions, not complete replacements.

4. Do I need to experience China to understand TCM?
No, but observing local rituals can deepen understanding.

5. Can TCM practices complement a gluten-free diet?
Absolutely — they enhance digestion and energy, supporting daily comfort.

A recommended book is “The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine” by Ted J. Kaptchuk, and you can buy it on Amazon HERE

Another recommended book is “Jennifer’s Way: My Journey with Celiac Disease–What Doctors Don’t Tell You and How You Can Learn to Live Again, which you can also purchase on Amazon HERE

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Where can I buy it?
If you’re looking for authentic, practitioner-recommended, high-quality Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulas — available globally — we recommend the following herbal products. These time-tested formulas are crafted with the finest ingredients and are widely used to support emotional balance, digestion, energy, and overall wellness.

FYI: This post contains affiliate links to herbs we’ve actually tried from reliable, certified sellers. If you buy through them, you’re supporting our blog. Thanks! 🙏

Top Recommended High-Quality Herbal Formulas:

Before you decide to buy, check the detailed description and reviews in several stores to see if this product is right for you!

1. Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan
   An emotional & digestive support champion. It helps release stress, ease bloating, PCOS
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2.  Xiao yao wan
   Balances emotions and Qi
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3. Bu zhong Yi qi wan
   boosts Spleen Qi, supporting overall energy.
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4. Chai hu shu gan wan or Shu gan wan
   A favorite for chronic stress patterns.
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These formulas are based on ancient herbal wisdom and are used by TCM practitioners worldwide. Be sure to consult a professional for personalized advice.

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At Arcana Herbs Shop (Chicago – Chinatown), every formula is handcrafted with care, using time-honored traditions and natural ingredients. You can also order herbs( HERE)

Want more tips? Discover how Traditional Chinese Medicine can naturally support emotional balance in Ask a TCM Doctor archive.

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