Question 1

Can IBS be treated?

Accepted Answer

Yes, constitution-matched herbs and acupuncture normalize bowel function.

Question 2

Is IBS related to stress?

Accepted Answer

Yes, IBS is closely tied to brain-gut axis dysfunction. Korean medicine stabilizes both gut function and the autonomic nervous system to prevent stress-related flare-ups.

Question 3

Can both diarrhea-type and constipation-type IBS be treated?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Korean medicine applies different prescriptions for diarrhea-type (spleen-deficiency dampness), constipation-type (qi stagnation), and alternating type. Treatment is based on accurate pattern differentiation.

Question 4

How long does IBS treatment take?

Accepted Answer

Usually clear improvement in 1–3 months; 3–6 months recommended for constitutional improvement and recurrence prevention.

Question 5

Are there good foods for IBS?

Accepted Answer

Low-FODMAP diet helps; varies by constitution. Reduce cold foods, dairy, flour; warm porridge or easily digestible foods are recommended. Personalized guidance at consultation.

Question 6

My stomach hurts when nervous — is this IBS?

Accepted Answer

If abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation recur during stress/tension, IBS is likely. The cause is brain-gut axis dysfunction; Korean medicine stabilizes autonomic and gut function together.

Question 7

Does IBS herbal medicine affect gut microbiome?

Accepted Answer

Yes — research confirms certain herbal components promote beneficial bacteria growth and improve gut environment. Restoring microbiome balance is a key mechanism of symptom improvement.

Question 8

Endoscopy is clean, but why does it hurt?

Accepted Answer

Endoscopy sees mucosal inflammation and ulcers, but cannot see gastric motility issues or 'damjeok'. Functional decline may be the cause.

Question 9

Is Korean medicine effective for functional dyspepsia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Korean medicine is highly effective for functional dyspepsia.

Question 10

How long does treatment for functional dyspepsia take?

Accepted Answer

Usually clear improvement after 1–3 months; for constitutional improvement, 3–6 months recommended. Combined with dietary correction is effective for preventing recurrence.

Question 11

Persistent post-meal bloating — is it functional dyspepsia?

Accepted Answer

If endoscopy is normal but post-meal bloating, early satiety, upper abdominal discomfort persist for 3+ months, it's diagnosed as functional dyspepsia. A typical condition where Korean medicine works well.

Question 12

Western drugs aren't working for functional dyspepsia — do herbs help?

Accepted Answer

Functional dyspepsia is caused by impaired motility and visceral hypersensitivity, so herbs that fundamentally improve these are often more effective than Western medication. Constitution-matched prescription is key.

Question 13

I have indigestion with anxiety/depression — can both be treated together?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Korean medicine treats digestion and mental health together as 'liver-spleen disharmony' (肝脾不和). We use prescriptions that improve digestion and stabilize mind simultaneously.

Question 14

Are there good eating habits for functional dyspepsia?

Accepted Answer

Eat small portions, chew slowly, regular meal times, reduce cold/flour/oily foods. Personalized dietary guidance is provided at consultation.

Question 15

Won't symptoms recur after treatment?

Accepted Answer

When digestive function recovers and dietary habits improve, recurrence rate drops significantly. Continued management after treatment is important.

Question 16

How long does digestive treatment usually take?

Accepted Answer

Acute indigestion: 1–2 weeks; chronic digestive disorders: 2–3 months. With constitutional improvement, 3–6 months of consistent treatment is effective for preventing recurrence.

Question 17

Is telemedicine available?

Accepted Answer

Yes — herbal medicine prescription is possible after a phone consultation, with herbs delivered by courier. Initial visit recommended in person; follow-ups can be telemedicine.

Question 18

Can I never eat flour foods again?

Accepted Answer

Avoid during treatment; once stomach function recovers, occasional intake is fine.

Question 19

What is Damjeok disease?

Accepted Answer

A condition where impaired digestive function causes food waste to accumulate on the stomach wall. A major cause of chronic indigestion, bloating, abdominal pain.

Question 20

How is Damjeok treated?

Accepted Answer

Damjeok is treated by herbs that decompose and discharge accumulations, and acupuncture/moxibustion to restore gastric motility. Combined with diet adjustment, clear improvement is expected within 2–3 months.

Question 21

Is Damjeok diagnosable in Western medicine?

Accepted Answer

Damjeok is a unique Korean medicine concept; Western tests (endoscopy, CT etc.) often show no findings. Diagnosis is by abdominal palpation and pulse, often answering patients with no test findings but persistent symptoms.

Question 22

What are the main symptoms of Damjeok?

Accepted Answer

Chronic bloating, post-meal fullness, heartburn, frequent burping, hard abdomen, fatigue. Severe cases include headache, dizziness, skin troubles.

Question 23

How long does Damjeok treatment take?

Accepted Answer

Mild: 1–2 months; chronic damjeok: 3–6 months recommended. Herbs decompose and discharge while acupuncture/moxibustion restore gastric function.

Question 24

Why are flour foods bad for Damjeok?

Accepted Answer

Gluten in flour burdens gastric mucosa and promotes Damjeok formation. During treatment, reducing flour, oily, and instant foods aids recovery significantly.

Question 25

Does cupping help with indigestion?

Accepted Answer

Yes, abdominal and back cupping improves circulation around the stomach and releases abdominal tension, helping digestion recovery.

