"Digestive System" is a term in Western medicine, while in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), diseases related to the digestive system are generally referred to as "spleen-stomach diseases." TCM places great emphasis on the spleen and stomach, as evidenced by the ancient physician Li Dongyuan's statement, "With stomach qi, life is sustained; without stomach qi, death ensues," highlighting the significance of the spleen and stomach in the course of human life. The importance of the spleen and stomach is closely tied to their functions. The spleen governs transformation and controls blood circulation, while the stomach is responsible for receiving and ripening food. Together, they coordinate to accomplish the digestion, absorption, and distribution of food and are referred to as the "foundation of acquired constitution" and the "source of qi and blood transformation."

In simple terms, all the nutrients required for the growth and development of the body after birth are digested and absorbed by the spleen and stomach. To maintain the normal functions of the body's organs, the nutrients absorbed by the spleen and stomach serve as the energy and power source. If there are issues with the spleen and stomach functions, symptoms such as decreased appetite, stomach bloating or pain, nausea, acid reflux, heartburn, belching, abdominal distension, constipation, or diarrhea may occur. Prolonged dysfunction in digestion and absorption can lead to manifestations of malnutrition and anemia. Moreover, the functions of other organs and systems may also be affected, and the treatment of many diseases in other systems often starts with addressing issues in the spleen and stomach.

According to TCM theory, the occurrence of spleen-stomach diseases is closely related to improper diet, emotional imbalance, and climate changes. Consuming unhygienic food, overeating or fasting, and having a preference for spicy and greasy foods, among other unhealthy dietary habits, may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distension, and stomach pain – all symptoms of spleen-stomach diseases. The relationship between the liver and spleen-stomach is particularly close in the holistic view of the five organs and six bowels. Emotional imbalance often results in discomfort in liver qi, leading to symptoms such as chest tightness, distension in the sides, and frequent sighing. When liver qi discomfort affects the spleen and stomach, it may manifest as loss of appetite, stomach bloating, and belching after meals. Climate changes can also easily cause or trigger spleen-stomach diseases, as exemplified by the common occurrence of duodenal ulcers during the autumn-winter and winter-spring seasons. Therefore, maintaining good dietary habits and psychological well-being, along with attention to cold prevention and warmth, is meaningful in preventing the occurrence of spleen-stomach diseases.

TCM has distinct advantages and characteristics in treating spleen-stomach diseases. For common digestive system disorders such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, diarrhea, and constipation, TCM adopts a personalized treatment approach based on the specific manifestations of the diseases. Principles such as promoting digestion, resolving food stagnation, soothing liver qi, dispelling cold, and harmonizing the stomach are applied. Formulas like Lizhong Wan, Baohe Wan, and Chaihu Shugan San are used with good therapeutic effects. Additionally, TCM offers various treatment methods such as acupuncture and cupping, which can be employed in the treatment of spleen-stomach diseases.