금맥한의원
Tight chest, bloated lower abdomen.
We restore normal digestion to bring back comfort.

Digestive Clinic

Digestive Clinic

Have You Lost the Joy of Eating?

The endoscopy says nothing's wrong,
yet I'm still hurting and uncomfortable.

🤢

Chronic Indigestion

Even small amounts cause heartburn — chest feels blocked.

🔥

Reflux Esophagitis

Sour fluid rises, chest burns, throat feels obstructed.

🌪️

Irritable Bowel

Gas builds up; diarrhea and constipation alternate.

🧱

Damjeok (Stomach Hardening)

Stomach hardens and won't move;
whole body feels heavy and tired.

If You're in This State,
Treatment Is Needed

If any of the symptoms below apply,
stomach medicine alone won't resolve it.

🍽️

Chronic Bloating

Even small amounts block the chest
and digestion stalls

Stomach motility is reduced and food stagnates. When phlegm-stasis (痰積) builds on the stomach wall, the stomach hardens and chronicity follows.

🔥

Reflux·Heartburn

Sour fluid rises
and chest burns

Lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction and excess acid are causes. Stress lets liver Qi (肝氣) press the stomach, worsening reflux.

🫧

Abdominal Distension

Gas builds up
and bowel movements are irregular

The intestine's autonomic regulation is unstable. Restoring Spleen-Stomach (脾胃) transforming function normalizes the bowel rhythm.

💊

Antacid Dependence

Constantly take stomach medicine
because of discomfort

Antacids suppress acid but don't restore stomach motility itself. Long-term use lowers digestive power further and can cause nutrient absorption problems.

Check My Body Status

Just 1 minute. Find the right prescription for you.

Digestive System Self-Check

1 / 4

How long have you been experiencing digestive or abdominal discomfort?

Special Diagnosis System

Endoscopy Says Nothing's Wrong — Why Does It Still Hurt?

Many patients receive a 'no abnormality' endoscopy verdict yet still cannot digest. About 70% of functional dyspepsia patients show no notable findings on endoscopy (Korean Gastroenterology Society, 2020). The reason: endoscopy only sees inner surface lesions — it cannot evaluate how well the stomach moves, how the autonomic nervous system regulates motility, or accumulated outer-wall damjeok.

금맥한의원 인
Core Solution

Why the Stomach Must Move
to Heal

1

Restoring Stomach Motility

We revive the rhythm of a tired, stalled stomach to support digestion.

2

Discharging Damjeok (Waste)

We melt and discharge hardened waste accumulated on the outer stomach wall.

3

Treating Inflammation & Regenerating Mucosa

We calm esophageal/stomach inflammation and regenerate damaged mucosa.

4

Stabilizing Autonomic Nerves

We stabilize stress-sensitized stomach nerves to prevent recurrence.

Why the Stomach Must Move
to Heal

Symptom-Based Tailored Solutions

Even with the same indigestion, treatment differs by cause.

1

Easily Bloated
After Slight Overeating

Main Symptoms

  • Bloating after meals
  • Frequent burping
  • Pain when pressing the epigastrium

Diagnosis Pattern

Gastric atony, food stagnation (sikjeok, 食積)

Recommended Treatment

Stomach Motility-Boosting Herbal Medicine

Promotes stomach motility to relieve fullness and aid digestion.

2

Sour Fluid Rises,
Chest Burns

Main Symptoms

  • Burning chest pain
  • Throat foreign-body sensation (maehaekgi)
  • Dry cough

Diagnosis Pattern

Liver-Stomach disharmony (ganwibulhwa, 肝胃不和), acid reflux

Recommended Treatment

Acid-Neutralizing & Mucosa-Protecting Herbal Medicine

Regulates stomach acid and treats esophageal mucosal inflammation.

3

Cold Abdomen,
Frequent Diarrhea/Constipation

Main Symptoms

  • Diarrhea after eating cold foods
  • Gurgling sounds in the abdomen
  • Constant mild abdominal pain

Diagnosis Pattern

Spleen-Kidney Yang deficiency (bisinyangheo, 脾腎陽虛), cold-bowel syndrome

Recommended Treatment

Bowel Function-Strengthening Herbal Medicine

Warms the bowels to normalize defecation and improve absorption.

