From a Chinese medicine perspective, bloating can be due to stagnation of Liver Qi. This means that the Liver is not functioning as it should and digestion is impaired.
What mainly causes it?
🌿Stress. Stress impairs the Liver function and can cause this stagnation of Liver Qi.
🌿Improper diet or eating habits. This may include too much cold or raw foods (smoothies, frozen foods, cold salads, cold drinks), certain foods that are difficult to digest, too much or not enough food, eating while stressed etc. This impairs how the digestive organs function and also stagnate Liver Qi.
🌿 Weak digestion from inadequate nutrition, gut imbalances, overwork or not enough rest, prolonged illness.
🌿Changes in your menstrual cycle. Before the period the Blood heads to the uterus and if deficient this pulls it from the Liver which then impairs how the Liver functions resulting in Liver Qi stagnation. This is also the basis of PMS from a TCM perspective.
What can you do?
🍃Find ways to reduce stress and work to release any emotions that you feel you may be holding.
🍃Focus on eating well (plenty of nourishing warm foods and drinks, eating appropriate amounts and balancing emotions at meal times).
🍃 Create a routine and ensure regular bowel movements.
🍃Drink peppermint tea. Peppermint (Bo He) is a Chinese herb that regulates Liver Qi. Ginger can be good if there are signs of cold and weak digestion such as a worsening of symptoms after cold/raw foods.
🍃 Move your body. Exercise or movement moves Liver Qi which releases stagnation.
🍃Get acupuncture! Acupuncture is great for regulating the functioning of the organs and reducing stress and emotional tension. Couple this with some Chinese herbal medicine and you should be feeling sooo much better.
What a TCM practitioner will do?
🌿 Give you acupuncture to regulate digestion, calm the nervous system and restore proper functioning again.
🌿 Give you dietary and lifestyle advice similar to the above.
🌿 Give you a tailored Herbal Medicine prescription that will help address your individual needs to reduce bloating.
I hope this helps! 🤗🥰
Feel welcome to get in touch or book an appointment if you feel you want some support with this.