Question 26

Is moxibustion effective for digestive disorders?

Accepted Answer

Yes, moxibustion supplements yang energy and warms the stomach, activating digestion. Particularly effective for spleen-stomach cold-deficiency types who get abdominal pain or diarrhea after cold foods.

Question 27

Is physical therapy combined for digestive treatment?

Accepted Answer

As needed, heat and infrared therapy are combined. Abdominal heat therapy promotes gastric motility and relieves pain as supportive care.

Question 28

Is Korean medicine for digestion covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture, cupping, chuna are covered. For functional dyspepsia, certain herbal prescriptions are also insurance-covered, reducing burden. Other herbs are non-covered but may be claimable through supplemental insurance.

Question 29

Roughly how much does treatment cost?

Accepted Answer

Insurance-covered procedures (acupuncture, cupping etc.) have low patient share. Herbal medicine cost varies by prescription and duration; exact costs explained after consultation.

Question 30

Can I pay by card or installment?

Accepted Answer

Yes — credit card, debit card, cash all accepted with interest-free installments available.

Question 31

Can GERD be treated with Korean medicine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, herbal medicine and acupuncture help regulate stomach acid and restore esophageal mucosa.

Question 32

How does GERD herbal medicine differ from PPI?

Accepted Answer

PPIs suppress acid secretion to relieve symptoms quickly, but recurrence is common after stopping. Herbs fundamentally improve gastric motility and lower esophageal sphincter function to lower recurrence rate.

Question 33

How long does GERD treatment take?

Accepted Answer

Mild: 1–2 months; chronic/recurrent: 3–6 months recommended. Combined with lifestyle adjustment for greater effect.

Question 34

What lifestyle habits help GERD?

Accepted Answer

Don't lie down right after meals; fast 3 hours before bed; reduce oily/spicy food; sleep with upper body slightly elevated. Reducing caffeine and alcohol is recommended.

Question 35

Why does GERD recur?

Accepted Answer

PPIs suppress acid only and don't restore lower esophageal sphincter function. Korean medicine restores sphincter function and motility fundamentally to lower recurrence.

Question 36

Is throat foreign-body sensation also GERD?

Accepted Answer

Yes, called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Acid passes the esophagus to the throat causing foreign-body sensation, chronic cough, hoarseness. Improves with Korean medicine restoring gastric function.

Question 37

Relationship between GERD and stress?

Accepted Answer

Stress increases acid secretion and weakens the esophageal sphincter, worsening reflux. Korean medicine combines digestive treatment with autonomic stabilization to prevent stress-related flare-ups.

Question 38

Why is Chuna therapy needed for digestion?

Accepted Answer

The thoracic and lumbar spine are directly connected to the autonomic nerves controlling the stomach. Chuna alignment normalizes gastric autonomic function and helps digestion.

Question 39

Is Chuna effective for stress-related indigestion?

Accepted Answer

Yes — stress-induced cervical/thoracic tension hyperactivates the sympathetic nervous system and impairs digestion. Chuna releases muscle tension, restoring autonomic balance and improving digestion.

Question 40

Is Chuna therapy covered by health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when accompanied by musculoskeletal symptoms, Chuna is covered.

Question 41

Is acupuncture effective for digestive disorders?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 42

How is pharmacopuncture used for digestive disorders?

Accepted Answer

Herbal compounds are injected directly into digestion-related acupoints to ease gastric inflammation and improve motility. Particularly fast effects when combined with acupuncture in chronic gastritis or GERD.

Question 43

How often should I receive digestive acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

In acute phase 2–3 times/week; chronic digestive conditions 1–2 times/week. Combined with herbs, intervals can be widened gradually.

Question 44

Can GERD be treated with Korean medicine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, GERD is a strength of Korean medicine. Unlike Western medicine that only suppresses acid, it improves gastric motility to fundamentally prevent reflux.

Question 45

Do digestive herbs need to be taken long-term?

Accepted Answer

Most patients see clear improvement after 4–8 weeks of herbal medicine. Maintenance treatment or dietary guidance follows. Chronic conditions may need over 3 months; prescription is adjusted by progress.

Question 46

Can I take digestive herbs with stomach medication?

Accepted Answer

Most can be combined. We recommend a 30-minute to 1-hour gap from antacids or PPIs. Tell us about current medications for safe prescription.

Question 47

Should digestive herbs be taken before or after meals?

Accepted Answer

Generally 30 min – 1 hour before meals. Those with sensitive stomachs can take it after meals; we guide the optimal timing at prescription.

Question 48

Can children take digestive herbs?

Accepted Answer

Yes — pediatric prescriptions for child indigestion, poor appetite, frequent abdominal pain, with dosage adjusted for age and weight. Mild herbs are blended for child-friendly intake.

Question 49

Will digestive herbs make me gain weight?

Accepted Answer

Digestive herbs normalize gastric function and don't cause weight gain. Often improved digestion brings weight to a healthy range.

Question 50

What are typical herbal formulas for digestive disorders?

Accepted Answer

Depending on constitution and symptoms, classic options include Banhasasim-tang (heartburn/nausea), Hyangsapyeongwi-san (bloating/food stagnation), Bojungikgi-tang (poor appetite/chronic fatigue). Personalized prescription after pulse diagnosis.

Digestive Disorders

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