4

Stress = Immediate Indigestion

Main Symptoms

  • Nausea when tense
  • Abdominal pain or diarrhea before tests/interviews
  • Erratic appetite

Diagnosis Pattern

Liver Qi stagnation (gangiulkyeol, 肝氣鬱結), nervous gastritis

Recommended Treatment

Autonomic-Stabilizing Herbal Medicine

Stabilizes sensitized autonomic nerves to fundamentally treat stress-induced indigestion.

TREATMENT PRINCIPLE

Core Treatment Principles to Restore Digestion

Suppressing symptoms with antacids alone doesn't bring fundamental recovery.
We restore strength to the weakened stomach to return your body to one that digests on its own.

  1. 1

    Clear: Damjeok Removal

    Melt and discharge waste long-accumulated on the stomach wall, calming inflammation.

    • Damjeok-dissolving herbal medicine to cleanse the stomach wall
    • Acupuncture to improve circulation in the gastric meridian
    • Acute bloating and reflux relief within 1-2 weeks
  2. 2

    Restore: Motility Recovery

    Revive Spleen-Stomach (脾胃) function so the stomach moves vigorously on its own.

    • Constitution-tailored herbal medicine to strengthen Spleen-Stomach function
    • Resolution of stress-induced indigestion via autonomic stabilization
    • Restored nutrient absorption through intestinal mucosal regeneration
  3. 3

    Protect: Recurrence Prevention

    Correct eating habits and improve constitution to prevent recurrence of digestive disease.

    • Constitution-based dietary guidance (food compatibility)
    • Stomach-strengthening maintenance prescription
    • Seasonal digestive care program
🌿

Constitution-Tailored Herbal Medicine

Based on abdominal and pulse diagnosis, we prescribe individualized herbal medicine. We melt hardened damjeok and recover Spleen-Stomach motility to create an environment where the stomach digests on its own.

  • Cleanses the stomach wall by dissolving damjeok
  • Restores appetite and digestive power by strengthening Spleen-Stomach function
  • Improves stress-induced gastritis through autonomic stabilization
📍

Acupuncture & Abdominal Pharmacopuncture

Acupuncture and pharmacopuncture at abdominal acupoints revive stomach motility rhythm. We relax stiff abdominal muscles and promote circulation around the stomach.

  • Normalizes the stomach motility rhythm
  • Relaxes abdominal tension and relieves pain
  • Promotes intestinal mucosal regeneration
🍚

Diet · Lifestyle Management Guidance

Digestive disease is directly linked to eating habits. We guide foods to avoid and foods that help according to constitution, and correct eating speed/timing along with lifestyle patterns.

  • Guidance on constitution-specific foods to avoid and foods that help
  • Coaching for proper eating habits
  • Stress management and digestive exercise routines
EVIDENCE

Scientific Evidence for Digestive Care

Korean medicine effects on digestive disorders are validated by modern clinical research.

Herbal Medicine — Indigestion Improvement 82%

Symptom improvement after herbal treatment in functional dyspepsia

Journal of Internal Korean Medicine

Acupuncture — Bowel Function Recovery 77%

Abdominal pain/bowel movement improvement after acupuncture in IBS

World J Gastroenterol

Korean Combined Therapy — Reflux Relief 80%

Symptom score improvement after combined herbal medicine + acupuncture in reflux esophagitis

J of Gastroenterology

A meta-analysis of 14 double-blind placebo-controlled RCTs (total 1,424 patients) showed the herbal treatment group had a 45% higher symptom improvement rate than placebo in functional dyspepsia (RR=1.45, 95% CI 1.31-1.60), with significant quality-of-life improvement as well (SMD).

— Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences, 2016 (Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis of 14 RCTs)
참고문헌 (7)
  1. [1] Guo Y, Zhu J, Su X, Yang J, Li Y, Wang Q, Wei W. Efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine in functional dyspepsia: A meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials . Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences (2016) DOI
  2. [2] Kim JB, Shin JW, Kang JY, et al.. Efficacy and Safety of Banhasasim-tang (Banxia Xiexin Decoction) for Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial . Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2023) DOI
  3. [3] Park JW, Ko SJ, Han G, et al.. Effect of herbal treatment on gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life in functional dyspepsia patients . Journal of Internal Korean Medicine (2022) DOI
  4. [4] Manheimer E, Cheng K, Wieland LS, et al.. Acupuncture for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome . Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2012) DOI
  5. [5] Xiao Y, Liu YY, Yu KQ, et al.. Chinese herbal medicine for functional dyspepsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis . World Journal of Gastroenterology (2015) DOI
  6. [6] Ko SJ, Park JW, Lee JH, et al.. An herbal medicine, Yukgunja-tang is more effective in functional dyspepsia classified as excess pattern . Journal of Gastroenterology (2021) DOI
  7. [7] Tan N, Gwee KA, Tack J, Zhang M, Li Y, Chen M, Xiao Y. Herbal medicine in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review with meta-analysis . Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (2020) DOI
Treatment Process

Prescription Process

  1. 🩺

    01. Pulse Consultation

    We precisely diagnose your current condition,
    deficient energy, and lifestyle habits.

  2. 🌿

    02. Herb Selection

    We compose the optimal blend of herbs
    to match your constitution and symptoms.

  3. 🫖

    03. Careful Decoction

    In our in-house decoction room, we brew your remedy
    with clean water and selected herbs.

  4. 📖

    04. Dosage Guidance

    We guide proper intake and lifestyle management
    to maximize effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

View more questions
Q. How long does digestive treatment usually take?

Acute indigestion: 1-2 weeks. Chronic digestive disorders: 2-3 months. Including constitution improvement, 3-6 months of consistent treatment is effective for preventing recurrence.

Q. Is acupuncture effective for digestive conditions?

Yes. Acupuncture promotes gastric motility and regulates the autonomic nervous system, effectively easing indigestion, abdominal pain, and nausea. WHO recognizes digestive disorders as an indication for acupuncture.

Q. Is digestive Korean medicine covered by insurance?

Acupuncture, cupping, and chuna are covered by national health insurance. For functional dyspepsia, herbal prescriptions are also eligible for insurance, reducing the burden. Other herbal medicines are non-covered but may be claimable through private medical insurance.

Telemedicine Process

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Try our easy consultation service.

Learn More About Telemedicine

Research Papers

RESEARCH

모든 논문 보기 →
코호트 연구Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology · 2024

GERD에 대한 한약과 생활습관 교정 병행의 코호트 연구

Han CH, Seo JY, Moon KW, et al.

25%재발률130명참여자 수PPI 중단 후장기 효과
코호트 연구

GERD에 대한 한약과 생활습관 교정 병행의 코호트 연구

Han CH, Seo JY, Moon KW, et al.Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology(2024)
25%재발률
130명참여자 수
PPI 중단 후장기 효과

연구 요약

GERD 환자 130명을 한약+생활습관교정군과 PPI 단독군으로 24주간 추적하였다. 한의학적 접근군에서 PPI 중단 후 재발률이 25%로 PPI군 55%보다 유의미하게 낮았다.

핵심 결론

한약과 생활습관 교정의 병행은 GERD의 장기 재발 방지에 PPI보다 효과적이다.

전후비교 연구Brain Imaging and Behavior · 2024

IBS 환자의 뇌-장 축에 대한 한약의 fMRI 연구: 전후 비교

Kwon CY, Song JH, Lee DH, et al.

ACC 활성↓중추 조절30명참여자 수fMRI뇌영상 확인
전후비교 연구

IBS 환자의 뇌-장 축에 대한 한약의 fMRI 연구: 전후 비교

Kwon CY, Song JH, Lee DH, et al.Brain Imaging and Behavior(2024)
ACC 활성↓중추 조절
30명참여자 수
fMRI뇌영상 확인

연구 요약

IBS 환자 30명에게 한약(통사요방)을 8주간 투여하고 fMRI로 뇌 활성을 비교하였다. 전대상회(ACC)와 섬엽(insula)의 과활성이 감소하고 IBS-SSS가 동반 개선되었다.

