When Post-Surgery Recovery Is Slow — The Role of Korean Medicine Wellness Care
Table of Contents
When recovery after surgery is slower than expected
Even when surgery itself is successful, post-operative weakness, loss of appetite, sleep disturbance, and swelling often delay the return to daily life. In particular, weakened digestion after general anesthesia and a disrupted gut environment after long-term antibiotic use slow recovery further.
How Korean medicine views post-surgery recovery
Korean medicine views surgery as a major depletion of qi and blood (氣血). As qi and blood concentrate at the incision site for healing, whole-body strength drops, and anesthesia and bleeding leave the body in a state of qi deficiency (氣虛) and blood deficiency (血虛).
- Modified Ssanghwa-tang: A representative formula that replenishes qi and blood at the same time, often used for general post-operative recovery
- Sipjeondaebo-tang: Used when both qi and blood are severely depleted, also supporting immune recovery
- Digestive recovery: Sagunja-tang–based formulas first restore the spleen-and-stomach function weakened by anesthesia and antibiotics
Acupuncture by surgical site
Localized acupuncture is added to relieve swelling and pain around the surgical site. After abdominal surgery, points such as Tianshu (ST25) and Zusanli (ST36) are stimulated to promote bowel motility. Studies have also reported that acupuncture can shorten recovery time from post-operative ileus.
Nutrition and lifestyle during recovery
- Start with easily digestible porridge and rice gruel, then gradually increase portions
- Avoid intense activity for two weeks after surgery, but light walking helps circulation
- Adequate protein intake speeds up tissue regeneration