핵심 결론

한약은 뇌-장 축의 중추 수준에서 IBS를 조절한다.

무작위 대조시험Supportive Care in Cancer · 2024

항암치료 후 소화기 부작용에 대한 한약의 무작위 대조 시험

Han SJ, Kim DH, Lee JA, et al.

55%구역↓42%식욕↑60명참여자 수
무작위 대조시험

항암치료 후 소화기 부작용에 대한 한약의 무작위 대조 시험

Han SJ, Kim DH, Lee JA, et al.Supportive Care in Cancer(2024)
55%구역↓
42%식욕↑
60명참여자 수

연구 요약

항암치료 중 소화기 부작용(구역, 식욕부진, 설사) 환자 60명을 한약(육군자탕)군과 위약군으로 6주간 비교하였다. 한약군에서 구역(-55%), 식욕(-42% 개선)이 유의미하게 호전되었다.

핵심 결론

육군자탕은 항암치료 소화기 부작용의 효과적 관리에 유용하다.

Research Papers

RESEARCH

모든 논문 보기 →
코호트 연구Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology · 2024

GERD에 대한 한약과 생활습관 교정 병행의 코호트 연구

Han CH, Seo JY, Moon KW, et al.

25%재발률130명참여자 수PPI 중단 후장기 효과
코호트 연구

GERD에 대한 한약과 생활습관 교정 병행의 코호트 연구

Han CH, Seo JY, Moon KW, et al.Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology(2024)
25%재발률
130명참여자 수
PPI 중단 후장기 효과

연구 요약

GERD 환자 130명을 한약+생활습관교정군과 PPI 단독군으로 24주간 추적하였다. 한의학적 접근군에서 PPI 중단 후 재발률이 25%로 PPI군 55%보다 유의미하게 낮았다.

핵심 결론

한약과 생활습관 교정의 병행은 GERD의 장기 재발 방지에 PPI보다 효과적이다.

전후비교 연구Brain Imaging and Behavior · 2024

IBS 환자의 뇌-장 축에 대한 한약의 fMRI 연구: 전후 비교

Kwon CY, Song JH, Lee DH, et al.

ACC 활성↓중추 조절30명참여자 수fMRI뇌영상 확인
전후비교 연구

IBS 환자의 뇌-장 축에 대한 한약의 fMRI 연구: 전후 비교

Kwon CY, Song JH, Lee DH, et al.Brain Imaging and Behavior(2024)
ACC 활성↓중추 조절
30명참여자 수
fMRI뇌영상 확인

연구 요약

IBS 환자 30명에게 한약(통사요방)을 8주간 투여하고 fMRI로 뇌 활성을 비교하였다. 전대상회(ACC)와 섬엽(insula)의 과활성이 감소하고 IBS-SSS가 동반 개선되었다.

핵심 결론

한약은 뇌-장 축의 중추 수준에서 IBS를 조절한다.

무작위 대조시험Supportive Care in Cancer · 2024

항암치료 후 소화기 부작용에 대한 한약의 무작위 대조 시험

Han SJ, Kim DH, Lee JA, et al.

55%구역↓42%식욕↑60명참여자 수
무작위 대조시험

항암치료 후 소화기 부작용에 대한 한약의 무작위 대조 시험

Han SJ, Kim DH, Lee JA, et al.Supportive Care in Cancer(2024)
55%구역↓
42%식욕↑
60명참여자 수

연구 요약

항암치료 중 소화기 부작용(구역, 식욕부진, 설사) 환자 60명을 한약(육군자탕)군과 위약군으로 6주간 비교하였다. 한약군에서 구역(-55%), 식욕(-42% 개선)이 유의미하게 호전되었다.

핵심 결론

육군자탕은 항암치료 소화기 부작용의 효과적 관리에 유용하다.